May 19, 1950 ~ August 28, 2020

Marilyn A. Bruning, 70, Sioux Falls, formerly Brandon, died Friday, August 28, 2020, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation with family, will be 5-7pm, Monday, September 14, 2020, with a Prayer Service at 7pm, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am, Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Deephaven, MN, (18323 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven, MN) with a visitation beginning at 9:30am. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, an Online Memorial may be donated to either the Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN. www.philanthropy.mayoclinic.org. Choose “other” and specify “Bone Marrow Transplant”. Or Avera Health, Sioux Falls, SD. www.avera.org/donate . Select McKennan Hospital and specify Bone Marrow Transplant Fund.

Marilyn Ann Oppegard was born on May 19, 1950, in Grand Island, NE, to Paul and Florence (Graca) Oppegard. Marilyn grew up in Bloomington, MN, where she graduated from Lincoln High School. She went on to study Home Economics at the University of Minnesota where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.

   Her studies, along with her humor, and God-given gift of traditional class and grace gave her the ability to exhibit and display respect. In 1973, Marilyn went with her mother to purchase a car. The salesman turned out to be the love of her life, Bob Bruning. Two years later, on April 11, 1975, Marilyn and Bob were married at St. Therese Catholic Church in Deephaven, MN. This union was blessed with three boys. Brian, Jeff, and J.R.

    Marilyn loved watching her boys play Hockey and Baseball. Marilyn made many friends during the years her boys played sports. Many of these friends were lifelong friends. She was the best chauffer because she played their kind of music loudly! Everyone thought of her as “Mom”.

Friends of the boys would always be welcomed at their house. The boys loved to tease her and she loved it when they did. As the boys grew into men, she created provided the most wonderful parties, elegant cards, and invitations. When the boys were married, she was instrumental in giving them the wedding of their dreams. Complete with incredible invitations and decorations. Marilyn began working as a Graphic Designer for Morgan Williams in the mid-90s, until she and Bob founded Bruning Marking and Promotions in 2006. She was a very talented graphic designer and was the creative genius behind the business. In June, 2011, Marilyn was diagnosed with cancer. She continued to work as long as she could but eventually, her illness demanded that she retire.

    Marilyn loved to travel and especially enjoyed the Ocean. She had always dreamed of retiring to a beach somewhere in the sun where she could have a casual little place, “M’s Sandbar”. She would be the aging hostess.  Beyond everything else, Marilyn loved her grandchildren. Just being around them gave her pure joy. You could find her baking or making pickles with them or sitting on the patio just talking. She felt the best gift she could give them was family, traditional values and her time. She enjoyed sitting around a bonfire listening to and singing Motown or classic oldies with her family and friends.

   Marilyn will be deeply missed by her husband, Bob; three children, Brian Bruning, Chanhassen, MN, Jeff (Siobhan) Bruning, Chandler, AZ and JR (Nicole) Bruning, Sioux Falls, SD; four grandchildren, Tyson, Chase, Peyten, and Baylor Bruning.; siblings, Kathy (Dean) Speliotes, Sioux Falls, Patty (Gordy)Marquardt, Bethel, MN, Mark (Lisa) Oppegard, Bloomington, MN, Matt (Liz) Oppegard, Savage, MN, Mary Ann (Andy) Gilbert, Sioux Falls, SD, and Nancy Svobodny, Eagan, MN; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and lifelong friends.

   Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents.

March 22, 1970 ~ August 26, 2020

Michael D. Rieff, 50, Sioux Falls, died Wednesday, August 26, 2020, unexpectedly at his home.

Visitation at 1PM, Service 1:30pm, Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at Heartland Funeral Home.  To Zoom the service, go to… https://jworg.zoom/j/9582713528=bkRHbm9zU1pNTll1NWxKUWhOMWYzUT09 Meeting ID: 95828713528 Passcode: John1125 Join meeting in ZoomBurial will follow at Berg Cemetery, about 2:30pm, rural Sioux Falls. A live stream link will be available.

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial fund has been established in Michael’s honor to help with the cost of funeral arrangements and a fund for his children.

