August 9, 1955 ~ October 30, 2024

Marsha L. Doerksen, aged 69, passed away on October 30, 2024, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Memorial services will be held on the following dates and times, November 9, 2024, 11am, Zion Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD; November 16, 2024, 1pm, Edgewater Baptist Church, Chicago, IL; and November 23, 2024, 1pm, Common Ground Church, Middleburg Heights, OH.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marsha’s memory can be made to Eastside Baptist Church and Zion Lutheran Church, both in Sioux Falls, SD, Avera Uro-Gynae Oncology Center, or to The Gideons International.

Marsha Lynn Gosnell was born on August 9, 1955, in Marshall, NC. Marsha graduated from Strongsville High School in Ohio and furthered her education at Tennessee Temple University. Professionally, she worked as a Medical Transcriptionist. She was meticulous and highly regarded by her colleagues.

A devout Christian, Marsha loved Jesus. She was a member of Bee Bee Town Baptist growing up in Columbia Station, OH, and later at Edgewater Baptist Church in Chicago, IL. She was actively involved in her church communities. At Edgewater Baptist Church, she regularly attended Sunday services, led youth groups, and organized women’s Bible Studies.

In her personal life, Marsha was known for her caring nature and her dedication to her faith. She loved spending time with others, opening her home for friends and family to gather and was always up for a party.

Marsha is survived by her husband, Roy Doerksen; children, Frank (Ashley) Doerksen, Rebekah (Peter) Kang, and Bryan Doerksen; granddaughters, Hazel, Evelynn Ann, Stella Rae, and Josie Lorraine; and her five siblings.

Marsha’s legacy of kindness and devotion will be remembered by all who knew her.

September 26, 1942 ~ October 29, 2024

Edgar A. Vermeer, 82, Sioux Falls, formerly Brandon, SD, passed away on October 29, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, surrounded by family.

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Monday, November 4, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon. Memorial Services will be 11am, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, Brandon, followed by Full Military Honors.  Inurnment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. To watch the Funeral Service Live click here https://youtube.com/live/mav366Koso0?feature=share

Edgar “Ed” Anton Vermeer was born on September 26, 1942, to Leonard and Dorothy (Bernards) Vermeer in Luverne, MN, and was raised on the family farm. He was baptized on November 1, 1942, at Steen Reformed Church and confessed his faith as a young adult at American Reformed Church in Luverne. Ed attended school in Luverne, MN, graduating in 1961. He joined the Army National Guard in 1960 and served until 1964.

On December 5, 1964, Ed married Lila Beyer at St. John’s Lutheran in Luverne, MN. Together, they shared almost 60 years of marriage and were blessed with three children. Ed spent many years farming, worked at A.R. Woods in Luverne, MN, and retired from Luverne Truck Equipment in Brandon, SD. While living in Luverne, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and deacon. Later in Brandon, he was a member of Faith United Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and spent many years on the building and grounds committee. Most recently, Ed was a member of Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church in Brandon, SD.

Ed enjoyed being out in nature, feeding the birds, tending to his flowers, fishing, camping, and cooking with a Dutch oven. He found a great amount of joy playing Santa during the holidays, where he spread laughter and cheer to residences at nursing homes. Above all, Ed cherished time spent with family and friends, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Ed never let a moment pass without adding his signature touch of fun. With a laugh and his favorite saying, “Just gotta have some fun,” he lifted everyone around him. His joy was infectious, his laughter unforgettable, and his love for life unwavering. Ed’s light will continue to shine through the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Ed is survived by his wife, Lila; daughters, Lisa (Tom) Johnson and Amy (Mike) Maher; and grandchildren, Makayla Maher, Kailey (Ethan) Osmundson, Izabella Maher, Chase Maher, and Malia Johnson; his siblings, Anna Huiskes, Mary (Dave) Harris, Burt (LeeAnn) Vermeer, Jane (Gene) VanderWolde, John (Mary) Vermeer, and Barb Nankivel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ed is preceded in death by his son, Douglas Vermeer; grandson, Carter Johnson; his parents, Leonard and Dorothy (Bernards) Vermeer; and sister, Marty Vermeer.

