May 30, 1992 ~ May 4, 2025

Mark R. Unekis, 32, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, after a long-time struggle with mental illness.

A Visitation will be held with family present from 2-3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Ransom Church in Sioux Falls. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:30pm. A Time of Sharing with light refreshments will be held after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to places that Mark held close to his heart: 5th Street Clubhouse at Southeastern Directions for Life, or the Cattitude Café in Sioux Falls.  

Mark was born in Des Moines, IA, on May 30, 1992, and spent his early childhood years in Newton, IA. In 1999, the family moved to Rock Rapids, where Mark was involved in taekwondo, theater, wrestling, and cross county. He graduated from Central Lyon High School in 2011 and attended South Dakota State University as an Honors student.

Mark was known for his quick, witty remarks. He was always ready with a joke, even if it made you roll your eyes. He was also known for his spot-on impersonations, whether it be of Billy Mayes of Oxi-Clean, Scott Stapp of Creed, or a teacher with particular idiosyncrasies. If you needed a random fun fact, a quote from The Office, or the Rotten Tomatoes score on any given film, Mark would have them at the ready.

Mark returned to South Dakota State University and was actively pursuing a degree in Psychology. Outside of school, he kept active by taking guitar lessons, frequently visiting the Cattitude Café downtown, and traveling around the area to do karaoke with his friends. Mark was a client of Southeastern Directions for Life and took full advantage of their 5th Street Clubhouse program, which he attended daily. He developed many friendships there and always enjoyed playing games with other clients, participating in their music sharing days, and going on their field trips around the state.

Mark cherished his close relationships with family and friends. He was intentional about staying in touch with out-of-state family and checking in on them. Mark loved to have long conversations, with topics spanning from early 2000’s music, and silly things he did as a kid, to politics, philosophy, and the family cats. He will be remembered for his unconditional acceptance of others, incredible empathy, and quick wit.

Mark is survived by his mother, Patrice A. Unekis, Rock Rapids, IA; father, James Unekis, Oakland, MD; sister, Rachel (Greg) Poches, Newaygo, MI; brother, Daniel (Kari) Bechtel-Unekis, Holland, MI; aunts and uncles, Kama Jongerius (Steve DeYoung), Tim (Ruth) Jongerius), John (Valerie) Unekis, and Ann (Wayne) Dumonchelle; and several cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Elaine Unekis, and Willis and Edna Jongerius.

January 5, 1936 ~ April 25, 2025

Joan F. Shipe, 89, Brandon, SD, widow of Raymond George Shipe, peacefully departed this world at home, on Friday, April 25, 2025.

As per their wishes, Joan will be cremated, and she and Raymond’s ashes will be inurned together beside her parents at St. John’s German Lutheran Cemetery in Elizabeth, Minnesota.

Joan Frances Hoffmann was born in Fergus Falls, MN, on January 5, 1936, to Elmer and Frances (Trenne) Hoffmann. She was raised in Fergus Falls, an only child to her parents. She graduated from Fergus Falls High School, and on February 17, 1955, she married Raymond G. Shipe at the Catholic Church in Wahpeton, ND.

Joan stayed home and nurtured their four children, Brenda, Preston, Dawn, and Neil, while Raymond worked as a truck driver and machinist. Joan and Ray lived in Breckenridge, MN for 18 years and then another 24 years in Fergus Falls, MN, before enjoying their retirement with their youngest son, Neil, in Brandon, SD.

Joan and Ray were active choir members of Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon. Ray was one of the designers of the beautiful prayer garden beside the church.

Joan is survived by her four children, Brenda Hansen, Staunton, VA, Preston (Betty) Shipe, Haslet, TX, Dawn Lane Mehl, Fargo, ND, and Neil (Leigh) Shipe, Brandon, SD; eight grandchildren, Karen Hansen Arehart and Christopher Gall, Staunton, VA, Tyler Shipe, Minneapolis, MN, Kimberly Black, Keller, TX, Jeszrai Muscha, Fargo, ND, Josiah Mehl, Cape Girardeau, MO, Jordyn Braegelmann, St. Cloud, MN, and Senna Shipe, Brandon, SD; and great-grandchildren, Kaeden Click, John Preston Arehart IV (Jack), Boston Self, Adrian and Elliot Braegelmann, Selah, Millie, and Noah Black, and Clara Mehl.

Joan is preceded in death by her adoring husband, Raymond; and her parents, Elmer and Frances Hoffmann.