    Michael David Rieff was born March 22, 1970, in Nuremberg, Germany, to James and Linda (Schwab) Rieff. Stateside, Michael spent much of his youth in Minnesota until his family moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where he graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1988. He continued onto Southeast Technical Institute to study horticulture, which became his dream career and ultimately owned his own business. Michael was passionate about his work to design custom landscapes and backyards for his customers. His dedication to hard work began as a young boy taking on his morning paper route and playing in the dirt with his Tonka Trucks. He also enjoyed fishing, camping and watching his sports teams (New Jersey Devils, Oakland Raiders, New York Yankees and Dale Earnhardt Jr team #88). Michael is remembered as a caring and giving person – always lending a helping hand and asking what he can do for others.

    As the oldest child, Michael was often the rock of his family. In 1996, Michael married Jeanna Seubert and in this union had three children. He loved his family and children with all of his heart. Some of the lasting memories created with his children include: Stampede Hockey games, camping, firework shows, four-wheeling and trips to Kansas for NASCAR races. Michael adored his children, creating special moments such as deer hunting with his oldest daughter, Alexus, since the age of six. Michael’s love for his children was felt by anyone who knew him. He will be truly missed.

   Michael is survived by his three children, Alexus, Andrew and Brielle Rieff, Sioux Falls; his parents, James and Linda (Schwab) Rieff, Sioux Falls; three siblings, Jennifer Rieff, Sioux Falls, Chris (Erin) Rieff, Hartford, and Katrina Rieff, Shoreview, MN; five nieces and nephews, Jasmyn, Dominic, Spencer, Gavin and Ava; five aunts and uncles, Barbara Schwab, Madison, WI, Joan (Don) Swenson, Sleepy Eye, MN, Pam Heser, Lake Hughes, CA, Lora (Bob) Woomer, Glenwood, WV, and Kristen Schwab, Grove City, MN; and numerous cousins.  

     Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alfred and Florence Rieff, Joseph and Lorraine Schwab; and his uncle, David Schwab.

June 6, 1969 ~ August 22, 2020

Mark A. Johnson, 51, Sioux Falls, died Saturday, August 22, 2020, at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

A Memorial service is set for 3PM, Thursday, September 3, 2020, at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center’s Outdoor Memorial Gounds.  All are welcome. Inurnment will take place at the new State Veteran’s Cemetery in the Spring of 2021.

Mark Allen Johnson was born on June 6, 1969, in Hutchinson, MN.  As a new baby, Jim and Sharron Johnson of Ortonville, MN, adopted him.   He was baptized and confirmed in the First English Lutheran Church.   Mark attended all of his schooling in Ortonville, graduating in May of 1987.  Following graduation, Mark went into the United States Army, where he served until his honorable discharge. After his time in the service, Mark worked various jobs in Minnesota and South Dakota. Mark lived many places throughout his life; his most recent home was in the Sioux Falls area where he worked at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in the Maintenance Department.

Mark is survived by his mother, Sharron Johnson; one sister, Catherine (Joe) Scoblic; a niece, a nephew, aunts, uncles, and friends.   

Mark is preceded in death by his father, James Johnson; 2 infant brothers, and his grandparents.

January 13, 1967 ~ July 4, 2020

Scott Middlen, age 53, of Harrisburg, South Dakota died unexpectedly, Saturday, July 4, 2020, while scuba-diving at Pickstown, South Dakota, 

A Celebration of Life will be held 2-4pm, Saturday, August 29, 2020, at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance. (1600 W. Russell Ave, Sioux Falls, SD,) with Full Military Honors and “Last Call Rites” beginning at 3pm.

Scott Bradley Middlen was born January 13, 1967, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Terry Middlen and Jean (Polsfuss) Schmidt. Scott’s youth and teen years were spent at Lake Poinsett with family and friends, boating, skiing, and fishing.  Scott was always looking out for his little brother, Paul. Scott graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1985.

On April 22, 2006, Scott was united in marriage with the love of his life and his soulmate, Virginia Spreckels, the couple formed their blended families, Scott’s two sons Joshua and Nicholas with Virginia’s children, Katina, Curtis, Cody, and later the couple unofficially adopted David Johnson into the family.  Scott was a very proud father and even prouder grandfather of 12 grandchildren with another one on the way. 

