September 24, 1936 ~ February 15, 2026

Lowell D. Richards, Brandon, SD, died peacefully on February 15, 2026, at Bethany Meadows in Brandon, surrounded by his loving family and listening to his favorite 50’s and 60’s music.

Visitation with family begins at Noon on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home. Memorial Services will begin at 1 PM and will be followed by Full Military Honors. Inurnment will take place in De Smet, SD, at a later date.

In honor of Lowell’s support for public education, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to: DeSmet Education Foundation, 43226 202nd St., DeSmet, SD, 57231.

Lowell Dean Richards was born on September 24, 1936, in DeSmet, SD, to Clifford and Ann (Jacob) Richards during a dust storm. He was the first of three sons born to his parents. During WW2, the family moved to Bremerton, WA, where Clifford worked at the Naval Shipyards. They returned to DeSmet in 1946. Lowell graduated from DeSmet High School in 1954. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1955. Following the completion of boot camp and Marine Corps Sea School, he was assigned to the Marine detachment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton CVS-37. The carrier cruised to the far east, Japan, Hawaii, and the Philippines. Lowell really enjoyed visiting these places. He also did a Mediterranean tour and participated in a U.S. peacekeeping mission in Beirut, Lebanon.

Following Lowell’s honorable discharge from the USMC, he attended South Dakota State College and graduated in 1962 with a BA in Political Science. On January 8, 1961, he married Judith (Olson). They have two sons, Michael (1962) and Mark (1964).

Lowell received a National Defense Graduate Fellowship in Comparative Politics in 1962, attending Vanderbilt University and earning a master’s degree in 1964. He then worked for the Tennessee State Planning Commission, implementing two federal programs.

In 1968, Lowell earned a second master’s degree from Kansas State University in Regional and Community Planning. The family returned to Tennessee, where he worked for the Governor’s Office of Urban Federal Affairs as Chief Planner. In this position, he assisted and helped organize five new multi-county districts.

The South Dakota Governor’s Office recruited Lowell in 1971 to establish South Dakota’s first multi-county planning and development district, the First District Association of Local Governments, in Watertown. Lowell served as the First District’s director for 8 years. The First District Association is still in operation today.

Governor Bill Janklow appointed Lowell to the South Dakota Division of Railroads in 1979, which began a state program to purchase 1000 miles of abandoned rail lines in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Iowa. Lowell received the ‘Golden Spike Award’ from Governor Janklow at the 1981 dedication of South Dakota’s ‘State Core Rail System’.

Lowell was then assigned to oversee contracts between the state and federal government for mass transit, highways, railroads, and aeronautics projects. He retired in 1998, and he and Judy moved to Brandon, SD in 2002 to be closer to family.

During retirement, Lowell attended many USS Princeton reunions as well as serving as co-chair for the 2004 and 2005 DeSmet National Guard reunions. Lowell served several terms on the Lake Poinsett Area Development Association, working to get a sewer system around the lake.

Lowell loved to dance. He could waltz, polka, schottische, and jitterbug. Acting was also a favorite pastime, and Lowell acted in five musicals with the Pierre Players.

Through every chapter of life, the family cabin at Lake Poinsett remained a constant for Lowell. He was an avid fisherman and spent many days with his family at the lake, watching his children and grandchildren grow up and enjoy the lake.

When not at the lake, Lowell and Judy enjoyed taking trips throughout the U.S., visiting family and friends as well as admiring nature and birdwatching.

Lowell is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judy; his son, Michael and wife Jennifer; his son, Mark and wife Teri; five grandchildren, Domonic, Jackson, Gabriel, Thea, and Olivia; two great-granddaughters, Lillian and Ellie; his brother, Lyle and wife Marcia; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Ann; and brother, Larry.

August 9, 1981 ~ February 12, 2026

Kyle H. Teunissen, 44, Brandon, SD, died on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Celebration UMC, Brandon. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m.