January 9, 1954 ~ April 24, 2025

Willa J. Johnson, 71, Garretson, SD, died Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

An Open House Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2025, at Tucker and Deanna Bonte’s home at 308 River Ave. in Garretson, SD.

Willa Jean Boyer was born on January 9, 1954, in West Virginia to William and Jean (Palmer) Boyer. She grew up in Martinsburg and graduated from Martinsburg High School in June of 1971.

In September of 1971, Willa married Donald E. Johnson. They were blessed with 5 children. They moved around the United States for the first few years of their marriage. They eventually settled on an acreage in Valley Springs, SD.

Willa attended Nettleton College and graduated with an Associate of Science of Paralegal Degree. She worked various jobs throughout her life. Willa worked as a paralegal in a law office for a few years. She then changed course and went into customer service at Citibank until she retired in 2016.

In her retirement, she enjoyed thrift store shopping, reading, baking, and spending time with her family, especially her great-granddaughter Oaklynn Maye, who she was asking for until the very end.  

Willa was a woman whose life was a testament to love, strength, and quiet grace. She was a mother of five, but to so many more, she was a safe place, a listening ear, and a steady hand. Her strength carried her family through life’s hardest moments, and her love was the foundation that held everything together.

Willa gave her all to her children, raising each one with patience, wisdom, and a heart full of unconditional love. She led by example, showing them how to face the world with dignity, care for others, and stay true to what matters most: family, kindness, and faith.

Eric will be bringing her home to the rolling hills of West Virginia, where she will be laid to rest near her beloved parents. It is a return not just to her roots, but to the peace and beauty of the place that helped shape the remarkable woman she became.

Although we grieve, we also celebrate. We celebrate a life that mattered deeply, and a love that touched us all.

Willa is survived by her son, Eric (Kelli) Johnson, Valley Springs, SD; daughters, Amy Johnson Stassen, Valley Springs, SD, Michele Johnson, Valley Springs, SD, Tammy Webb, Sioux Falls, SD, and Deanna (Tucker) Bonte, Garretson, SD; grandchildren, Jake, Alex, Logan, Lane, Shyanne, Chloe, Nealy, Rylea, Parker, Caitlin, Dusty, Brock, Cody, and Kailyn; special grandson-in-law, Trevor Iverson; great-grandchildren, Oaklynn Maye, Drew, and two more on the way; and her brother, William Boyer II.

Willa was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jean Boyer.

May 15, 1947 ~ April 18, 2025

Arlen “Dutch” G. Te Slaa, 77, of Sioux Falls, died peacefully Friday, April 18, 2025, surrounded by his family, at the Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls.

A Graduation of Life will be 11am, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, with family visitation beginning at 9am. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Zion Lutheran Foundation.

Dutch’s Graduation of Life may be viewed live by clicking HERE.

Arlen “Dutch” Gary Te Slaa was the fifth child born to Gerrit and Gertrude (Van Marel) Te Slaa at Hull, IA, on May 15, 1947.  He grew up on the family farm southeast of Hull and attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse, Capel # 4, located about 1.5 miles from the farm.  From the seventh grade on, he attended school in Sioux Center, IA. Arlen graduated from high school in May of 1965.  After not finding anything of interest at Northwestern College, he started his first job in the sales field, selling Wear-Ever cookware, in June of 1966. He worked with Wear-Ever for 11 years. Arlen continued in the sales profession until his retirement on May 31, 2021.  It was in these early days of his selling career that he was given the nickname of “Dutch”.

On April 27, 1968, Dutch married the love of his life, Carol Diane Horton.  This union was blessed by three children: Eric, Katrina, and Andrew.  Eric married Kattie Lail, and two boys, Miloh and Beck, were added to the family.  Katrina married Scott Anderson and gave them their first grandchild, Jake.  Andrew married Megan Lozano and their only granddaughter, Nina, resulted from that union.  In the 56 years since their marriage, nothing has given them more pride and satisfaction than their children and grandchildren.

In the working years after Wear-Ever, Dutch spent 22 years in the automobile business. He started and built a satellite television company, and he worked as a Territorial Manager for the National Federation of Independent Business. The position that gave him the most satisfaction was a ministry he helped start called Main Street Living.  He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls and participated in many of their programs throughout the years.