Scott was proudly employed with Midwest Motor Express for 14 years as a line-haul driver.  Scott volunteered for the Minnehaha County Police Reserves for 19 years and promoted to Sargent.  He loved his fellow officers and had a passion for working with the new recruits and especially enjoyed watching them train to become Reserves Law Enforcement Officers. He enjoyed working security for the Sioux Empire Fair and especially enjoyed the ride-alongs with the Sioux Falls Police Department and Highway Patrol.  Scott was a passionate Chicago Bears fan. He had a passion for fishing, camping, hunting, motorcycles, and scuba diving.  Scott cherished the time he spent with family and friends.

Scott will be deeply missed by his wife, Virginia; sons, Joshua (Hollie Nelson), and Nicholas (Ashley); mother, Jean Schmidt; brother, Paul; grandmother, Bonnie Middlen; stepchildren, Curtis Spreckels (Alicia Schneckloth), Cody (Dana) Spreckels, Katina Baker (Denise Ruden), and David (Elisabeth) Johnson; stepsister, Nancy (Shane) Peterson; stepmother, Carla Middlen; 12 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Scott is preceded in death by his father, Terry Middlen; grandfather, Charles Middlen; and grandparents, Elroy and Beverly Polsfuss. 

We are so proud of you honey. We love you and miss you endlessly. 

Sincerely,
Virginia  

August 20, 1961 ~ April 19, 2020

Donna Mae Lindner, 58, Sioux Falls, died Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at Ava’s House, in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Donna and her mother, Clarona, on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at the Sertoma Park Picnic Shelter, from 1-3pm. 

Donna Mae Lindner was Born on August 20, 1961, in Waterloo, IA, to John and Clarona (Olson) Lindner.  Donna’s parents moved back to the Sioux Falls area in 1970.  She was always active when she was younger, she played on her schools’ (Tri Valley) basketball and track teams. She earned many medals and held a few records for a while.  Donna worked at Campbell’s packing cans as well as Pizza Hutt, finally coming to Sanford Health as a cashier. She brought a lot of smiles to patients and coworkers alike there.

Donna loved animals, especially her dog Izzy and loved cuddling and watching tv with her after a long day. She also enjoyed bingo a lot, and would go all the time with her parents and brother.  She took her job seriously and could seem intense. But she was always full of love and care, and wouldn’t hesitate to drop everything to lend a hand.

Donna will be deeply missed by her only child, Cody Lindner, Sioux Falls; four brothers, Johnnie, James, Joseph, and Richard Lindner; and many nieces, and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

January 10, 1937 ~ August 11, 2020

Raymond DeKing, 83, Sioux Falls, died Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Center in Sioux Falls.

Memorial Services will be held at 3pm, Saturday, August 22, 2020, at Heartland Funeral Home.  Visitation with family present will begin at 1pm.

Raymond Anthony DeKing was born on January 10, 1937, in Marshall, MN, to Samuel and Johnna (Masarek) DeKing. Ray was one of five children. Their father died when Ray was just 5 years old. When their mother remarried, they lived on a farm near Marshall, MN. He grew up helping his stepfather on the farm doing all kinds of jobs. He was the first of his family to graduate high school. After graduating from Marshall High School, Ray held various jobs. These jobs included working at and owning a gas station. Most of Ray’s jobs were related to getting things from one point to another driving truck.  One of his first jobs after the farm was driving for milk producers who would load his truck to take to the processing centers. 

On May 17, 1958, in Morgan, MN, Ray married the love of his life, Carol Ricke. The couple made their home in Marshall and to this blessed union was born three children: Daniel, Michele, and Scott. Ray and Carol’s home was the most popular house in the neighborhood when he would pull in with the Henry’s Candy and Cigarette truck. All the kids in the area got excited when they saw that truck and Ray come home. They knew a treat was going to be theirs shortly. Ray loved to treat the kids! 

            In 1968, Ray and Carol moved their young family to Sioux Falls, SD. This move was also the beginning of a new truck route with Purolator Courier, carrying bank documents to processing centers, that Ray would drive for over a decade.  Ray was a driver for them until the early 80s, when he then began driving for Dizco, hauling mail from Sioux Falls to Murdo, SD. He drove this route for twenty years before his failing health demanded he gives up his long career as a driver.  As a driver, his eyes were always on the road and he would often stop to check out things that others had lost.  Sometimes, it was useful items like a bag of coins, that he used to buy his daughter a new bike. Other times, not such a nice find, but it was all part of the adventure.