Kyle Henry Teunissen was born on August 9, 1981, in Sioux Center, IA, to Harvey and Beverly (Robyn) Teunissen. He attended Sioux Center Christian School and Sioux Center High School. While he was attending school, he loved to help his parents at T&T Family Pet Center. After high school, he worked a few different jobs, including working alongside his dad at Double H Manufacturing. Kyle then found his passion for cooking while working at Doc’s. He gained his Kitchen Manager experience at the Hatchery in Orange City, IA. He then moved to Sioux Falls, SD, and worked at Wiley’s.

When 212 The Boiling Point exchanged hands, Kyle followed his friend and became “the face, the personality, the support system, the maintenance man… he wasn’t just a great chef, he was a culinary genius. He loved to feed everyone around him. His unique style and mixing random ingredients won many cooking awards.” (Kyle James).

Kyle had an extreme love for all types of music. He was known for his unconventional style and his heart of gold. You could usually find him skateboarding, tinkering and modifying bikes, watching horror movies, and dressing up either in suits or costumes. 

Kyle was known for his heart of gold and being the politest person you will ever meet. No matter what you were doing, he made sure you were having fun. He really came out of his shell when he fronted the band “Mod Psyx” and later joined “Fatal Imbalance”. He is infamous for his solid black tattoos that displayed his personality and the things that he liked, without rhyme or reason to anyone else…

There will never be another human as iconic as our ‘KyleStyle’.

Kyle is survived by his parents, Harvey (Lori) Teunissen and Beverly Teunissen; siblings, Melanie (Chuck) Dumas, Timothy (Michaela) Teunissen, and Toni (Quentin Struble) Dumas; maternal grandparents, Arthur and Mary Robyn; many aunts and uncles; and many nieces and nephews that he adored.

Kyle was preceded in death by his infant sisters, Kelli Mae and Kalinda Jean Teunissen; paternal grandparents, Anthony and Hilda Teunissen; several aunts and uncles; and many friends.

November 6, 1950 ~ February 5, 2026

Ronald H. Krahn, 75, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully at his home on February 5, 2026.

Ronald Henry Krahn was born on November 6, 1950, in Rivers, Manitoba, Canada, to Henry and Ann Krahn. Ron grew up in Manitoba and attended high school in Winnipeg. In the fall of 1971, he joined God’s Volunteers, an evangelical singing group that toured the United States and Canada. During this time, he met the love of his life, Marilyn. Their shared faith and love of music brought them together, and they were married on July 21, 1973, in Aplington, Iowa. After their marriage, Ron and Marilyn welcomed two children, Deanna and Jeremy.

In July of 1973, Ron began his career with the Winnipeg Police Department, where he served his community for nearly 25 years. After retiring in July of 1998, Ron and Marilyn moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There, Ron drove a semitruck for Cross Country Courier and then for Sanford Mobile MRI until the Spring of 2016.

Ron was a man who loved Jesus deeply and cherished his family. He enjoyed camping, watching baseball, playing card games, biking, and lifting both his trumpet and his voice in worship. Above all, he treasured time spent in God’s Word.

Ron often quoted Psalm 115:3. “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” Our Lord’s sovereignty was truly a comfort to him. Ron’s life was marked by his love for Jesus, his devotion to family, and his steady acts of service. His family is grateful for the prayers, support, and visits offered during his final year on this side of eternity, and he will be missed greatly.

Ron is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marilyn (nee Lindaman); daughter, Deanna (Dan) Sarkar; son, Jeremy (Lana) Krahn; grandchildren, Johann and Savannah; brother, Tom (Mabel) Krahn; sister, Laura (Lorn) Bergstresser; and many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ann Krahn; grandson, Berend Jeremy Krahn; and brother-in-law, Charles Ray Lindaman. 

Visitation with family will be 5~7PM, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at First Evangelical Free Church. (2601 W 69^th St., Sioux Falls) Funeral Services will begin at 10AM, Friday, February 13, 2026, also at First Evangelical Free Church. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Flowers can be delivered directly to the church.