Dutch will be deeply missed by his wife, Carol; son, Eric (Kattie) Te Slaa, Sioux Falls, daughter, Katrina (Scott) Anderson, Sioux Falls, and son, Andrew (Megan) Te Slaa, Ft. Collins, CO; four grandchildren, Miloh and Beck Te Slaa, Jacob Anderson, and Nina Te Slaa; he was also grateful for his brothers, Cleo, Hull IA, and Norm (Cathy), Lakewood, CO; sisters, Dee (Clarence) Gorter, Sioux Falls, SD, and Sharon (Marv) Winkel, George, IA; brothers-in-law, Bruce Horton, Klamath Falls, OR, Terry (Jill) Horton, Canton, SD, and Kip Horton; sister in law, Jody (Terry) Leibel, Pierre, SD; and dozens of nieces and nephews from all over the United States, many who address him as “Uncle Dutch”.

Dutch was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Gertrude Te Slaa; his brother and wife, Howard and Gertrude Te Slaa; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Te Slaa. his mother-in-law, Donna Drey, and fathers-in-law, Kenneth Drey and Howard Horton.

“For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so, we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).

September 28, 1975 ~ April 1, 2025

Derrod R. Mathison, 49, Sioux Falls, SD, died after a brief illness on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

No services are planned. Cards and well wishes may be sent to Querida Fisher, at 905 W. 18^th St. #20, Sioux Falls, SD 57103, or Megan Mathison, at 1938 E. 33^rd St. N. Apt. 1, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

Derrod was born on September 28, 1975, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Eugene and Judy (Stoppleworth) Mathison. He married Megan Bunger on April 21, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

Derrod was a gentle giant and was 6’8” when he finally stopped growing, much to the chagrin of his older brothers and father, who were all much shorter. He had a heart of gold and a very inquisitive mind and enjoyed learning. He enjoyed many hobbies which included reading fantasy novels, playing video and table games, and he was a passionate Green Bay Packers fan. He loved the Blues, and science-fiction, especially Star Trek and Star Wars movies and novels. He worked in the food service industry in his teen years, several call centers, the Argus Leader, and then as a food shopper and delivery person.

Derrod loved his two canine companions, Henry and Solomon, and mourned the loss of his dear Leia in 2021. He loved his dogs and would be happy to know they have found loving homes that will continue to care for them.

Derrod is survived by his wife, Megan Mathison, Sioux Falls; brothers, Mark, Great Falls, MT, Matthew, Raymand, MN, and Luke of Wabasso, MN; sisters, Rachelle (Philip) Graff, Sanborn, MN, Querida (Sweet) Fisher, Sioux Falls, and Kacelle (Benjamin) Duran, Sioux Falls; uncles, Larry, Gary, and Dale; aunt, Susan; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and dear friend, Jeremy Chouinard.

Derrod was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Judy Mathison; and sister, Cametra Mathison.

November 28, 1946 ~ April 6, 2025

Thomas W. Szalat, 78, Brandon, SD, died Sunday, April 6, 2025, at his home from recent medical issues. No services are planned at this time.  Please check back for further updates.

December 5, 1988 ~ April 1, 2025

Megan L. Ageton, 36, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, surrounded by her loving family.

A Celebration of Life Open House will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD, with a Funeral Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support Megan’s children. An account has been established at First Premier Bank under the care of Todd and Ginger Ageton.

You can view the service at 6:30pm via livestream by clicking HERE.

Megan was born on December 5, 1988, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Todd and Ginger Williamson-Ageton. She attended Brandon Valley schools and graduated in 2007. Megan’s deep love for God, art, and music infused every aspect of her life. A gifted writer and a creative spirit, her passion found its truest expression in motherhood. Megan was a devoted fiancé to Zach and together they cherished their five beautiful children: Harper (15), Eden (10), Irelyn (8), Noah (7), and Brock (3). Her nurturing spirit and love for art were beautifully intertwined in activities like gardening and painting, which she shared joyfully with her children.

For 36 years, Megan’s vibrant red hair and radiant smile lit up the lives of those around her. She was headstrong, determined, and endlessly resilient – qualities that defined not only who she was, but also how she faced her three-year battle with breast cancer, fighting with fierce courage and unwavering strength.

Megan is survived by her fiancé, Zach Waagmeester; her beloved children, Harper, Eden, Irelyn, Noah, and Brock; parents, Todd and Ginger Ageton; two sisters, Mallory Ballinger (Molly Womack), and Marissa Ageton; grandparents, Betty and Marlo Winter; step-grandmother, Darlene Jones; numerous loving uncles, aunts, and cousins; and cherished family members including, Linda and Kenny Waagmeester, Tina (Kelly), Crystal (Brad), and Michael (Theresa).