            During the years, Ray and his family had many camping and fishing experiences. They would catch fish regularly and release them back to the water because no one wanted to clean them. Ray also was an amazing storyteller! He loved to see just how much he could get the grandchildren to believe. Some of the grandchildren were more gullible than others. Telling his stories was one of his ways of having fun with them.  He loved to collect things and had an extensive pen collection from various places he had been. Hats, movies, video games, and music CDs were among the items he collected. Ray loved his family beyond any of his collections and would share anything he had with them. When he noticed some of those loved ones were not returning their borrowed items, a system had to be devised to make sure he got his music, games, or videos back.  This system was called the Grandpop-n-go which ensured he knew just who had what. Ray loved to play bingo and made sure he played at least a couple of times a week. He had a lot of people who enjoyed his company and were drawn to him. One of his prized wins, after becoming a resident of a nursing home, was a box of “Puffs Kleenex” because the kind they provided at the home were the scratchy kind. Ray loved to watch races and any of the old Westerns on tv, but his favorite was the series “Gunsmoke” because something good always came in the end. Listening to the old country singers was something Ray enjoyed throughout his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed turning a wrench and helping in the pits of local racetracks.  

       Ray will be deeply missed by his wife, Carol DeKing, Sioux Falls; two children, Daniel (Kim) DeKing, Sioux Falls, and Michele (Charles) Thompson, Sioux Falls; five grandchildren, Nicole (Tyler) Neal, Jessica (Will) Sechser, Matthew (Kara) Thompson, Joe DeKing, and Sally (Michael) Ackerman; seven great-grandchildren: Aidan, Maia, and Owen Fritz, Spencer and Charlie Sechser, and Jaiden and Justin Thompson; one sister, Ramona (William) Vander Brink, Sioux Falls; and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

     Ray was preceded in death by one son, Scott DeKing, his parents, Sam and Johanna (Masarek) DeKing, and three brothers, Richard Deking, Roy DeKing, and Earl DeKing.

August 14, 1973 ~ August 8, 2020

Erika Cromwell, 46, Brandon, died Saturday, August 8, 2020, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls due to Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Visitation with family present will be 9-11am, Saturday, August 22, 2020, with a Memorial service at 11am, at Brandon Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be put towards her children’s futures, as well as donating to Metavivor, for Metastatic Breast Cancer Research.

Erika Ann Prahl was born on August 14, 1973, to Fred and Katherine (Green) Prahl, in DeSmet, SD. Erika was very active in high school.  One of the many highlights was participating in Teen Age Republicans. She became a legislative page in high school, as well as completing an internship with the state legislature in college. She graduated from DeSmet High School in 1991, then furthered her education at USD, where she received her B.A. in Economics and Business, graduating in 1995. While attending college, she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority and was recognized as a top Economics major during her senior year. 

Erika married Steven Dew in Sioux Falls in 1996, and they had two children; Jeffrey in 1998 and Rachel in 2003. Erika worked for a few different companies before going to work at First Premier Bankcard as a Credit Workflow Analyst for over 20 years.  She was an active member of Brandon Lutheran Church. She also taught Junior Achievement classes for many years in the Brandon Valley School District.

Erika was diagnosed in 2012 with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. In October of 2014, she received word that she had progressed to Stage IV (Metastatic) Breast Cancer.  Erika was determined to not let a diagnosis of terminal cancer dictate her life, and set about living life to the fullest.

Erika married Chris Cromwell on January 1, 2016, in Brandon. She and Chris loved to travel.  Whether a family trip or just the two of them, they had many wonderful adventures together. They went to Chicago, and then on to Milwaukee for a Pink Concert. They traveled to Atlanta for a family trip, took trips to the Omaha Zoo, trips to Minneapolis, and went to Las Vegas to see Panic at the Disco.

Erika was known as the Queen of Transforming Leftovers, as she could turn anything into something awesome. At work, she was known as the Google Queen, finding whatever she or her co-workers needed to know through her in-depth searches. She loved family, family traditions, and family memories; acting as an unofficial family historian.

Erika started fundraising for breast cancer charities in 2013, completing her first walk after just completing 6 weeks of radiation treatment.  She captained a team that was top fundraisers for years.  In 2020, just a month before her death, she championed a fundraiser that raised over $1,000 for Metavivor, a charity that donates money to breast cancer research.

