August 13, 1938 ~ March 3, 2023

Vaino “Bill” William Wesala, 84, passed away on March 3, 2023, at the Avantara Norton Nursing home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

   Bill will be returning to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where a service will be held with his family in the spring. In lieu of flowers, his family requests stories and pictures of him, which can be sent to his daughter at 105 E. 4^th Street, Egan SD 57024, or emailed to Wesalae@aol.com.

    Bill was born in St. Louis County, Minnesota, to Kalle and Aili Wesala, on August 13, 1938. He graduated from Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School in Aurora, MN. He went to Virginia Junior College, in Virginia, MN, and received his Associate of Science.  He enlisted in the Army in 1958 and served as an electronics technician until his discharge in 1961.  He then worked as an electrician, with experience with various motors and large mining equipment. He also supervised journeyman electricians, finally leaving Schuff Steel, Phoenix, AZ, in 2002, after a serious accident with a horse. 

   Bill married Shirley Ann Sanderson in August 1964, in Minneapolis, MN, and was married to her for over 55 years. He lived with his wife, in Aurora, MN, where their two daughters were born. They then moved to St. Louis, MS, and then to Tucson, AZ.  Bill also lived and worked in other places, such as Ajo, AZ, and Tyrone, NM, but let his family stay in Tucson so as not to interrupt his daughter’s schooling. He moved to Sioux Falls SD, in December 2019, after his wife passed away.

   Bill loved his family deeply and was the rock they all depended on.  He had a great sense of humor that you were always surprised by, as he was a typical Finnish man who spoke only when needed. He was an intelligent man who quietly supported his wife with all her various projects and activities. He read a lot, enjoying western and science fiction books.  Bill enjoyed woodworking, and whittling; he was a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism along with his wife. He did much more, but he never talked about himself, preferring to let his wife do the talking for him.

   Bill is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Wesala, and Katja Paule; one son, William Paule; and his granddaughter, Kirstyn Fink-Wesala. He will be missed by them and many other family members and friends.

   Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann “Vana” Sanderson; his parents, Kalle and Aili Wesala; one daughter, Tamara Susan Wesala; granddaughter, Tamara Mychelle Lupo; his sisters, Enid, Esther, Ellen, Hilja, and Ida; and his brothers, Arnie, Oscar, Oiva, and Kalle.

June 02, 1956 ~ February 28, 2023

Stanley D. Suss, 66, Sioux Falls, SD, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, and went home to his final resting place.

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

Stanley Dean Suss was born June 02, 1956, in Windom, MN, to Paul R. and Louella J. (nee Bailey) Suss. He graduated from Worthington, MN, Senior High School in 1974, and worked various jobs before settling in Tea, SD, and Sioux Falls, SD.

Stanley’s strong love and passion for sports were known and appreciated by all who knew him. He was a master of sports facts, and trivia, and could remember dates and memorable events like no one else. He truly loved sharing his knowledge of sports and talking to anyone who would listen about sports. He loved watching the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings and would often wager friendly bets on the games with his Wisconsin rivalry relatives, namely his brother-in-law Phil and nephew Zachary.

Along with the professional sports he loved, Stanley always looked forward to March Madness and the Final Four tournament. In his earlier years, he made many trips to attend games/activities with some of his brothers and other friends. He liked to golf whenever he got the chance and especially enjoyed golfing with his siblings and other relatives in “friendly” competitions.

Stanley valued his lifelong friends and looked forward to visiting with them whenever he could and made the annual trip to Worthington, MN, for Turkey Day so he could see and visit with his many friends who came back to celebrate. This annual pilgrimage was one of the many things he looked forward to every year.

