December 4, 1933 – August 19, 2024

LaVerna M. McMartin, 90, Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully at home, early Monday morning, on August 19, 2024.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the Sioux Falls Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Sioux Falls, SD. There will be a luncheon held directly after the service, followed by the Interment which will be held at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery, in Sioux Falls.

LaVerna Margret McMartin was born December 4, 1933, in Brookings, South Dakota. She was born to Harold and Velva (Bebo) Bacon. Laverna was married to her loving husband of 46 years, Robert (Bob) McMartin, on April 7, 1978. Bob and Laverna shared many amazing memories and were always together making sure to never miss a minute apart.

Laverna was the mother of four children, Donnis, Valette, Regine, and Karris. She was a loving mother, who enjoyed cooking, creating home decor, crafting, gardening, flower arranging, and keeping a tidy house. Her daughter Karris has fond memories of attending weekly ceramic classes together.

LaVerna was “Mama/Gran” to grandchildren Jon, Joy, April, Dustin, Brenna, Christine, Reginald, Aquarius, Autumn, Salina, and Jon’Anthony, along with many great, and great-great-grandchildren.

LaVerna worked at Miller Funeral Home and co-managed an apartment complex with her husband Bob. Her family remembers her as “an amazing woman through and through” and “the best cook and baker”. She was a homemaker, making her own homemade marinara sauce, sugar cookies, and sun tea. She was always supportive and had an open ear. She enjoyed spreading some sass but also had the best advice. She was loved by everyone around.

LaVerna attended First Christian Church in Sioux Falls, SD where she was involved in multiple different roles. She sang in the church choir and annual Easter Cantata.

Laverna is survived by her loving husband, Robert McMartin; daughters, Valette and Karris (John) Neuman; daughter-in-law, Jona Wipf; son-in-law, Gary Fury; and eleven grandchildren.

Laverna was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Velva Bacon; son, Donnis Wipf; daughter, Regine Fury; and son-in-law, Stephen Hamilton.

February 1, 1989 ~ August 8, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Deryan A. Banks of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He left us in the arms of his angel on August 8, 2024, at the age of 35. Deryan was a beloved Husband, Father, Son, Brother, and Friend, and his loving nature and selflessness were evident to all; he would have given the shirt off his back to help anyone in need.

A Celebration of Deryan’s life will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Sioux City, IA. Friends and family are invited to come together to honor his memory and share their stories. A meal will be shared and all are encouraged to honor him in a way that he would have wanted.

Born on February 1, 1989, in Harvey, IL, Deryan Allan Banks was known for his infectious laughter and kind heart. He took immense pride in his family, always celebrating their achievements and supporting them unconditionally. Deryan also had a deep love for breeding pit bulls, dedicating his time and passion to nurturing and raising these loyal companions. His enthusiasm for the breed was matched only by his commitment to ensuring they were well-cared for and loved.

Deryan is survived by his wife, Kara; his mother, Cassandra Teague (Raymond Sr.); his father, Darnell Payne; seven children whom he adored; ten siblings who meant the world to him; and a massive circle of friends who were like family. He was well-loved by everyone and had a large family filled with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Deryan Banks will forever remain in our hearts, and his legacy of love and joy will continue to inspire those he left behind. Be like Deryan….. love one another, make peace wherever you go, and take pride in family. It is sometimes all we have and all we need.

February 21, 1953 ~ August 10, 2024

Michael K. Bogue, 71, of Sioux Falls, SD, lost his battle to cancer on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Michael Kent Bogue was born on February 21, 1953, in Kokomo, IN. Mike was the youngest of two boys born to Paul Bogue and Earnestine (Horoho) Bogue. Growing up, Mike lived in many states due to his father’s job before settling in California where he would meet the love of his life, Lori McNeil, while at a church youth group. They would marry on July 23, 1973, in California, where they would continue living, loving, and working while raising their four children.

Mike’s relationship with God played an active role throughout his life. Mike and his wife, Lori, were active youth leaders in their early years of courtship and marriage, progressing over time to an active role in the FCF, where their children regularly joined them. He was a Royal Rangers leader during his son’s younger years as well as a Deacon in the church. Mike loved spending time outdoors with his family, camping, and fishing. He also enjoyed spending time at the ocean collecting his moonstone.

After 50 years in the sales and distribution, Mike retired from Lowes. In his free time, Mike loved coaching his grandchildren’s little league, where he was referred to as “Coach Poppa.” As the grandchildren grew up, Mike remained active by playing golf with family and friends. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Lori; their four children, (twins) Michael and Heather, Jennifer, and Andrea; his grandchildren, Jordynn, Kyle, Stefanie, Cierra-Jo, Gaby, Clayton, Timothy, Jon, and Kloie.

Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffery; and his parents, Paul and Ernestine.

November 26, 1926 ~ August 4, 2024

Bernice L. Christopherson passed away peacefully Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Bethany Meadows Home in Brandon, SD. 