March 2, 1959 ~ January 27, 2026

Ronny “Ron” L. Gillespie, 66, Sioux Falls, SD, was called home by God on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately afterwards at 808 W. Holly Boulevard, Brandon (Risty Farm).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to a GoFundMe in Ron’s name by clicking HERE.

Ronny “Ron” Lou Gillespie was born on March 2, 1959, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Roger and Verda (Powers) Gillespie. He graduated from Brandon Valley High School in Brandon, SD and shortly thereafter joined the US Marine Corps.

Shortly after Ron’s father’s death in 1985, Ron purchased the home in Rowena, SD that his father and mother had been renting. Ron then looked after his ill mother until her death a decade later. Sadly, his mother’s death, living alone, and hard economic times, ushered in a brief era of depression and alcoholism for Ron. This, in conjunction with his diabetes, took a toll on Ron’s body, including loss of limb, neuropathy, vision and hearing impairments, none of which stopped him. Despite his health setback almost two decades ago, unlike his father, Ron conquered his alcoholism and depression and remained alcohol and drug free for the last 16-17 years of his life! Despite ever worsening disabilities, Ron never gave up or went without at least working part-time. He fiercely cherished his independence.

Ron, a disabled veteran, was a dedicated blue-collar man, who served in various janitorial, custodial and maintenance capacities for several local businesses.

Ron loved the great outdoors, especially fishing, boating, and motorcycling. Ron was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back and his last dollar.

Ron resided in Sioux Falls area his entire life and he enjoyed a group of fellow apartment residents, which he warmly called his friends.

Ron relinquished his physical life on January 27, 2026. His physical death occurred while in the ICU at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Since just before Christmas, Ron had been suffering from chronic infection and acute delirium. He was a believer in Jesus Christ, and is now free of pain, suffering, and sorrow, and is face to face with God.

Ron is survived by his siblings, Irene (Jerry) Pease, Astoria, SD, David Gillespie, Brant Lake, SD, Linda (Kenny) Larson, Surprise, AZ, and Deb (Dan) Risty, Brandon, SD; and a plethora of cousins, nieces, and nephews whom all loved him.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Roger Lee Gillespie and Verda Irene Gillespie.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.’ ~ Matthew 5:4

“Death is not the end, but the beginning of everlasting life.”

‘Absent from the body, present with the Lord.’ ~ 2 Corinthians 5:8

Ron will be missed. In his honor, we ask all to walk by faith, not by sight. Ron, we will see you later.

March 20, 1944 ~ February 1, 2026

Rheta M. Kopecky, age 81, Sioux Falls, SD, died peacefully in her sleep at home, on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD. Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Sioux Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Feeding South Dakota. You may make a donation on their website by clicking HERE.

Rheta Marie Aesoph was born in Orient, SD, on March 20, 1944, to Henry and Helen (Sweetland) Aesoph. She and her family moved to Milbank, SD and she remained there until she was an adult. From there, Rheta found her way to Gretna, NE. In Gretna, she gave birth to her first son, Tony, and also met Norm Kopecky. Rheta and Norm married, and the family of three moved to Germany. In Germany, Rheta and Norm worked for the Department of Defense. Rheta also taught physical fitness to grade school children. After five years in Germany, the family moved back to Milbank.

Upon her return to the states, Rheta took a job at KMSD radio and then KSFY TV in Sioux Falls. She became well known as the TV news anchor, Jerry Brooke, on the noon news program. After many years as a TV personality, she started selling aviaries as the Community Aviary and later opened and grew Living Design, Inc. The company grew adding branch offices in Colorado, Illinois, and Ohio. Aviaries were placed as far as New Mexico, Texas, and Montana in the west and New York and Washington D.C. in the east. In total, over 3,000 aviaries were placed. The ability to hire enough technicians did not keep up with growth and the Ohio office was closed. A few long-term techs remained in SD and CO, but they didn’t provide enough revenue to support the business. After 30 years, Living Design officially closed 2023.