Stanley is survived by brothers and sisters,  Roger, Canby, OR, Charles (Crista), Brookfield, WI, Frank (Nancy), Jacksonville, FL, Jeff (Mary Lou), Tomball, TX, Sharon (Verlin) Ailts, Yankton, SD, and Michelle (Phil), Waterford, WI; many nieces and nephews, Scott (Jane) Suss, Erin Suss, Chad (Greta) Suss, Courtney Suss, Nick (Emily) Suss, Holly (Aaron) Pederson, Travis (Amy) Suss, Justin Suss, Derick Suss, Elizabeth (Arturo) Navas, Ellen Suss, Jared (Annie) Ailts, Lesleigh (Brian) Ratino, Alex Glembin, Zachary Glembin, and Cameron Glembin; several great-nephews and great-nieces; and his life-long friends who were always by his side, Bruce Wilson, and Mike and Colette Osterberg.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Louella; his siblings, Craig, Douglas “Dugan”, and Joan; and sister-in-law, Christie.

August 3, 1970 ~ February 25, 2023

Jason Wayne Tiede entered this world on August 3, 1970 – the son of Wayne and Mary Tiede. He traveled home to Eternal Life at the age of 52 on Saturday, February 25, 2023, following a courageous battle with cancer.  He was surrounded by his wife Rona, daughters Bailee and Karlie, son-in-law Miles Mogck, granddaughter Remi, his parents, and sister.

Visitation with family present, will be Friday, March 3, 2023, 5-7pm with a Wake Service at 7pm, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Dimock. Funeral services are 10:30am, Saturday, March 4, 2023, also at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Dimock, SD. Military Honors will follow.

In his childhood, Jason excelled at everything he put his mind to, especially football, track, percussion, and entering his dad’s 1968 Pontiac Le Mans in car shows, earning awards in all that he did.  He entered the South Dakota Army National Guard while still in high school and served his country for 8 years. Upon returning from basic training, Jason pursued a degree in Ag Business at Mitchell Technical Institute. He served farmers in many capacities, first at Ag Land Coop, then later joined Advantage Ag, in 2006. He earned the trust of customers who always turned into friends. Five-minute conversations often ended hours later, thanks to Jason’s gift of gab. He enjoyed planting, harvesting, and taking in the beauty of God’s handiwork.

Jason married his high school sweetheart, Rona Tapp, on August 10, 1991. Their first daughter, Bailee, arrived in October of 1995, and Karlie followed in August of 1997.  His faith was extremely important to him – clinging to God’s promises always.  Jason’s greatest accomplishment in life was instilling that faith into his family.  He was incredibly proud of his granddaughter and affectionately called her “Bubbles.”

Jason was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. His fondest family memories were snowmobiling trips to the Black Hills with his girls.  He was the ultimate jokester – always looking for opportunities to pull elaborately planned pranks on the people he loved the most.  Jason was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, SD Snowmobiling Association, and the Dakota Ditch Rippers.

Left to treasure many life memories are his wife, Rona; daughter, Bailee (Miles) Mogck, and granddaughter, Remi; daughter, Karlie; parents, Wayne and Mary; sister, DeeAnn (Thad) Konrad; nieces and nephew, Kennedy, Rylan, and Brenner; mother-in-law, Patty Tapp, father-in-law Emmet Tapp; and many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Jason’s family wishes to thank family, friends, and the medical team there to support them through his illness.  They will be paying the generosity forward in his memory.

July 14, 1950 ~ February 16, 2023

Juanita A. Mommer, 72, Sioux Falls, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023.

A graveside service will be held at her final resting place in Graceland Cemetery, Madison, SD, later this spring. 

Juanita Alice Jongeward was born on July 14, 1950, in Madison, SD, and grew up in the Madison and Flandreau areas.  She eventually moved to Sioux Falls, living most of her life as a homemaker.  Juanita enjoyed country music, jigsaw puzzles, Elvis, and old movies, however, her favorite pastime was crocheting.

Juanita will be loved and remembered by her partner, Dennis Ebbers; daughters, Vikki Mommer, Flandreau, Pamela Andersen, Wisconsin, Misty Petersen. Sioux Falls, and Carrie Nytroe, Oklahoma; 17 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Elaine Jongeward; sons, Dale Aschmeller Jr., and Mark Edward Mommer; daughter, Tammy Elaine Oliver; grandchildren, Codi Studsdahl, and Angel Capon.

August 28, 1947 ~ February 5, 2023

Lawrence Andrew Saffeels “Steph”, 75, Sioux Falls, Sunrise – August 28, 1947 ~ Sunset – February 5, 2023

Moved to Sioux Falls 2020. He was one of five children.

