October 26, 1950 ~ June 24, 2024

Juanita “Nita” J. Nelson, 73, Brandon, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 24, 2024, surrounded by family, after succumbing to cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be 4-6pm, Friday, July 26, 2024, with a short service at 5:30pm, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD.

Juanita “Nita” Jean Nelson was born to Alvin and Jenny (Johnson) Kruse, on October 26, 1950, one of six children.  She grew up in Maynard, MN, and after graduating high school in 1968. Nita moved to Minneapolis, MN, where she attended school for dental hygiene. She met her husband Randy Kentzelman, and they were married on July 22, 1978. Nita and Randy moved to Dallas, TX, where they had their son, Josh, and daughter, Amber. Nita eventually moved back to Minnesota to be closer to her parents but settled in Sioux Falls, SD, in 1994. She worked at Sioux Valley Hospital and finished out her working years at Wells Fargo, where she made many great friends along the way.

Nita lived her life to the fullest and always made everyone feel welcome. Her faith never faltered during her journey with cancer and she was well known as everyone’s prayer warrior. She enjoyed baking, spending time with her family and friends, watching the Minnesota Vikings play football, dancing, and traveling. She was so proud of her children and grandson and claimed bragging rights to all of their accomplishments. While our hearts mourn the loss, we take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering.

Nita is survived by her children, Josh, and Amber (Matt); and her grandson, Mason; sisters, Lavonne “Pug” (Lloyd) Lind, and Elaine Mueller; her brothers, Ron (Dana) Kruse, Bob (Diane) Kruse, and Gary (Paula) Kruse; and many nieces and nephews.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Jenny Kruse.

March 17, 1942 ~ June 24, 2024

Tony P. Underberg, 82, Sioux Falls, died on June 24, 2024, at his home, where he had been doing in-home hospice care and was being taken care of and surrounded by the ones he loved, after an unexpected aggressive cancer diagnosis.

Visitation will be 2-4pm, Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 1pm, Monday, July 1, 2024, also at Heartland Funeral Home. Burial will follow at St Michael Cemetery.

Anthony “Tony” Phillip Underberg was born on March 17, 1942, in Larchwood, IA, to Matthew and Alma (Warborg) Underberg. He married the love of his life, Darlene, on July 30, 1962, and began raising their family shortly thereafter.

Tony worked for 32 years, as he owned and operated Tony Underberg Drywall. After retiring from that, he worked for North American Wholesale Florist as a delivery driver for 18 years and retired from there in October 2023.

Tony enjoyed fishing, hunting, racing, playing cards, giving flowers to friends and neighbors, driving the neighborhood to check on his kids, and vacations in the Black Hills every Labor Day weekend for 50+ years. Tony made many, many great relationships throughout his years and will always be remembered for his joking sense of humor, his laugh, his willingness to always help out, and his great handyman advice. Tony could fix anything. He was overall a great, kind man, and friend to many. But most of all, Tony loved his family. He always supported them at every event he could attend.

Grateful for sharing his life are his children, Phil (Kim), and Casey (Shawndrel), all of Sioux Falls; daughter-in-law, Laura; son-in-law, Chad; his beloved grandkids, Mason, Micah, Dylan, Shayne, Taren, Seth, Amelia, Alec, Adrianna, Jayden, William, Jacob, Sean, Caysen, and Krew; great-grandchildren, Nora, Lyric, Brooks, Reese, Stevie, Story, Bodhi, Teddy, Cleo, Rylie, Corbin and a baby girl due in September; siblings, Jane Hoffman, Rita Kaffar, Alice (Bernie) VanVooren, Joyce Townsend; and significant friend, CarolAnn Schroeder; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Dar (who passed away in 2017) after 54 years of marriage; his children, Pat and Toni; his parents, Matthew and Alma Underberg; his siblings, Don Underberg, Midge Zeiner, and Matthew Underberg, Jr.

Tony was the most beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

June 27, 1974 ~ June 21, 2024

Damon R. Shimp, 49, Steen, MN, died Friday, June 21, 2024, unexpectedly from health issues while trucking, in Myrtle, MS.

