March 2, 1969 ~ March 13, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brent Deckert on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Sanford USD Medical Center, in Sioux Falls.

Visitation for Mr. Deckert will be 10am to Noon, on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 2pm, Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the Brandon Valley High School Gym, with viewing beginning at 1pm. A link to watch live… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQRQfMVP_CU. A private burial will happen at a later time. Staff and former players are asked to wear Lynx gear and will have reserved seating. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to donate to the Brent Deckert Memorial. A go-fund-me https://gofund.me/a645cea6 has been established for the Brent Deckert Scholarship for basketball players.

Brent Deckert was born March 2, 1969 in Wadena, MN. He grew up in Henning, MN with his sister Stacy and his brother Brian.  His parents, Herman and Arlene Deckert, owned a grocery store for 36 years. As a way to avoid working in the store, Brent would sneak off to the gym to shoot hoops with his buddies. He always knew he wanted to be a basketball coach when he grew up. He went on to graduate from Henning High School in 1987 and then Moorhead State University in 1992 with a degree in education along with a coaching minor. 

Brent began teaching in Sioux Falls in 1993 and his first stints as a coach were at Sioux Falls Washington and then Augustana College before ending up at Brandon Valley in 2000.  His love for coaching the Lynx was evident to anyone who chatted with him. His passion for the game was year-round, there was never an off-season, and the gym was always open. Springs and summers included camps, workouts, tournaments, team trips, and piles and piles of Lynx t-shirts. It was rare to see Brent wearing something that didn’t say Lynx Basketball.

Brent and Jill met at a summer basketball camp in Yankton, SD where they coached opposing high school teams. It was competition at first sight. They were married in 1996 and they had 3 children: Caden, Jaksen, and Kennedi. Countless hours were spent in the gym as the kids grew up and they all shared his love of basketball. It was very special for him to coach Caden and Jaksen through their varsity careers and he did his very best to ‘sideline’ coach Kennedi through her final season. Without a doubt, it could be argued the highlight of his coaching career was winning the state championship in 2019. But Brent always said the best part for him as a coach was the time he spent with the kids. He loved the practices, film sessions, and giving away Subway cards for half-court makes. Sure, winning was important (family game night never ended well at the Deckert house) but he was less concerned about the wins and losses and always more focused on the relationship he had with his players. Brent coached the Lynx for 21 years before retiring in 2021, one year after his cancer diagnosis.

Brent passed away on March 13, 2024, eleven days after he officially retired from teaching. If we have to say he lost his battle with cancer after almost 4 years, then we must say it was a triple overtime game with bench-clearing brawls and several technical fouls. He fought until his very last breath, or until the final horn sounded. We are forever inspired by his resilience, his tenacity, and his refusal to give up. We have witnessed first-hand how The Game Honors Toughness.

Our hearts are broken, but we know his spirit and his legacy will live on.

He is preceded in death by his mother Arlene Deckert. Much of his family lives in Fargo including his dad, Herman; and his sister, Stacy, along with her husband, Mat; and their children, Taylor, Jonas, and Kasen. His brother Brian, also lives in Fargo with his children Derek, Davina, Jess, Blaise, and Kurt.

Brent spent countless hours watching game films and discussing basketball with his in-laws, Ron and Gloria Riherd. In many ways, they became parents to him and we are eternally grateful for their love and support. Brent also shared his life with his sister-in-law, Jody Riherd, and her husband, Dennis Corcoran, along with their children, Elliott and Reece, of LaCrosse, WI.

TGHT

June 10, 1955 ~ March 7, 2024

Kelly S. Johnson, 68, Sioux Falls, passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2024, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

Graveside Services will be at 11 AM on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Rosehill Cemetery with Rev, Adam Welton officiating. A lite lunch will be served at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, in Wentworth. Memorials can be sent to the family of Kelly Johnson c/o Crystal Himley, 20463 468th Ave., Bruce, SD. 57220.

Kelly Scott Johnson was born June 10, 1955, in Madison, SD, to Robert and Darlene (Drebing) Johnson. Kelly graduated from Chester High School. He worked in construction, in farming, and as an Owner/Operator of a long-haul tractor-trailer, and traveled all over the United States.

Kelly was a gunsmith and loved making and repairing guns. He was very compassionate about his “politics” and loved to visit on the phone with friends and family. When Kelly made friends, he stayed in touch often.