A Visitation for Bernice will be held at the Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Split Rock Lutheran Church, rural Brandon.  Interment will follow at the Split Rock Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Brandon, SD.

Bernice Louise Fiskey was born November 26, 1926, on a farm near Bridgewater, SD.  Bernice was the oldest of four children born to William Fiskey and Minnie (Jensen) Fiskey. Bernice and her family spent the majority of her childhood in the Bridgewater area and later moved to a farm near Salem, SD.  Bernice graduated from Salem High School in May 1944, and then attended Sioux Valley School of Nursing/Sanford Health, graduating in 1947.  Bernice married Dennis Christopherson on February 28, 1960.  Dennis and Bernice spent the majority of their married life at their home in Corson, SD. Bernice continued to live in Corson after the death of Dennis in 1996, until moving to Bethany Meadows in July 2016.

As a loving wife, Bernice continued in her nursing profession until her retirement, after 45 years of employment, at Sioux Valley/Sanford Hospital.  Bernice lived an active life and taught by example.  Among Bernice’s numerous achievements and involvement throughout her life, she was Supervisor/Administrator of the Luverne Community Hospital, Supervisor at Sioux Valley/Sanford Hospital, 1984 Nurse of the Year/Sioux Valley School of Nursing Alumni Association, 2012 Nurse of the Year/Sanford Health, Friends of Parkinson Foundation and Parkinson Committee, National Parkinson’s Foundation, volunteered at Split Rock Lutheran Church, Luther Manor Board Member, Nursing Alumni Association, Split Rock Lutheran Church Council, Senior Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Alumni Association of Sioux Valley Hospital School of Nursing.

Bernice is survived by her sister, Jean Fiskey; and special friend, Yvonne Kelling, Mankato, MN; cousins, Pam King, Holt, MO; Jane Schumacher, Bismark, ND; special friends, Joe and Louise Sandoval, Alison Lane, Joe “Joey” Sandoval, Sharla Jannsen, Deb Weir, Steve Farley, Donna Skalland, Norma Chesshir, and many other friends and acquaintances.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Christopherson; her parents; brother, Ralph Fiskey; sister, Delores Schoppert; and mother/father-in-law, Ruth and Dewey Christopherson.

February 19, 1963 ~ July 29, 2024

Jeffery B. Gardiner, 61, Sioux Falls, died Monday, July 29, 2024, at Sanford USD Medical Center.

A Visitation will be held at 5-7pm, Friday, August 2, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a short service at 6:30pm.

Jeffery Brian Gardiner was born on February 19, 1963, to Paul and Leona (Hart) Gardiner in Sioux Falls, SD. He attended Washington High School and then worked in California before moving back to Sioux Falls. He played in several bands as a lead guitarist around Sioux Falls. One of his favorites was playing Eruption by Eddie Van Halen.

Jeff met Monica Jack, and they had one daughter, Leona. He worked at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Goodwill of Sioux Falls, and Olive Garden, retiring in 2017 due to poor health.

Jeffery loved slasher and horror movies, monster masks, and collecting toys. He loved nature walks and enjoyed collecting bugs once in a rare while. Music was a favorite pastime and passion. He went fishing as a kid and had many great memories while fishing with friends or sometimes alone. He was a great storyteller and loved to tell stories to his daughter, Leona. He was an amazing provider to his close friend, Monica Jack. He was always a supportive father, a nurturing dad, and an extraordinary papa to his daughter, Leona. He was Monica’s first partner, a true gentleman, and will always be loved by his partner, Monica Jack, his daughter, Leona Sage, and by all who’ve connected paths with him.

Jeff is survived by his partner, Monica; his daughter, Leona; one sister, Linda Wieman; and one brother, Paul Gardiner.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Janet Christiansen and Phyllis Underberg; and two ferrets, Pugsley and Creature.

September 6, 1994 ~ July 21, 2024

Benjamen M. Bourne, 29, Hartford, passed away suddenly at his home on July 21, 2024.

A Visitation will be held 2pm to 4pm, on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD.

Ben Markes Bourne came into this world on September 6, 1994, to Robin and Clarice (Brandsgaard) Bourne in Sioux Falls, SD. Ben was “born a fighter”. He was born at 26 weeks gestation, weighing 1lb. 13oz. and 13″ long. Ben was in for a struggle, right from the beginning. Thankfully, he overcame those struggles and was able to grow up with his friends and family in Sioux Falls, SD. Ben obtained the same wandering fever his dad had and joined the carnival that came to town. He enjoyed seeing the different towns and states before realizing he wanted to be back home. 

Ben had a flavorful work experience in his short-lived life. It ranged from fast food to security to lawn and landscaping and ended with tow truck driving. Ben enjoyed the tow truck life. He felt he was able to help the community out as a tow truck driver.

When Ben wasn’t driving, he could be found gaming with friends and family or hanging with nieces and nephews. Ben enjoyed being an uncle. He loved and treated all of them equally. Ben always had a smile on his face when he was around them. Ben would also randomly call friends and family between 1 and 3 am proving he was having a slow night at work with Stocken Towing.

