July 22, 1946 ~ November 20, 2024

Charlotte “Char” A. Rottluff, 78, Alcester, died Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Alcester Care Center, after a prolonged illness.

A visitation will be held 1-3pm, Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a short service beginning at 2:30pm. Inurnment will be at a later date at St Andreas cemetery in Oldham, SD.

Charlotte “Char” Ardell Nelson was born July 22, 1946, to Irene Nelson near Irwin, SD. She grew up with her mother on the family farm north of De Smet, SD. She also spent much time with Grandma Lillie and Grandpa Carl, who lived nearby.

Charlotte graduated from Erwin High School in 1964 and attended business school in Huron, SD. She worked as a secretary and at other jobs while raising her daughters, Vickie and Laura.

Char was a free spirit and lived in many different areas. She spent time in Washington state, California, Idaho, and Minnesota. In later years, she lived in Oklahoma and New Mexico with her husband Ron. But they always came back home to South Dakota. Char and Ron enjoyed traveling to and participating in flea markets, liked antiquing, and spending time with family and friends.

Charlotte had a strong faith in the Lord which got her through the hard and good times. She helped at many churches with different roles, but her favorite was Sunday School, VBS, and adult devotions. She attended church in any area she lived and loved sharing the teachings of God by word and deed. She had many friends here and in other places, she lived.

Charlotte will be deeply missed by her daughter, Laura Clark (Amy Mathiason); stepdaughter, Karie Rottluff; her grandchildren, Jonathon and Amber Dennis, and Bryan (Rose) Clark; step-grandchildren, Tasneem, and Amir (Allison) Rottluff; great-granddaughters, Cara Dennis, Anastasia, and Ezmerelda Clark; her sister, Sharon (David) Lundquist Foesch; several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Rottluff; her daughter, Vickie Dennis; and her mother, Irene Lundquist.

August 20, 1943 ~ November 8, 2024

Lynn J. Schrick, 81, Sioux Falls, SD, died Friday, November 8, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Per Lynn’s wishes, no services are planned at this time.

Lynn Jeanine Knutson was born on August 20, 1943, in Hudson, SD, to Milford & Eva (Ausen) Knutson. She grew up on a farm south of Newton Hills. She graduated from Canton High School in 1961. She moved to Sioux Falls after high school.

On November 19, 1966, Lynn began a new chapter in her life when she married Dale Schrick. Together, they welcomed their son, Todd, in December of 1968. She built a fulfilling career, working for Production Credit and later contributing to various businesses throughout the years.

Lynn found joy in pampering herself, whether it was a hair appointment or manicure, and could always turn a shopping trip into an adventure. Alongside her fiancé, David Tvedt, Lynn loved exploring the backroads of South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa, always seeking out the local haunts and hidden gems that each state and small town held.

Lynn’s family would like to thank the staff at Avera Heart Hospital and Avera ICU for their excellent care and service.

Lynn is survived by her fiancé, David Tvedt, Sioux Falls, SD; son, Todd (Susan) Schrick, Sioux Falls; grandsons, Jordan, Wall Lake, and Travis, Sioux Falls; sister-in-laws, Marcia Knutson, Elk Point and Lori Molan, Viborg; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Lynn is preceded in death by her parents, Milford & Eva Knutson; and brothers, Rod Knutson and Roger Knutson.

July 15, 1950 ~ November 7, 2024

John C. Vermeer, 74, Valley Springs, SD, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00am, at Pleasant View Cemetery, Valley Springs, SD, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The family invites you to join them for coffee and fellowship at the Valley Springs American Legion Hall, following the service.

John Clarence Vermeer was born on July 15, 1950, in Luverne, MN, to Leonard and Dorothy (Bernards) Vermeer, at the Luverne Community Hospital.  He was raised on the family farm along with his seven siblings. John was baptized in the American Reformed Church of Luverne and later became a member of the Valley Springs Reformed Church. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1970.