May 20, 1940 ~ October 25, 2024

Larry L. Kothe, 84, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, IA.

An Open House celebrating Larry’s life will be held at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD, on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  There will be a brief gathering near the end of the open house for anyone to share stories or memories with friends and family.  Larry’s burial will be at Our Redeemer Cemetery in Bryant, SD, at a later date.

Larry Lee Kothe was born on May 20, 1940, in Bryant, SD, to Edward and Ida (Steever) Kothe, as the youngest of ten children.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bryant.  Larry graduated from Bryant High School in 1959.  He was united in marriage to Judy Meyer, and they had two children, Derek (Kathryn) Kothe and Stephanie (Nervin) Anderson. 

Larry worked in the Maintenance Division of the SD State Highway Department for 37 years. He was an avid deer, pheasant, and turkey hunter, and gun collector.  Larry could often be seen wearing his custom-made cowboy hats, boots and western wear.  He attended many Professional Bull Rider competitions and could often be found dancing it up at the Sioux Falls VFW and American Legion, where he met DiAnn Henley.  Larry and DiAnn were married on September 19, 1988, when Larry also became stepfather to Dana (Shane) Voges and Tony (Julie) Kirchmeier. 

Larry enjoyed working at the Sioux Falls Farm Show.  He continued his passion for hunting by seeking out perfect antiques to share or repurpose. Larry was also quite a craftsman as he created new family memorabilia to pass on down to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.   

Larry is survived by his wife, DiAnn; his children and stepchildren; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Don Walgrave; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Ida; his siblings: Marvel (Mike) Davidson, Darrel (Eileen) Kothe, Alice (Lloyd) Fredrickson, Joyce (Dean) Limoges, Glen Kothe, Beverly Walgrave, Mary Williamson, Charles Kothe, and Doris Harris. 

August 31, 1952 ~ October 18, 2024

Wanda F. Lewis, 71, Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by her devoted family, succumbed to kidney failure on Friday, October 18, 2024, while in hospice at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 4900 W. 49^th Street, Sioux Falls, SD. A reception will follow at McCrossan’s Boys Ranch, 47135 260^th Street, Sioux Falls. Click HERE to watch the service live.

Wanda Fay Herrmann was born August 31, 1952, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Merle and Marion (Slob) Herrmann, the oldest of eight kids.  Born prematurely, along with her twin sister, she was kept in Sioux Valley Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit until they were healthy enough to breathe on their own. She grew up in Sioux Falls where she met her future husband at age twelve when he and his sister climbed her parents’ fence and decimated their watermelon patch (a story that would often be repeated over the next fifty-plus years).

At 18, Wanda symbolized her dedication to Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She would spend the remainder of her life actively pursuing her faith.

On December 4, 1976, Wanda married the former watermelon smasher and the love of her life, Alfred James Lewis. They would remain married for 48 years, both faithfully serving their God, Jehovah. Together they would raise three children, Matthew, Crystal, and Audra, who all fondly remember her strong moral compass and a boisterous, infectious laugh that could be heard from great distances.

Wanda lived a full life, entering the full-time ministry as a regular pioneer shortly after being baptized. She helped many people study Bible truths throughout the years. She left lasting impressions; remembered by all as having a prodigious knowledge of the scriptures as well as a deep faith that remained unshakable until the very end. Her comments at the congregation meetings were inspiring and will be missed, as will her insights and desire to help others. Her fondest desire was to travel down the Yellow River in China after her resurrection in Jehovah’s new world.

Wanda faced many health trials in her life, from multiple bouts of cancer to struggles with heart disease and diabetes. The Lewis family is grateful for the loving care and compassion they received from the staff at Ava’s House.