Ben also enjoyed his fishing time with his best friend ever, Ryder, a Golden Retriever. You could always find them together if Ben was not working.

Ben is survived by his mom, Clarice Brandsgaard; siblings, Robert (Shannon Nordman) Grim, Desiree Wollan, Shantae (Erika Villaruel) Bourne, ShayLeigh Bourne, and Breanna (Austin) Kunselman; his nieces and nephews that will forever miss his goofiness; his aunt and uncles that are going to miss him as well; and his girlfriend.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Robin Lee Bourne; grandparents, Glenn and Ann Brandsgaard, Ben and Joan Bourne; Uncle Jim Bourne, Uncle Dave and Aunt Mary Tieszen; cousins, Elizabeth, Paul, and Mystique Brandsgaard, and Hadley Tassler.

November 28, 1947 – July 14, 2024

On July 14, 2024, we lost a wonderful mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend to many.

Linda Kay Dominisse was born November 28, 1947, to Merlin Nicholas Dominisse and Shirley Jean Belle (Dowling) Dominisse in Norfolk NE.  Linda and her family lived in Randolph NE.  Throughout her life, she lived in various cities of Nebraska and in the Sioux Falls, SD area. 

Linda married Marcus in 1971, and from this marriage, she had four children.  

Linda loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren!  She loved watching sports!  Her favorites were the New York Yankees baseball, Dodgers baseball, SF 49ers football, and cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers with her son.  She LOVED baking, especially for her grandkids! She has many recipes and notes on them, including which ones each of the grandkids really liked. She enjoyed growing a garden and watching all the birds enjoy her birdfeeders. 

Linda was survived by her children, Shelli Aksland (Eldon Esmay), Marc Aksland, and Shirley (Tom) Niemeyer; her grandchildren, Joseph (Alisha) Bohdan, Nicholas (Brynn Schupner), and Nathan Esmay, Makayla Ochsner (Liam Sport), Korey and Katrina Relph; her great-grandchildren, Natalie Sport, Lillian, and Lukas Relph, and Riley Sayler; her mother, Shirley Huey; her sisters, Judy (Roger) Musch, and Marion (Dick) Dressen; and many nieces and nephews.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Merlin; her son, Lynn Nicholas; and her brother, Nick.

April 22, 1952 ~ July 7, 2024

Gary W. Grabau, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and educator, passed away peacefully at his home in Sioux Falls, S.D., on July 7, 2024. He was 72.

A Celebration of Life will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., on Aug. 10, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society, Sioux Falls located at 5320 W. 49^th St., Sioux Falls, S.D 57106.  Lunch will be provided. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Sioux Falls School District Child Nutrition Fund (please include “Angel Fund” in the memo line if donating by check) are appreciated.

Gary William Grabau was born on April 22, 1952, in Rochester, MN. Gary was the son of the late Loraine and Frances Grabau of Spring Valley, MN. He graduated from Spring Valley High School and continued his education at Winona State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. He later received a Master’s Degree in Education from St. Mary’s University.

Gary humbly dedicated his career to education, serving as a high school teacher, mentor, and coach for football, track, and basketball. In 2000, Gary was honored as the Social Studies Teacher of the Year in Minnesota, a testament to his passion and dedication to teaching. He was particularly inspired by Lloyd Petersen of Marshall High School, whose mentorship helped shape Gary’s own approach to teaching and mentoring, until his retirement in 2008. Gary continued to share his passion as an educator for the Senior Gold program in Marshall at SMSU.

In his spare time, Gary enjoyed collecting Redwing Pottery and cherished his visits to Lake Superior, which was his favorite spot to visit. He loved camping with his family and treasured weekly breakfast gatherings with his fellow coaches.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Paige Grabau, Sioux Falls; his sons, Robert Grabau, Sioux Falls, and Matthew (Kalee) Grabau, Eagan, MN; his daughter, Amanda (Brian) Vlaminck, Sioux Falls; in his later years, he became a cherished grandfather to Emalyn and Evan Vlaminck, Sioux Falls; his brother, Robert (Kathy) Grabau, Pine Island, MN; his niece and nephew, Megan Thibodeaux, St. Paul, MN, and Mitchell Grabau, Pine Island, MN.

October 18, 1945 ~ June 26, 2024

Duane Tordsen, 78, of Sioux Falls, “DT”, as he was known by many, or Dad to us, has gone to where the fish are always biting, he’s bowling 300’s, has the winning card hand, and the Miller Lite is always cold. 

Dad didn’t want a sappy obituary, funeral, or any fanfare. His request was to have his friends and family raise a drink in his honor and to remember the good times. 

If you would like to honor his memory, please feel free to donate to: Disabled American Veterans 1519 W 51st St. Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Hey Dad, 

Love you, bye… 

Anne & Lynn