Kelly is survived by his mother, Darlene Johnson; children, Crystal (John) Himley, April Johnson, and Dylan Johnson; four grandchildren; siblings, Cheryl (Brian) Maher, Jeff Johnson, Jan Johnson, and Kurt (Laura) Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.

Kelly was preceded in death by his father, Robert C Johnson.

May 19, 1946 ~ March 6, 2024

Roger D. Tiede, 77, Sioux Falls, passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, from recent health issues.

Visitation with family will be 2-4 PM, Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home. Memorial Services will begin at 10:30 AM, Monday, March 11, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, followed by Military Honors. Inurnment will be 2:30 PM, Monday at Grace Hill Cemetery in Tripp, SD. A live stream link will be provided for Monday’s Service. Memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church or Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Roger’s memory.

Roger Dennis Tiede was born on May 19, 1946, in Delmont, SD, to Ernest and Emma (Link) Tiede. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Delmont. His family moved to Tripp, SD, where he was confirmed at First American Lutheran Church on Reformation Sunday in 1962. Roger graduated from Tripp High School in 1964. He attended USD Springfield College from 1965-1966 and served in the Army National Guard from 1963-1969. Roger married his high school sweetheart, Jean Vetter on June 5, 1966, at First American Lutheran Church in Tripp. When they were first married, they lived in Tripp where Roger worked for Hattendorf Construction. Roger and Jean were blessed with two children, Michele (Shelley) was born in March 1968 and Brad was born in September 1976.

Later, in 1968, the family moved to Mitchell where Rog started his law enforcement career with the Mitchell Police Department. In 1973, Rog joined the South Dakota Highway Patrol, relocating him, Jean, and Shelley to Arlington, SD. Rog was with the SD Highway Patrol until 1980 when he joined Jean in the daily operations of the Arlington Dairy Mart that they purchased in 1978. While assisting Jean at the Dairy Mart, Rog continued other jobs. In the summer months, he was a hail adjuster for Farmer’s Mutual Insurance and in the winter months, he drove a truck for Dakota Oats, out of Arlington. When Rog and Jean sold Dairy Mart in 1982, Rog transitioned his career to the trucking industry working for Midwest Coast in Sioux Falls as a safety director. Rog commuted from Arlington to Sioux Falls until 1987, when he, Jean, and Brad moved to Renner, SD.

Rog and Jean moved to Lake Brandt in 2008. They enjoyed lake life until moving to Sioux Falls in 2017.  He continued his career moving from Midwest Coast to Farmland, and later retired from Cenex Harvest States in 2013, as Director of Safety Operations. Rog and Jean, and their love for the outdoors, allowed them to have second homes. First, at The Oahe River, North of Pierre, and later in Platte, spending many hours on the water fishing.

Rog and Jean enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, completing their dream of visiting all 50 states. They Wintered in Arizona for seven years, making great use of their ATV. In the last years of retirement, Roger enjoyed playing cards and spending many hours with his buddies at the DAV.

Most of all, Roger enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and doing anything that he could involving the outdoors. Rog’s special passion was his love for music and singing. He sang his whole life; from jr. choir, all-state chorus, Renner Lutheran Church Siouxperiors, Sioux Falls Barber Shop group, El Riad Shrine Chanters, and all the church choirs he attended throughout his life. Roger lived life to the fullest and loved deeply.

Roger will be deeply missed by his wife, Jean, Sioux Falls; daughter, Shelley (Dean) Kommes, Dell Rapids; son, Brad (Amanda) Tiede, Sioux Falls; four grandchildren, Kylie (Brett) Peterson, Viborg, Garrett (Jaime) Kommes, Hartford, Mara Tiede, and Dylan Tiede, both of Sioux Falls; four great-grandchildren, Cara, Emma, Jax, and Lainey; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Karen Tiede, Sioux Falls; sister-in-law, Elaine Bauder, Scotland, SD; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joan and Jim Wermers, Colorado Springs; and four nephews and two nieces.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Emma Tiede; his in-laws, Julius and Elda Vetter; and brother-in-law, Howard Bauder.