Rheta had fostered her creativity and a sense of adventure from a young age. She was a collector of many things, but most importantly, she collected souls. She faced retirement by buying the house on Brant Lake she had always wanted. In addition to the plants in the greenhouse, and the wildlife in the backyard, life was good for Rheta.

Rheta is survived by her husband, Norman; her sons, Tony and Chris; and her grandchildren, Kiah Berg-Kopecky, Athena Kopecky and Christopher Kopecky, Jr.

Rheta was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Helen; and her brothers, Gary and Dale.

March 11, 1966 ~ January 29, 2026

Joseph M. Lingor, 59, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away from natural causes on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD, with a short prayer service beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Joseph Michael Lingor was born on March 11, 1966, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Robert and Mary (Fear) Lingor. He married the love of his life, Vicki (Thill) Lingor, in 1996. They had one child, a son, Alex.

Joseph loved the Denver Broncos, the Chicago Bulls, fishing, Nascar, and his dogs Max and Milo. He worked at Dakota Auto Parts for 40 years, along with delivering pizzas part-time for Godfather’s for a couple of years.

Joseph is survived by his son, Alexander; brother, Patrick (Carla); and brother-in-law, Randy.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Vicki; his parents, Robert and Mary; and his sisters, Paula and Judy.

July 14, 1971 ~ January 17, 2026

Tammy L. Johnson, 54, Sioux Falls, SD, died on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Sioux Falls.

Tammy Lee Andersen was born on July 14, 1971, in Sioux City, IA, to Richard Andersen and Patricia Burke.

Tammy was known for her big heart and her open door. Being a caregiver wasn’t just something she did; it was who she was. Throughout her life, Tammy devoted herself to caring for children, where countless lives were nurtured by her patience, kindness, and gentle spirit. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and love.

Tammy found joy in the simple things – thrifting at Goodwill, watching her favorite TV shows like Maury, The Masked Singer, and Family Feud, and spending time surrounded by her family and friends. Above all else, Tammy’s greatest joy was her grandchildren. Her love for them was endless, unconditional, and proudly spoken about any chance she got.

Those who knew Tammy speak of her kindness, her warmth, and the way she made people feel. Her love lives on in the many lives she touched and in the family she cherished so deeply.

Those left to honor Tammy’s memory include her children, Ashley (Carl) Andersen;, Austin (Kerly) Johnson, and Aisha Andersen; her eight beloved grandchildren, Zavaiya A., Jasiah A_J., J’Kahri A., Zowie A., Jeremiah J., Jazmayiah J., Jalayiah J., and Jamailiah J.; her parents, Patricia Burke and Richard Andersen; and her siblings, Todd Andersen and Thomas Andersen.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown during this time.

April 1, 1936 ~ January 29, 2026

Donald “Don” E. Johnson, 89, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully at the Dougherty House in Sioux Falls on January 29, 2026, after powering through ongoing health battles.

Services will be held at a later date.

Donald “Don” Edward Johnson was born on April 1, 1936, in Jasper, MN, to Lester and Hildur (Kellgren) Johnson. Born alongside his twin sister, Doris, Don grew up on the family farm in Eden Township—a place that shaped his strong work ethic and love of the land. He remained on the family farm for 50 years of his life, deeply rooted in the community and the rhythms of farm life.

Don proudly served his country as a member of the National Guard from 1958 to 1964. A man never afraid of hard work, he farmed for most of his life and later worked at local grain elevators. He also drove gravel truck for Double D Gravel and eventually retired after working for Evans Manure Hauling where he drove what he referred to as a “turd hearse”.

On January 5, 1985, Don married Lorraine Hanisch in Flandreau, SD. They welcomed their daughter, Danielle, in July of 1986. Though their marriage ended a few years later, Don and Lorraine remained close friends. During that time, Don lived in Ihlen, Minnesota, just six miles from the family farm that always remained close to his heart.