Leaving behind his brother, Leroy Saffels, twin sister, Lorelie Andrea Hartwell and Ken Werra; nephew, David Wayne (Cami) Hutchison; nieces, Lisa Saffels-Ritchie, and Kristy (Larry) Sorensen; great-nieces & great-nephews, Lauren Sorensen, Lindsay (Tony) Kuse, and Matthew Ritchie; great-great-nephews, Ashton Kuse, and Jace Kuse; Loving dog, Nakita; and all his friends; and Angel @ Huey Apartments.

Preceded in death by his mother, Leah Irene Saffeels, father, Loren Harold Saffeels; brothers, George Lee Saffeels, and Leslie Harold Saffeels.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Feeding South Dakota or the Humane Society.

September 18, 1997 ~ January 28, 2023

Alana N. Ranfranz, 25, of Sioux Falls, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023, at her home.

Visitation will be 5pm-7pm on Friday, February 3, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life at 7pm.  A GoFundMe has been established in her name Alana’sGoFundMe

Alana was born in Rochester, MN, on September 18, 1997, to Thomas Ranfranz and Elizabeth Kavula, and attended grade school there. Her family moved to Hills, MN in 2005, where she graduated. She moved to Rock Rapids, IA, and eventually married Laurence Broesder in 2018. Alana was a mother to a beautiful girl named Remi, who is 3 years old. She most recently worked for Arrow and previously, as an auto mechanic at Vander Lee Motors in Rock Rapids.

Alana loved to play hockey, beginning at the age of 3. She was a goaltender for the Luverne Cardinals, and the Sioux Falls Flyers, and her nickname was “The Wall.” Many college teams recruited her. Unfortunately, after a concussion, she was no longer allowed to play. She loved fishing, target shooting, and riding motorcycles – a true adrenaline seeker. Alana’s passion and greatest joy was her daughter, and their adventures, like visiting the Washington Pavilion and fishing. She was loved by everyone and was a protector for her entire family. Alana had an amazing soul and was the most beautiful woman.

Alana will be deeply missed by her daughter, Remi; mother, Elizabeth Kavula; three siblings, Anthony Ranfranz, Sioux Falls, Maria Ranfranz, Sioux Falls, and Olivia Ranfranz, Sioux Falls; grandparents, Peter Kavula, Georgia, and Thomas and Patricia Ranfranz, Wisconsin; and one niece Gianna.

Alana is preceded in death by her father, Thomas J. Ranfranz, and her grandmother, Nancy Kakula.

June 11, 1962 ~ January 22, 2023

Richard Dean Woodside (Woody), 60, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023 of natural causes. Rick was the son of Suzanne Smith (Anderson) and the late Alvin Leeland Woodside. He is survived by his wife, Heidi Woodside; children, Alexandria and Gagandeep Singh, Hanna Woodside, and Thomas Woodside; brother, David Woodside; and stepchildren, Tyler and Alesia Ode, Oak and Ivy; Paul and Kaitlin Ode, Beckett, Beau, Barron; Christian and Claire Ode, Thomas, Harvey, and Aurora; Calvin and Kaitlyn Ode; Eric and Kathryn Eigenberg; Lincoln and Bailey Ode, Burton and Baby O. 

Rick was raised in Oneida, IL, where he excelled in all things sports. He enjoyed summers with family and friends at Little John Club Lake. He graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Industrial Management and Technology.

Rick went on to raise his two daughters in the Chicago area and later traveled around the US for his job with BNSF Railway while raising his son, Thomas.

He finally settled in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he met his loving wife, Heidi. Together, they enjoyed spending time with family, watching football, and drinking top-shelf margaritas.

Rick was kind, curious, and playful. He enjoyed a cup of coffee in the morning and watching “the game” in the afternoon. He was a dog lover, antiquer, Cardinals and Bears fan (there’s always next year).

Rick adored his new role as grandpa and was honored to be caring for his mother. His greatest pride was his children. He is loved and will be missed by many. 

Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 pm, Friday, January 27, 2023, followed by a Celebration of Life service at Heartland Funeral Home: 1801 Frontier St, Brandon, SD 57005. A link to watch live is https://youtube.com/live/6uhZpsXZdjM?feature=share The streaming will begin at 12:30pm.

Memorials should be directed to Thomas Woodside College Fund, care of Heidi Woodside. Please Venmo @Heidi-Ode with the note “Thomas College” or send contributions to Heartland Funeral Home.

November 24, 1940 ~ January 22, 2023

Robert “Bob” Friemuth, 82, Sioux Falls, died Sunday, January 22, 2023, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls.

Per Bob’s wishes, his request to be cremated and to have no services is being granted.

Robert (Bob) Lee Friemuth was born on November 24, 1940, in Garden City, SD, to Ed and Eleanor (Haseborg) Freimuth. He was united in marriage to Sharon Stahl on June 4, 1966, in Jackson, MN. They lived in Worthington, MN, where they raised two sons, Jim and Dan. They moved to Sioux Falls, SD, in 1998.

Bob loved cooking, baking, and hosting holidays. He was a caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He would help watch his grandkids and great-grandkids at the drop of a dime.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sharon, Sioux Falls, SD; sons, Jim, Sioux Falls, and Dan (Ann-Drea),  Brandon, SD; grandchildren, Jordan, Marissa, Jadon, and Kaesy; great-grandchild, Jackson; along with his siblings, Gladys, Carol, Louis, and Dale.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Alvin, John, and Janet; and brother-in-law, Jim.

January 6, 1961 ~ January 19, 2023

Bryan A. Rupprecht, 62, Garretson, died Thursday, January 19, 2023, unexpectedly at his home.

Memorial Services will be 1pm, Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home.  A link to the Livestream is Bryan Rupprecht Service

Bryan Allan Rupprecht was born on January 6, 1961, to Edmund Henry Rupprecht and Eunice Marilyn (Olson) Rupprecht in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1979 and went on to graduate from Northland College in 1981 with a degree in drafting. Thereafter he moved to Milwaukee with his sisters, Kathleen and Suzanne. He worked in several places including Home Depot where he spent 23-1/2 years working in the appliance department in addition to designing kitchens and bathrooms. He began his career with Home Depot in Brookfield, WI, and then Milwaukee, WI. In 2006, Bryan and his family moved to Garretson, SD. Bryan then transferred to Home Depot’s Sioux Falls, SD, store.

Bryan loved watching thunderclouds roll in and star gazing when he could. He was a gentle soul and was easygoing. He loved all types of fishing, camping, traveling, and woodworking. He enjoyed kittens and puppies and worked well with his sisters doing yard work. He was the assembler, putting together cabinets, desks, and other things needing assembly, and was a general handyman. Bryan absolutely loved mowing the yard on his Cub Cadet lawnmower.  It was his “alone time”. He also enjoyed cross word puzzles. He cried along with his sister when her beloved Cocker Spaniels died, as well as the numerous precious cats she loved. Yes, Bryan was a very gentle soul who will be sorely missed. His co-workers enjoyed working with him.

Bryan was always caring, welcomed new challenges, and was dependable, loyal, and gentle. If he saw someone or something in pain or sorrow, he always reached out to help within his control. He always filled in that gap that people got lost in with his smile and his humor.  He was his own person and there were none like him.  He was always loved and welcomed wherever he went and never caused anyone anger or hardship. When he was 2, Bryan was forever losing his glasses, causing his siblings to search for them. They would find his glasses under a bale of hay or under a chicken in the coop. Bryan was a diehard fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins.

Bryan is survived by his siblings, Kathleen Rupprecht, Suzanne Rupprecht, and Lee Rupprecht, all of Garretson, SD, and Pauline Kaiser, Martinez, CA; foster brother, Carl Olson, Gary, MN; two nieces, Kellea and Nichole; nephew, Brandon; four grandnieces, Brittany, Emma, Elizabeth and Chantelle; two grandnephews, Jordan and Chase.

Bryan is preceded in death by his parents and various other relatives.

Oh, how greatly he is missed, passing so unexpectantly. This again gives us all the message of how short life can be and a reminder that each of us is so greatly important to our loved ones around us.