SPECIAL NOTE:

Thank you, God, for the privilege of having Rog in our lives. We are also very thankful for the wonderful family and friends you have blessed us with. You are all precious and life is precious. We pray that you also have a close relationship with God, our Father so that someday we will all be together again and spend eternity with Him. Thanks, everyone for your prayers and support during the past few months. It was appreciated very much. God Bless You All.

Jean & Family

July 4, 1938 ~ February 12, 2024

Annette (Gustad) Norberg, 85, formerly of Highlands Ranch, CO, passed away at Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD, on February 12, 2024.

A Memorial Service will be held later this Spring at Dalesburg Baptist Church, rural Beresford.  Please check back for updates on dates and times.

Annette Gustad was born in Vermillion, SD, on July 4, 1938, to Ben and Adena (Anderson) Gustad of Centerville, SD. She lived the farm life for 18 years and graduated from Centerville High School in 1956.

Annette’s career began in banking following graduation, at Northwest Security National Bank in Sioux Falls, for 15 years. She then moved to Denver, CO, in anticipation of her marriage to Carl Norberg, on June 5, 1971. She continued her banking career in management in Denver for another 30 years. She then hung up her banking cap and started as a part-time receptionist for 15 years at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Annette was known for her kind and no-nonsense personality, coupled with a great sense of humor. She was a beloved friend to many.

Annette found faith and community at Dalesburg Baptist Church in SD, and St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highland Ranch. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, traveling with Carl, music, and cheering for the Denver Broncos, Rockies, and Nuggets. Annette had a special place in her heart for her Miniature Schnauzers. Life in the “Mile High City” agreed with Annette, and she considered Colorado “home.”

Annette is survived by her sister, Karen (Jerry) Swangel; niece, Lana Shogren; and brother-in-law, Bob Poindexter.

Annette was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Norberg; her parents; sister, Jane Poindexter; and her niece, Shelli Washel.

February 2, 1992 ~ February 26, 2024

Zachary “Zach” Anderson, 32, Brandon, died unexpectedly, on Monday, February 26, 2024.

A Celebration of Life will be held 5-7 pm, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home. A Time of Sharing will begin at 6:30 pm.

Zach Lee Anderson was born on February 8, 1992, in Aberdeen, SD, to Kristin Anderson. He spent his first 9 years in Aberdeen, and the family moved to Brandon in 2001. He graduated from Brandon, High School in 2010, and he went on to study Wind Turbine Technology at Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell, SD. After his first year of completion, he was offered a position working with his friend, Ethan, for a time installing cellular communication lines. He then left to spend some time learning the family trucking business of his god-father, Troy. He logged many miles as a general delivery truck driver for three years. Zach, his god-father, Troy, and Zach’s grandma, Barb all worked for Horton’s in different capacities, from trucking, working on the line, or painting.

Zach loved thrills and while he worked on cellular communications installations, he would often share breathtaking photos of his vantage point at the top of a tower. He also loved traveling and exploring new places and meeting new people. He was a genuinely compassionate and respectful person who made friends anywhere he went. He was always up for an adventure and never afraid to take risks. He was passionate about his family and friends, the outdoors, and living life to the fullest. His full grin never failed to lift even the darkest mood. Zach also loved music and was never shy about sharing his musical discoveries with those around him.

With Zach’s friends, he shared many common interests and long conversations. His friends remember hunting and fishing trips, and most of all, his signature smile. He was described as simultaneously hard-headed and open-minded, liking the challenge of fixing things, and stubborn enough to find a way. Zach also loved cooking for his friends, excited to watch them sample what he had made. He often shared his love of food with his friend Chris and his wife with their food truck. He was known as the friend you could count on, a rock for everyone in his life. For many, Zach was the brother they never had, cheering them on and sharing his ambitions and eagerness.

Zach’s memory lives on with his mother, Kristin Anderson, New Hope, MN, and father, Kevin Dailey, Brandon, SD; his brother, Tyler (Jerry) Mc Klosky, Port Orchard, WA; sisters, Katie (Chad)  Dailey, Aberdeen, SD, Michelle Dailey, Aberdeen, SD, Rachel (Blair) Kappes, Las Vegas, NV; godfather, Troy Dahme, Britton, SD; uncle, Timothy (Dani) Dahme, Britton, SD; aunt, Megan (Blake) Sabers, Mitchell, SD; and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many, many friends.