Memorial Services are set for 10am, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a visitation beginning at 9am.

Damon Russell Shimp, son of Norman and Susan Shimp, was born on June 27, 1974, in Pinckney, MI.  Damon grew up in Lower Michigan and in Pelkie MI. After high school, Damon worked in the mines, on the family farm, and drove a truck.  He went to Ferris State University in MI to get his degree in Heavy Equipment and as a Diesel Mechanic. He was most proud of owning his own semi to run a business on his own and with Dean Titze.  Damon drove a truck for over 30 years of his life.  He currently was working with Dean Titze at OAT Inc., through Johnson Feeds out of Canton, SD. 

While driving a truck for Landstar, Damon met his wife Sasha on the internet in 2003.  He was united in marriage with Sasha Olivier on September 24, 2004, in Jasper, MN.  They have been married for 19 years and 9 months.

Damon enjoyed trucking with his buddy, Dean, spending time with his family, especially his kids, when he came off the road for a few days. He loved helping his wife tend to the garden and having mowing races to see who could mow most of the 5 acres they lived on. He also enjoyed watching movies and playing with the cats out on the farm, and he recently bought a dog for Wyett. Damon enjoyed working on cars with his son, Wyett.

Grateful for having shared his life is his wife, Sasha of 19 years; two children, Aspen (Riley) Sheppard, Steen, MN, and Wyett Shimp, Steen, MN; one step-child, Austin Spielmann; his parents, Norman and Susan Shimp, Pelkie, MI;  one sister, Stacy (Paul) Mleko, WI; one brother, Jarrod Shimp, MI; three nephews, Mitch, Mark, and Luke; and one niece, Lindsay; one grandchild, Maverick; many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Damon is preceded in death by his in-laws, Lloyd and Irene Olivier; his grandparents on both his mother’s and father’s side; Uncle Bob, and Uncle Carol.  

November 30, 1971 ~ June 21, 2024

Kyle N. Spielmann, 52, Sioux Falls, passed away Friday, June 21, 2024, at home, surrounded by friends and family.

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a short service beginning at 6:30pm.

Kyle Nicholas Spielmann was brought into the world on November 30, 1971, by his mom, Alyce (Butler) Spielmann, and his dad, Ronald Spielmann. Kyle was born, raised, and educated in Sioux Falls, SD. He married the love of his life, Jeanie German on August 15, 1995. They had three children, Katie, Lucas, and Kade.

Kyle worked at Splitrock Landscaping for 10 years. He switched to plumbing and worked at Frisbees for 21 years. Kyle was a “jack of all trades.” He was everyone’s “MacGyver.” He could do anything once he put his mind to it and would not give up until he fixed or built it. He loved his family and friends, and his best dogs, Duke and Burkly, were his BEST friends. Kyle enjoyed dirt bike riding, pool league, hunting and fishing, and many other activities.  

Kyle is survived by his wife Jeanie; his children, Katie, Lucas, and Kade; mom, Alyce (Liza) Spielmann; dad, Ronald (Carol) Spielmann; siblings, Lonn Spielmann, Kandee (Paul) Perreault, and LeAnn (Eric) Thompson; sister-in-law, Sue (German) Bossert; brother-in-law, Mike German; and many nieces and nephews.

Kyle was preceded in death by his grandparents, mother and father-in-law, Sandy and Jack German; sister-in-law, Angel Stevens; niece, Maria LaRosa Spielmann; friend, Kenny Namanny; his best dog ever, Duke; and many aunts and uncles.

September 20, 1962 ~ June 13, 2024

Douglas L. Arne, 61, Sioux Falls, died Thursday, June 13, 2024, at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, from heart failure.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3PM, Friday, June 28, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association in Doug’s memory.

Douglas Lee Arne was born on September 20, 1962, to Robert and Barbara (Reinke) Arne in Oaks, ND. He was baptized at the West Fairview Lutheran Church and grew up in Englevale, ND, attending school in Verona, ND. He then moved to Lisbon, ND where he continued his education. He started working at Sanitation Services until moving to South Dakota in the late 80’s. Doug worked various jobs in South Dakota, including production worker and janitorial services, where he found his niche for the last fifteen years.