Grateful to have shared her life are her husband, Alfred James Lewis; her three children, Matthew (Lorina) Lewis of Stanley, NM, Crystal (Brice) Busselman of Sioux Falls, SD, and Audra (Shane) Hemmer of Sioux Falls, SD; seven grandchildren, Aurora, Kysen, Chloe, Annika, Winter, Declan, and Seamus; one great-grandchild, Matthew; siblings, Linda, Stan, Sheryl, Wayne, Lyle, Sheila, and Lisa; as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews too numerous to count.

September 22, 1953 ~ October 16, 2024

Charles “Chuck” E. Reiffenberger, 71, Brandon, SD, was called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Visitation for Chuck will be held at the Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Monday, October 21, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Redeemer Lutheran Church, Brandon.  Interment will follow at the Brandon Cemetery, Brandon, SD.

Charles “Chuck” Elmer Reiffenberger was born on September 22, 1953, in Madison, MN, to Norbert and Leona (Vortherms) Reiffenberger. He was baptized on September 27, 1953, by Father Odilo Burkhardt at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rosen, MN, where he was also confirmed on March 14, 1965. He grew up on a farm near Rosen, MN, where he participated in all farming activities, including harvesting cucumbers from the dreaded “pickle patch.” Always the prankster, he was involved in many childhood adventures, like wrapping Leo and Karen in blankets and rolling them down the steps. He graduated from Bellingham, Minnesota High School.   

Following his graduation from high school, he began his career in construction at the Big Stone Power Plant. He also worked briefly at Green Giant in Glencoe, MN, and Lester’s Inc. in Lester Prairie, MN, before moving to Madison, MN. He was employed as a carpenter for Great Plains for 5 years before he and Bill Skold began a construction partnership in 1983. Chuck continued as a contractor for another 10 years after Bill’s retirement in 2006. He looked forward to going to work every day and completing every aspect of the building process.

Chuck met Korinne Reil at a wedding dance in 1975. They were married on June 18, 1977, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Corona, SD. This union was blessed with three children: Cody, Chad, and Sherry. They lived in Madison, MN, until 2017, when they moved to Brandon, SD.

As a young man, Chuck enjoyed playing softball, bowling, fishing, and hunting deer and pheasants. He was an EMT with the Madison Ambulance crew for 22 years. He was confirmed on February 20, 1977, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Corona, SD, by Pastor Dennis Brech. He served as a church Trustee and Usher for many years. His greatest happiness was becoming a dad and grandpa.

He is survived by his wife, Korinne; children, Cody (Kristin), Brandon, SD, Chad (Stefanie), Brandon, SD, and Sherry (Donnie) Miller, Sioux Falls, SD; seven grandchildren, Alexa and William Miller, Hadley, and Hazel Reiffenberger, and Boston, Beckham, and Braylee Reiffenberger; brothers, Roger Reiffenberger, and Leo (Lisa) Reiffenberger; three sisters, Dolores (Tom) Kirchberg, Mary (Gene) Koosmann, and Karen (Bruce) Rudd; sister-in-law, Joan Reiffenberger; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert & Leona Reiffenberger; brothers, Joseph and Donald Reiffenberger; sister-in-law, Darlene Reiffenberger; and niece, Noelle Koosmann.

March 8, 1950 ~ October 13, 2024

Charles “Charlie” R. Lopas, 74, Sioux Falls, SD, died Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in his hometown of Hartford, WI.

Charles “Charlie” Roy Lopas was born in Wisconsin on March 8, 1950, to Leroy and Nona (Eggers) Lopas.

Charlie retired from 32 years of teaching in Kenosha, WI, and moved to Sioux Falls, SD, with his wife, Sandra, to be near their daughter’s family. Charles delighted in his role as “Boompa”. He enjoyed anything to do with his grandchildren which included tea parties, sporting events, and learning what a “Sponge Bob” was.