Zach was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Barbara Jo Dahme; grandfather, Neil Peters; great-godfather/uncle, Craig Roland Dahme; great-grandparents, Harvey and Ardell Dahme, and Ramona and Jerald Smith.

January 8, 1962 ~ March 3, 2024

Peggy Jo Boone-Johnson, 62, Sioux Falls, SD, unexpectedly passed away at her home on March 3, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. 

A Celebration of Peggy’s life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 1-3pm at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Avera Cancer Foundation or Feisty Fighters.

Peggy Jo Aamondt was born January 8, 1962, in Devils Lake, North Dakota to parents, Kenneth and Vivian (Korstad) Aamodt. As a young child, Peggy and her family moved to Sioux Falls, SD, in 1965 where she lived her life. 

Peggy grew up with her four sisters and their relationship with each other was what you imagined a typical sisterhood with siblings would be. They loved skating together, playing outside with neighborhood kids until the street lights came on, and sometimes even after. She was a night owl and liked to sleep in late. She loved life and having fun.  She was baptized and a confirmed Lutheran. Even though she didn’t attend church, she always had her faith. 

Peggy met Kenny Boone in her last years of high school and married on March 23, 1986. They had four children and separated after a traumatic family event in the early 1990s. Kenny later passed away in 2018. 

Peggy met Bobby Adams a number of years later and they were engaged to marry, but he lost his battle with cancer in 1999. 

Peggy met John Johnson in 2000 and married in 2003. After separating in 2017, they remained companions for life. 

Peggy had a vibrant personality, always lightening the mood with her humor and unique snort. Peggy was known for her sarcasm, wit, generosity, and love. She was always putting others before herself, giving and helping others who had less even if it meant putting herself in a difficult position. She was not a planner and most of the time, flew by the seat of her pants. She always made the best of any moment, never letting on that things were as bad as they were. Peggy had a sixth sense of understanding people and cherished spending time with her loved ones.

Peggy attended Washington High School in Sioux Falls and later pursued studies in Criminal Justice. Peggy had a successful career in customer service and any position she had, always focused on helping others. 

Peggy spent her time doing many of the things she loved including late-night car rides, thrifting, dancing, listening to music, storm chasing, and spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed pulling the handle; Keno being her favorite, playing bingo, an occasional shot of Tequila, late-night coffee dates, was a collector of many things, crossword puzzles, sudoku, and incredibly passionate about caring for animals. 

Peggy is survived by her children David (Jess) Aamodt, Aliza (Nathan) Goebel, Crystal Boone, and Daniel Boone; grandchildren, Celeste, Jaden, Tameren, Rai, Kiera, Keegan, Tenleigh, Jeremiah, and Kessler; her sisters, Sandy (Albert) VanDam, and Kay Lonning; and and cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Vivian Aamodt; sisters, Diane (Maurice) Anderson, and Shirley (David) Manus; and grandparents, John and Lenora Korstad, and Andreas and Gina Aamodt.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Saddled up (Born) January 20, 1956 ~ Last Ride (Passed) January 22, 2024

Verdell Michael Clifford was born in Rocky Ford, SD, to Rose and Eugene Clifford on January 20, 1956. He grew up in Saint Francis, SD, where he graduated from Saint Francis Indian School in 1975. He later moved to Chicago IL, where he met his life-long partner, Barbara Kakkak. They went on to share their life together in Rapid City where they started their family. He performed in numerous rodeos and took pride in his Native American culture. He enjoyed Bull Riding, riding Bare Backs, classic cars, spending time with his family, and telling stories. He also looked forward to making trips back home to Rosebud and taking rides on the country roads with his brothers.

Verdell is survived by his wife, Barbara Kakkak; children, Ronnie Silas, Watertown, SD, Robert Clifford, Sioux Falls, Honey Clifford, TX, Ginger Silas, Sioux Falls, Verdell Clifford, Jr., Sioux Falls, Calvin Clifford, Sioux Falls, Amanda Silas, Sioux Falls, Kristyne Kakkak, Sioux Falls, and Tyra EagleStar, Gregory SD; brothers, Eugene Clifford, Mobridge, SD, and Marvin Clifford, Denver, CO; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Verdell was preceded in death by his son, Emilio Clifford; granddaughter, Blessed Clifford; father, Eugene Clifford; mother, Rose Lodge; grandmother, Louise Plentyholes; brothers, Charles Clifford, Calvin Clifford, John Clifford, Melvin Clifford, and Terry Clifford; sister, Louanne Smith; and son-in-law, Alonso Chavez.