Megan is proceeded in death by her grandparents, Roger and Burnice Ageton, and Arlen Williamson; and two very special aunts, Cheryl Stuhldreher, and Amy Van Wagner.

May 16, 1961 ~ March 27, 2025

Joseph W. Sandoval, 63, Brandon, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD. If we are blessed with your presence at Joe’s Celebration of Life, and in honor of Joe’s love for music, please dress in music/band attire – ‘no country music references allowed’. In lieu of flowers, please take an opportunity to spend time in the dirt or invest in your local seed bank or a community garden. Spend a day listening to music of the classic rock genre and think of how Joe would be sitting next to you, playing the air guitar. Donations can also be directed to the Brandon Food Pantry at 406 Main, PO Box 712, Brandon, SD, 57005, 605-582-7001, as they will miss the produce that Joe so willingly shared with them for many years.

You may view the service via livestream by clicking HERE.

Joseph “Joe” W. Sandoval was born to Joseph M.A. Sandoval and Gail (Gerry) Sandoval in Sioux Falls, SD on May 16, 1961.  Joe spent his early childhood years in the Sioux Falls, SD and Salem, SD areas before their family moved to Evansville, IN.  Joe lived in Indiana until graduating from high school and then decided it was time to ‘come back home’ to South Dakota.  Upon arrival in South Dakota, Joe wished to follow in his parent’s footsteps and attempted to join the Navy.  Much to his dismay, the Navy declined his admission, as well as every other branch of the military he contacted.  Since there were no active conflicts at that time, each branch of the service told him the same thing, “He was too tall and everything would have to be specially made for him”; and so, his military vision came to an end.

For anyone that knows Joe, knows that music was a deep passion of his.  If a song was playing, he would instantly ask, ‘who is this?’  Before you even knew it, your knowledge of music was being tested and a lesson in music would soon follow. Joe’s response would always be the name of the artist, the album in which the song was released, which side of the album the song played on, the numbered order on the album, the year it was released and any/all other information pertinent to the band/band members that had occurred since inception.  Joe and Louise enjoyed attending concerts and there were many long weekends traveling to see those concerts.

Gardening was also one of Joe’s deepest joys and he spent as much time as he could in the garden each year at the acreage of dear friends, Harvey and Teresa Freeman, who made his gardening dream come true for many years.  Joe was always so grateful to them and their generosity and considered them as a brother/sister.  Each year the garden was going to be “downsized” only to find out when everything was planted, it was bigger than the year before.  Gardening was Joe’s therapy and it was a normal day for Joe to spend 10-12 hours playing in the dirt, being in the bright sunshine with his music blasting.  When the day was over, he was always ready the next morning to do it all again.

Joe’s gardening was a neighborhood effort.  He collected everyone’s grass clippings in the summer and leaves in the fall as mulch for his garden. In return for taking away their yard waste, the neighbors were “required” to share in Joe’s bountiful harvest in the fall.  Many tried to pay Joe for his produce, but he refused saying, “I love to do this, and I don’t want it going to waste.”  By the end of the growing season, the neighbors had their fill of veggies for the year, and Joe then gave generously to the food pantry in town and supplied a local restaurant with many pounds of produce each fall.  If you lived nearby or walked past Joe’s house in the fall, you would often smell onions dehydrating in the garage, or the scent of salsa and tomatoes in the air as that was Joe’s busy canning season. When gardening was done in the fall and the canning finished for the year, it was time to start plotting next year’s garden and would start the next season’s seeds after the first of the year. There was never an idle moment when it came to gardening.  Joe enjoyed planting something new each year; there were very few vegetables that Joe didn’t try to grow.  He spent many hours watching videos and learning new/different ways of gardening. Many Sunday afternoons in the fall were spent watching football, cleaning black beans, and making salsa.  The last few years, Joe also made pasta sauce for his grandkids, which they proudly labeled “Papa’s Pasta Sauce”.

Joe worked in the trucking industry numerous years throughout his career and was actively involved in the South Dakota Trucking Association.  Joe took great pride in being part of that organization and was most recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement award from the SDTA.  Joe was also awarded Safety Director of the Year in 2009.  Joe retired in February 2024 and was able to spend the better part of last year dedicated to his garden.