Charlie loved playing music with the many musicians he met in Sioux Falls. Whether it was rock and roll, or Sunday morning Praise Teams, he was ready to play guitar, keyboard, harmonica, or tuba! He was sorry for missing the Wednesday morning breakfast club and always hoped they would have changed it to lunchtime.

Charlie left this world in peace and love for his family and friends and the wonderful clergy who supported him on his journey.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sandra (Pocius); daughter, Tracy (Chris) Rossing; son, Jason; grandson, Erik Rossing; granddaughters, Elise Rossing and Annabelle Rossing; brothers, Larry (Carol) Lopas and Scott Lopas; brother-in-law, Douglas (Connie) Pocius; many nieces and nephews, and many friends; and his dog, Riki.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Nona Lopas; grandfather, Clarence Eggers; and nephew, Steven Pocius.

March 23, 1951 ~ October 10, 2024

James “Jimmy” O. Phillips, 73, Sioux Falls, SD, died Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Avantara Norton Nursing Home in Sioux Falls, after a short battle with cancer.

No Services are scheduled at this time.

James “Jimmy” Owen Phillips was born on March 23, 1951, in Brawley, California, to Thermon and Mozelle (Hanson) Phillips. He grew up and attended schools in Imperial, CA.

He enjoyed water skiing at the lake, fishing with friends, deer hunting in Utah with his father, and hot rodding his old blue and white Oldsmobile 442 around town.

James became a pipefitter/plumber and worked for many years at Ed Blackman & Sons Plumbing of Imperial, CA. After retiring, James moved to Smith River, CA. He enjoyed spending time with friends and always talked about how the weather was perfect year-round there.

James moved to Sioux Falls, SD, in 2019 to be closer to his eldest daughter. While living in Sioux Falls, you could find James in shorts and a T-shirt even when it was -10 degrees outside. He loved to bake cookies and cakes for people around town. His kindness will be truly missed.

James is survived by his daughters, Jamie Phillips and Tracy (Joe) Pulera; grandchildren, Greg (Ashley), Tori, Tim, Samuel, and Ashley F.; a great-granddaughter, Logynn; sister, Sherry Balkcom; brother Tyy (Christine) Phillips; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend/son, “Big A” Adam Klaassen.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Thermon and Mozelle Phillips; brother, Tim Phillips; and soul mate, Linda.

Special thanks to all the caregivers who kept James comfortable throughout his illness.

March 9, 1935 ~ October 12, 2024

Joseph F. Hauger, 89, Sioux Falls, SD, died Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

A burial will be held at a later date in Franklin, TN. In Memorial of Joseph, any contributions received will be given to the Dougherty Hospice House. Please send any memorial contributions to Pamela Brinkman, 1013 N. Brennan Court, Sioux Falls, SD 57110.

Joseph Francis Hauger was born on March 9, 1935, in Yankton, South Dakota, to Henry and Mary (Stark) Hauger. He graduated from Gayville High School in Gayville, SD.

Joseph worked for the Fuller Brush Company as a Salesman and Manager.

Joseph is survived by his children, Gayle Sigler (Kim-Deceased), Rick (Monica) Hauger, Craig (Judy) Hauger, Rhonda (Jerry) VandenHull, Pamela (Ryan) Brinkman, Kelly (John) Kemp, and Todd (Kimberly) Hauger; 7 stepchildren; 15 grandchildren; 15 step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 22 step-great-grandchildren; one step-great-great-grandchild; and his sister, Doris Sees, age 100.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Hauger; son-in-law, Kim Sigler; grandson, Christopher Brinkman; and mother of his children, Jarlene Hauger.       

February 24, 1968 ~ September 30, 2024

Thomas E. Moscrop, 56, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away from cancer on Monday, September 30, 2024, at his home in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by his loved ones.

A Celebration of Life is Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 2:00pm, at the American Legion in Pipestone, MN.

