July 16, 1934 ~ March 5, 2026

Myrtice A. Jellis, 91, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at Alcester Care and Rehab Center in Alcester, SD.

A Committal service and burial will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

Myrtice Ann McAlpin was born on July 16, 1934, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Odie and Ruth (Donaldson) McAlpin.

Myrtice married Burnell Jellis in 1961, and they shared 31 years of marriage together.

Myrtice spent her life in the community where she was born and raised. She worked as a waitress for many years, a job she truly enjoyed and took pride in throughout much of her life.

Myrtice is survived by her three daughters, Vicky (Tim) Wieker, Anne (Gary) DeReu, and Debbie (Frank) Waugh; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Myrtice was preceded in death by her husband, Burnell; her parents, Odie and Ruth; and her brother, Russell.

Her memory will remain with those who knew her. 💐

November 15, 1933 ~ February 27, 2026

Marilyn M. Shuck, 92, Brandon, SD, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation with family present will be on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 5~7pm, at Heartland Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will begin at 7pm. Inurnment will take place at a later time at the SD State Veterans’ Cemetery.

Marilyn M. Erickson was born on November 15, 1933, to Gordon and Evelyn (Narum) Erickson in Brookings, SD. Marilyn brought warmth and joy to those around her from the very beginning. She attended Brookings High School, where her spirited personality shone brightly. As a member of the tumbling and cheerleading team, Marilyn’s energy and enthusiasm were contagious. Petite in stature, she was affectionately nicknamed “Minnie Mouse,” a name that reflected not only her size but also her sweet and lively nature.

On August 15, 1958, Marilyn married the love of her life, Robert Shuck, at 1^st United Methodist Church in Brookings. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion, laughter, and family. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, whom they raised with unwavering love, guidance, and strong values.

Marilyn dedicated much of her life to serving others. She worked as a homemaker, bookkeeper, educational assistant, and lunch lady, roles that allowed her to touch countless lives in both big and small ways. Whether balancing the books, helping students in the classroom, or serving meals with a smile, she approached every task with care, diligence, and kindness. Marilyn was also an active member of Celebration United Methodist Church in Brandon.

Marilyn and Robert also cherished time spent with friends, especially enjoying traveling and evenings of line dancing. Those gatherings were filled with music, laughter, and the simple joy of being together — memories that will be treasured by all who shared them.

Marilyn will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to family, and her quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Marilyn is survived by her 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; and one brother, Roland (Betsy) Erickson, Ventura, CA.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; and her parents, Gordon and Evelyn (Narum) Erickson.

May 18, 1964 ~ February 6, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Cimeron G. Erickson, 61, Valley Springs, SD, on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Cimeron Grant Erickson was born on May 18, 1964, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Ronald & Toni (Ring) Gibson.

Cimeron was a commercial truck driver for over 35 years and was a valued employee of Blachowski Truck Line in Brandon since 2008. He enjoyed reading, watching John Wayne movies, camping and fishing, restoring his Scout, riding his Gold Wing, teaching his great-niece to fish, and spending time with friends and family.

Grateful for having shared Cimeron’s life are his love and best friend to the end, Jules Wetering; his mother, Toni Erickson; his sister, Kimberly Erickson, Trent, SD; his brother, Cameron (Cathy) Erickson, York, SC; his uncle, Brett Ring, Twin Brooks, SD; his niece, Chandler (Cody) Johansen; and great nieces, Callie and Charlotte Johansen, Garretson, SD.

Cimeron was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Gibson; and his stepfather, Gary Erickson.

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.