After retiring, Don moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where he made his home at Western Heights. There, he enjoyed a well-earned slower pace of life, while remaining connected to family and making new friends. He became a grandpa when Oliver was born in July 2015 and this became his favorite role. He loved WWE Wrestling, a good western, old country, ice cold sodas, chili dogs, and taco salads.

Don will be remembered for his steady presence, dedication to hard work, and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life. He never met a stranger and will be remembered for saying “Hey big guy!” and “Catch ya down the trail!”. He stayed positive through all his struggles and health scares and was optimistic until the very end.

Don is survived by his daughter, Danielle (Cory Haken) Meier; his grandson, Oliver Meier; his brother, Bob Johnson and his children; his niece, Kristi (Bryon) Franken; his nephew, Brian (Joyce) Laackmann and their children.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Hildur Johnson; his brother, Lester Johnson; his twin sister, Doris Laackmann; brother-in-law, Marvin Laackmann; great-niece, Serena Franken; ex-wife and friend, Lorraine Johnson; his special friend, Norma Najt; and his best fur friend, Freckles.

July 2, 1936 ~ January 19, 2026

Robert “Bob” L. Shuck, 89, Brandon, SD, died Monday, January 19, 2026, at Palisade Healthcare in Garretson, SD.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon with a Memorial Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Robert “Bob” Lynn Shuck was born on July 2, 1936, in Volga, SD, to Orville and Bess (Mershon) Shuck. He was baptized on March 20, 1948, at the Methodist Parsonage. Bob graduated from Arlington High School in 1954. He graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Bob married Marilyn Erickson at First United Methodist Church in Brookings, SD on August 16, 1958. He also enlisted in the Army in Sioux Falls in August 1958. He served in the Army until he was discharged in Fort Totten, NY in August 1961.

Bob was a teacher for the Sioux Falls School District from August 1963 until he retired in May 1999. He spent most of his adult life as a part-time beekeeper, which was a perfect summer job for a teacher. He was a beekeeper beginning in his mid-30’s until he was in his 70’s.

Bob was a Mason, a member of the South Dakota Teachers Retirement Board, and a member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter 289. He also held a private pilot’s license. Bob’s claim to fame was building a T18, two-seat plane that was featured on the cover of EAA Sports Aviation Magazine. Unfortunately, due to migraines, he was unable to finish the build or pilot the plane. He was able to ride in it.

Bob is survived by his wife, Marilyn; sons, Brad (Cindy) Shuck, Sioux Falls, and Wade (Danyel Juillard) Shuck, Brandon; grandson, Alex (Megan) Shuck, Sioux Falls; granddaughter, Ona (Sean) Wellons, Bloomington, MN; and great-granddaughters, Kenna and Knox.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Bess; and a brother, Richard.

October 9, 1939 ~ January 14, 2026

Wilbert “Willlie” C. Honken Jr., 86, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on January 14, 2026, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

An immediate family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Make-A-Wish in Williw’s memory.

Wilbert “Willie” Cornie Honken Jr. was born on October 9, 1939, in Edna, IA, to Wilbert and Elizabeth (Vierhout) Honken. He married Gladys Swier on August 28, 1965, and they celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary in 2025.

Willie was in the trucking industry for most of his life. He spent 26 years as a dispatcher with Vaughn Trucking. After retiring, Willie and Gladys enjoyed one winter in Arizona and six years in Texas.

Willie is survived by his wife, Gladys; daughters, Tammy, Teresa, and Traci; 10 grandchildren;  5 great-grandchildren; sister, Alvina (Darrell) Borchers; daughters-in-law, Karen Pearson and Lori Honken; sisters-in-law, Elaine Swier and Marilyn Honken; and niece, Vonnie Baumberger.

Willie was preceded in death by his four sons, Mark, Brad, Brian, and Chad; daughter, Toni; parents, Wilbert and Elizabeth; and brother, Everon.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Dougherty Hospice House for their kindness, care, and support during Willie’s final days.