To know Joe, was to love him – he has always been a gentle giant, willing to help out anyone in need and listen when you needed an ear.  We are all better for the impact he has had on our lives and it will be difficult trying to carry on without him.  Joe’s family, his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.  Any day that he could talk to or see any one of them, made his day and put a smile on his face. 

To cherish his life and the many years of memories, Joe leaves behind his wife, Louise (Rostyne) Sandoval; daughter, Alison (Van) Lane, Omaha, NE; son, Joseph N. Sandoval, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Madison Lane and Jett Lane; sisters, Rebecca Sandoval, Medford OR, and Terry (Tony) Winkler, Evansville, IN; brother, Tom Sandoval, New Harmony, IN; aunts, Carol Wilcox, Sioux Falls, SD, and Harriett (Ken) Kutter, Sioux Falls, SD; special friends, Harvey and Teresa Freeman; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph M.A. Sandoval and Gail Sandoval; a sister, Patty Sandoval; both sets of grandparents; and special friend, Bernice Christopherson. Thank you to so many that have helped us through this trying time in our lives.  We truly have been very blessed with so many friends and family surrounding us with love and stories of Joe’s life. Joe’s wishes for his final resting place include his beloved garden that he cared for and loved for so many years, and one of his favorite hunting areas – Thunder Creek Pheasant Ranch in western South Dakota.

April 26, 1938 ~ March 18, 2025

Ernest “Ernie” W. Swier, 86, Brandon, SD, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Heritage Lutheran Church in Brandon, SD. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, also at Heritage Lutheran Church.

Ernest “Ernie” Wayne Swier was born on April 26, 1938, in Humboldt, SD to Walter and Dorothy (VanderLugt) Swier. He graduated from Colton High School and South Dakota State University where he majored in Animal Science.

While a college student, Ernie was united in marriage to Wilma Jo Berdahl on August 1, 1958. Ernie and Jo were proud parents to Scott, Chad, and Kelli. Family was the greatest joy in their lives.

The family moved to an acreage outside of Corson in 1971 and established Dakota Ridge Simmentals. This led the family to be very active in 4H where they enjoyed the Minnehaha County and South Dakota State Fair with the many friends they made. Ernie was also a past President of the South Dakota Simmental Association.

Ernie was active in civic organizations including Treasurer of the Brandon Township Board for 12 years and a founding member of the Brandon Optimist Club. He was proud of the Optimist Club’s diligence and support, which helped him receive the Distinguished President award in 1980 for the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Manitoba District.

Vocationally, Ernie served in the South Dakota Air National Guard for 8 years. He worked as a cattle buyer for 10 years before becoming part owner of Dakota Livestock at the Sioux Falls Stock Yards. After leaving the stockyards in 1986, Ernie became a private cattle order buyer. In 1992, Ernie began a new career as a home builder, cabinet maker, and highly skilled self-taught woodworker. His business, Country Woodshed, was in demand for customer furniture and finishings. His beautiful creations can be found in homes, businesses, and churches.

In addition to providing facility improvements and building furniture for churches, Ernie built relationships and provided leadership at Brandon Lutheran for 40 years. He and Jo became founding members of Heritage Lutheran where they enjoyed volunteering, bible studies, and serving on the board.

Ernie loved sunrises, sunsets, fishing, gardening, target shooting, wood carving, and wood burning. Most of all he loved his family.

Grateful for having shared Ernie’s life are his children, Scott (Kristi) Swier, Chad (Kara) Swier, and Kelli (Daryl) Mitzel; grandchildren, Riley (Kristine) Swier, Cody (Chelsey) Swier, Kaylee (Quinn Odenthal) Swier, Brady (Cameron) Swier, Schuyler Swier, Hannah Swier, Spencer Swier, Hailey (Kody) Derosier, and Mason (Alexus Wallenberg) Mitzel; great grandchildren, Orah, Eliza, Noah, Wesley, Brooklyn, Ruby, Forrest, Rory, Renlee, and Ivey; sister, Grace Farr; and sister-in-law, Donna Swier.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Jo Swier; his parents, Walter & Dorothy Swier; brothers, Rich (Catherine) Swier, Will (Alida) Swier, Pete (Dottie) Swier, John (LaDonna) Swier, Roger Swier, and Dennis Swier; sisters, Betty (Frank) Immeker, and Rosie Chiesa; and brother-in-law, Alvin Farr.