March 3, 1961 ~ February 9, 2024

James Myers, 62, Sioux Falls, passed away at the Dougherty Hospice House, on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 10:33 AM. A few days before his passing, he told me that when he died, the last thing he would see would be my beautiful face. I held his hands and he looked at me as he took his last 3 breaths. What an honor for me. What an honor to be able to share the brief time we did have together.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 5-7pm, Friday, February 16, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home. Full Military Honors will start the Celebration at 5pm.

James Wade Myers was born on March 3, 1961, in Estherville, IA, to Lillian and Merlynn (Jack) Myers. Known to all as Jim, he was the youngest of 6. He was definitely the baby of the family, coming in 10 years below his sister, Janet. Jim enjoyed telling the story of playing the role of “crash test dummy” when Janet was learning to drive.

Jim grew up in Estherville and enjoyed many adventures with his longtime friends, Brad and Steve. After high school, he moved to attend the Kansas City Institute of Technology while working full-time as well. He was encouraged by his brother, Joe to join the Airforce and he became an Aircraft Armament System Specialist. He spent 3 years in England at RAF Laken Heath. He then came to Hill Air Force Base where he completed his tour of duty during The Cold War, with an honorable discharge and received the Air Force Achievement Medal for implementing tool kits on the flight line that were all uniform, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon and Air Force Training Medal.

Various adventures took him to Florida, where he started a business with a friend selling and installing lightning rods, back to Oklahoma where he took school pictures, and eventually back to South Dakota to work at Gateway Computers where he met Sara Kolb, whom he married in 2013. Sara had a 3-year-old son, David whom Jim raised as his own. During much of this time, he worked for a company called “Size Wise” selling medical equipment, specifically beds to help prevent bed sores. Jim loved and excelled at his job. He received many awards for sales goals and was a well-loved coworker and employee. “Size Wise” was purchased by another company and Jim’s position, along with 20 others, was eliminated. He was given a nice severance package and at the time he was going through marriage issues and decided to take time to find himself. During that time, he read everything he could get his hands on. He read about marriage. He read about divorce. He read about all the different religions. He became a Reiki Master. Mostly, he learned that love is all there is. He often spoke about unconditional love. The love we have for friends and family. Spouses – it’s all love and it should just be given with no conditions attached. He began to come to a place where he truly loved himself and after that, nothing else really mattered. Jim was a giving person. He believed that if you give to others with pure intention, it will come back to you eventually.

It would be remiss not to mention Jim’s passion for motorcycles. Harleys in particular. He loved the community and how motorcycles brought people together. He loved the roar of the pipes and wind in his hair. Jim loved guns. He could be watching a movie and tell you exactly what kind of gun they had or if it was modified or bogus. He was passionate about the 2^nd Amendment and the Constitution in general. He took his oath as a soldier very seriously. If he wasn’t making people laugh with his spot-on accents and quick wit, he was doing what he could to help others.

In August of 2022, Jim was ready to go back to work and found himself applying for a job as a neuropathy coordinator. Something he would say was “totally out of my wheelhouse”.  It was there that he met the love of his life, Heidi. Their courtship was unconventional and short. In January of 2023, Jim was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer after having a kidney stone. Surgery was quickly taken off the table and the chemo battle had to begin. Jim and Heidi were married in their home on March 18, 2023, by Jim’s nephew, Paul Sunde. It was magical and intimate. Jim began the fight of his life the next day. Jim had lived through so many “near death” experiences in his life and we honestly thought this was not going to be what took him out.

Jim will be deeply missed by his wife, Heidi, Sioux Falls; stepson, David Kolb, Sioux Falls; son, Joel, Tulsa, OK, along with 2 grandchildren; sister, Sharon (Dick) Kelly, Mason City, IA; brother-in-law, Dick Sunde, Vermillion, sister-in-law, Mary (Joseph); sister, Sandy (JC) Dawald, Northwood, IA; brother, John (Yvonne) Myers, Muskogee, OK; as well as numerous cousins, nephews, a niece, and great-nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Jack; grandparents; his brother, Joseph; and sister, Janet.