John married Mary Doyle on October 12, 1996. John farmed and later worked for Marv’s Sanitation as well as the City of Valley Springs. He was known to be a helper and friend to many. John is survived by his wife, Mary; siblings, Anna Huiskes, Mary (David) Harris, Burt (Lee Ann) Vermeer, Jane (Gene) VanderWolde, and Barb Nankivel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Dorothy Vermeer; brother, Ed Vermeer; and his sister, Marty Vermeer.

October 29, 1926 ~ November 2, 2024

Leola M. Graff, 98, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Private Burial will take place at Brandon Lutheran Cemetery.  A Memorial Service will begin at 1:30pm, Friday, December 27, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a time of fellowship and visitation following the service. You can view the Memorial Service by clicking HERE.

Leola May Pederson was born on October 29, 1926, in Garretson, SD.  She graduated from Garretson High School in 1944 as a Salutatorian.  She attended Augustana College for 9 months then attended Nettleton Commercial College in Sioux Falls.  She married Harvey Graff at the Palisades Lutheran Church on September 20, 1948, east of Garretson where she was baptized and confirmed.  

Leola worked as a bookkeeper at a medical clinic in Boulder, CO, while Harvey attended Pharmacy school at the University of Colorado. She then worked for 20 years as an Administrative Assistant in Financial Aid at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Following retirement, she was a volunteer for the South Dakota Department of Tourism at the Vermillion I-29 rest stop. In 1992, they moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to their two sons and five grandchildren. Leola was a volunteer at Sioux Valley Hospital and was also a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

Leola is survived by her son, Scot (Debra Elofson) Graff; daughter-in-law, Kim Graff; grandchildren, Claire (Cody) Strong, Hayden (Shahad) Graff, Sarah (Joel) Mettler, Emily (Nate) Loos, and Dr. Peter (Guillermo) Graff; three great-grandchildren, Gavin and Wesley Strong, and William Loos.

Leola was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Graff; son, Alan Graff; parents, Ed and Emma Pederson; sisters, Ione Miller, and Junie Remme; and brother, Leonard Edmundson.

August 7, 1975 ~ October 30, 2024

Carie A. Coyle, 49, passed away on October 30, 2024, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by family and friends.

Carie’s Celebration of Life will be held from 1:30 ~ 3:30pm, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD, on Sunday, November 10, 2024.

Carie Ann Bauer was born on August 7, 1975, to Gary and Catherine (Shriver) Bauer. She grew up with her two older siblings and six younger siblings on an acreage outside of Clear Lake, IA.

Carie was dedicated to helping others and obtained a degree in Nursing, working in several different areas within Sioux Valley – now Sanford – Hospital, and also was a licensed EMT. She loved being able to use her time working as an opportunity to help others, especially when she worked in labor and delivery.

Carie was known for her extremely caring nature and passion for helping others. She spent much of her time finding ways to bring a smile to the face of anyone she met and sharing her love of Christ through worship. Known for her love of baking chocolate chip cookies and anything Christmas, Carie would love for all who knew her to continue to live their lives with joy, rather than the sadness of her passing.

Carie has gone to be with her father, and her son, Joshua, in Heaven and is undoubtedly keeping an eye on each of her children and her grandchildren. She adored being a grandmother and spoiling each of her grandchildren and never missed a chance to talk about them and their silly moments.

Carie is survived by her children and grandchildren, Shannon Waterfall (mother of Landen-age 9 and Lila-age 1), Shawna Minor, Sheila Coyle, Soren Coyle (father of Samira-age 5), Sierra Dean (mother of Evalyn-age 3 and Ezra-age 2), and Summer Coyle; her mother, Cathy Bauer; her siblings, Christy McLain, Heath Bauer, Clint Bauer, Shelly Taylor, Derek Bauer, Breilen Bauer, Blake Bauer, and Denise Bauer; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins who all loved her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her son, Joshua Coyle, and father, Gary Bauer.

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.