Erika will be deeply missed by her husband, Chris; two children, Jeffrey and Rachel Dew, Brandon; parents, Fred and Katherine Prahl, Lake Norden, SD; brother, Justin (Kyla) Prahl, Normal, IL; along with their sons, Toby and Zach; her lifelong best friend Lana Bornitz, Sioux Falls; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

August 9, 1983 ~ August 5, 2020

Sam Burtnett, 36, Sioux Falls, SD was received into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, August 5th, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with depression. 

Visitation with family present will be 1-3 pm, Thursday, August 13, 2020, at Celebrate Community Church, Sioux Falls, SD, with a Celebration of Life at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Sam’s honor.

Sam Joseph Burtnett was born on August 9th, 1983 in Ames, IA to Dennis and Mary (McNelly) Burtnett.  He was raised and attended school in Webster City, IA where he continued to live and work until 2008.  He met Jocelyn Elaine Van Liere in 2007 while she was attending college in Webster City. They were joined in marriage in 2010 in Sioux Falls, SD and had two children.

Sam (Polar Bear) Burtnett was a big guy with a big heart and was so easy to love.  He was a grateful believer in Jesus Christ.  His passion in life was talking about Jesus and sharing the gospel.  Sam served at Celebrate Church in so many ways, greeter, leading Kids ministry- he loved kids and they loved him because he was a big kid himself, and he helped with grounds and facilities.  His favorite was serving as the Baptizer, always with a huge smile as he would baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, he loved helping lead lost people to come to know Jesus.  Sam also had a passion for Celebrate Recovery, walking with those who felt lost and struggled. Sam was a natural-born leader, leading as many as possible to Christ.  For the past 3 years, Sam worked as a FedEx delivery driver for Sioux Falls Express and quickly became Madison’s favorite delivery guy. Sam was the most fun person at any gathering and was the first person to greet you with a smile and a joke.

He will be greatly missed by his children, Amery (10) and Dayton (6) Burtnett; wife, Jocelyn Burtnett; his parents, Mary Burtnett and Dennis Burtnett; brother, Dave (Jill) Burtnett; mother-in-law, Lori Van Liere; brother-in-law, Marcus Van Liere; and many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends.

Sam was preceded in death by his infant child, Sammy Jo “SJ” Burtnett, on May 5th, 2020; his grandparents Vera Mae and Duane Burtnett and Chet and Helen McNelly; his father-in-law, Mark Van Liere.

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been established in Sam’s honor to help with the cost of funeral arrangements and a fund for his children. If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741, or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

November 1, 1933 ~ August 2, 2020

Clarona Ann Lindner, 86, Brandon, died on Sunday, August 2, 2020, at Bethany Home in Brandon, after a lengthy illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Clarona and her daughter, Donna, on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at the Sertoma Park North from 1-3pm. 

Clarona Olson was born on November 1, 1933, in Sherman, SD to Charles J. and Clara (Miller) Olson. She graduated from Sherman High School. After graduation, she moved to Colorado Springs, where she met John Lindner. They married in Colorado Springs on February 5, 1951. During the Korean War, she worked as a seamstress for caskets. Later, the family settled in Waterloo, IA. They moved back to the Sioux Falls area in 1970 where she raised her children. Clarona then worked at Litton’s, Lee Jeans and Mueller Pallets.

She enjoyed playing cards, BINGO, cribbage, attending card parties, and going to the local casinos. She traveled with John to Vegas, Allin, IA, Nebraska and Kansas. She especially loved traveling by car to Colorado and around South Dakota to see family. She liked to read and listened to the TV, but didn’t watch much TV.

Clarona will be sadly missed by her children, Johnnie, Sioux Falls, James (Sue) Williams Port, PA, Joseph, Sioux Falls, and Richard, Oldham, SD; nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Charlotte Mueller and Mary Lou Hoiness; sister-in-law, Shirly Olson-Kuehl; and brother-in-law, Francis Tebben.

Clarona was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; daughter, Donna; four brothers, Charles, Robert, Irwin and Carroll; two sisters, Agnes and Dorothy; and two grandchildren, Jeremy and Heather.