Thomas Edward Moscrop was born on February 24, 1968, in San Gabriel, California, to William and Nancy (Cvengros) Moscrop. He lived in various California cities until he moved to Fontana, CA, with his father at the age of 13. He attended Fontana High School.

Tom played water polo and football in school. His favorite childhood memories were camping and boating on the Colorado River and Lake Mohave with his dad, stepmom Shari, and other family and friends. Tom also enjoyed riding motorcycles, finding deals at various places, and having his vendor spots in California.

Tom worked for his father’s company, Glenco Steel, from 1989 to 2008 as a welder and in many other capacities. He then joined La Palma Fine Arts in Los Angeles in 2008, where he helped erect 60-foot sculptures. Some of the projects he worked on include Molecule Man in Council Bluffs, IA, Digital Man in San Francisco, CA, and Walking to the Sky in Korea. Tom then worked with Modular Wind Energy from 2009 to 2014, and International Wind, starting in 2014, and did blade inspections and repairs.

While traveling for International Wind, Tom met the love of his life, Lesley, in Pipestone, MN. They lived together for 11 years, until his passing. Tom loved the slow pace and friendly people of the Pipestone area, and Minnesota in general. He often referred to Pipestone as “Mayberry”.

Tom worked in Pipestone for five years for Evans Drainage and Tile, where he made life-long friends with the Evans family and his co-workers. He then worked for Truss Pros until his passing, again making many life-long friends. While in Minnesota, Tom enjoyed taking the pontoon to the lake with family and friends and going to the Legion after work for pull tabs and socializing, where he made many close friends.

Tom was a huge animal lover. He loved all kinds of animals. He and Lesley had four dogs and fostered many puppies over the past few years. They enjoyed many trips to Florida together. Tom accepted everyone for who they were, regardless of their status, rich or poor, and he made friends wherever he went. He would always go out of his way to make anyone who stopped in for a visit feel welcome. Tom was extremely proud of his beautiful and hardworking daughter, Mckenzie.

Tom is survived by his significant other and love of his life, Lesley Schoonhoven; his daughter, Mckenzie Eaves (Jacksonville, FL); his stepmother, Shari Moscrop (Bullhead City, AZ); two brothers, Darren (Noemi) Moscrop (Fontana, CA), and Ryan (Bullhead City, AZ); two sisters, Tami (Cushing, OK), and Tanya (Grand Forks, ND); and nephew, William Moscrop.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, William Moscrop; and his mother, Nancy Knowles.

April 13, 1955 ~ October 6, 2024

Dave Deel, 69, Brandon, SD, passed away unexpectedly at his home, on October 6, 2024, at age 69. 

A Private Family Service will be held at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD.  

Dave Allan Deel was born on April 13, 1955, in Estherville, IA. He spent his early years in Jackson, MN, graduating from Jackson High School in 1973. He then attended the aviation program in Thief River Falls, MN. 

Dave had a gift for playing guitar and in the early 1980’s, formed with a group of friends, the band JAX, playing good old rock n roll in local bars and venues for several years.   He had a passion for flying small airplanes and spent most of his career in the aviation field, including crop dusting in SW Minnesota with his dad. He later worked at Business Aviation in Sioux Falls, SD, and then as the FBO for the Jackson Municipal Airport until 2012.  He later worked at Last Deck, Inc. in Jackson, MN until his retirement in 2020.  

Dave is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kim (Stehlik) Deel; sons, Andrew Deel, and Brady (Andrea) Deel; granddaughter, Elowen Deel; step-grandchildren, Cooper and Emirae Aurand; parents, Dave and Ginny Deel; siblings, Darwin (Pam), Doug, and Deb (Tom) Pietz; sister-in-law, Lynelle (Rick) Nordquist, brother-in-law, Joel (Mary) Stehlik; and several nieces and nephews.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Stan and Virginia Stehlik; paternal grandparents, Frank and Margeret Deel; and maternal grandparents, Orin and Barbara Anderson.