Doug always had a connection with animals, from his cat, “Scrappy,” whom he could “cradle like a baby and he would go right to sleep;” to his parakeet whom he taught to talk and give kisses; and squirrels that would eat from his hand. This proved that he had a gentle soul.

Doug loved music, Def Leppard being his favorite. He enjoyed driving around with his cousins, in his younger days, listening to all 80’s rock bands. He spent many hours assembling model cars.

Doug is survived by one sister, Brenda (Sherwyn Calsbeek) Erickson, Larchwood, IA; one brother, Ivan Arne, Billings, MT; five nieces, Jodee Westerbur, Sioux Falls, Bobbie (Chris) Safar, Valley Springs, SD, Brandi Grace (Jason), Larchwood, IA, Amanda (Cameron) Benolkin, Harrisburg, SD, Cayli Arne, Billings, MT; along with many great nieces and nephews; and a special buddy, Judson.

Doug is preceded in death by his father, Robert Arne; his mother, Barbara Kastrow; and his grandparents.

July 5, 1945 ~ November 3, 2023

Bernard “Bernie” Dale Stoltenberg, 78, died peacefully on November 3, 2023. He was a long-time resident of Brandon, SD.

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home. A time of sharing will begin at 6:30pm. A private burial will be held. Bernie will be buried next to his mother and uncles in New Woodlawn Cemetery, Pipestone, MN.

Bernie “Bernie” Dale Stoltenberg was born in Hendricks, MN, to Anna Mae Stoltenberg on July 5, 1945. He grew up on a farm outside of Verdi, MN, and was raised by his mother, his grandmother, (Dena Stoltenberg), and his uncles, (Donald, Clifford, and Lester). Bernie’s biological father, Ivan K. Johnson, was not a part of his life. Bernie played 9-man high school football for the Verdi Trojans and graduated in 1963. In 1964, he married Joan Lange and started a family in Luverne, MN, raising three children who turned out pretty well. He started working for Luverne Truck Equipment that same year as a welder. He eventually became shop foreman on his way to becoming the purchasing agent for the factory. His name is on two patents issued to Luverne Truck Equipment; one from 1980, for a running board, and another in 2012, for an adaptable vehicle step assembly. He moved from Luverne to Brandon when the company relocated there and following his divorce in the early 1990s.

Bernie retired from Luverne Truck Equipment after a 50-year career. While in Luverne, he also served on the Luverne Volunteer Fire Department. He once rescued a pickup truck full of Miller Lite from a semi-truck accident on Interstate 90. He played 4-H softball for a time. He loved to fish, whether from shore, in a boat, or through the ice. He was an expert at cleaning and frying the fish that he caught. They were delicious. He also loved the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, and playing video poker.

Bernie is survived by his three children, Jodi (Tim) Nelson, Scott (Shelly) Stoltenberg, and Paula (Darrin) Lindblom; four grandchildren, Zach and Abigail Nelson, and Grace and Josie Lindblom; and his ex-wife, Joan Stoltenberg.

June 21, 1947 ~ June 6, 2024

Garland E. Olesen, 76, Sioux Falls, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, surrounded by his family after his battle with Mesothelioma.

Visitation will 11:00am, Friday, June 14, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, South Dakota. Funeral services will begin at Noon. Inurnment will follow at the SD State Veteran Cemetery, Sioux Falls, with Military Honors at 1pm. A reception will follow at the Brandon VFW.

Garland Eugene Olesen was born on June 21, 1947, to LeRoy and Phyllis (Massey) Olesen, in Yankton, South Dakota. He was raised on the family farm west of Viborg where he went to country school and later graduated from Freeman High School. On December 12, 1965, Gar joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood and Ft. Hood and then specialized in nuclear weapons training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was then stationed in Germany at a nuclear weapons facility attaining the rank of E5 and returning home in November of 1967.

Gar’s love for fast cars fueled his passion for racing at Thunder Valley Dragway in Marion, SD, which led him to a career as a mechanic starting in 1971. On July 20, 1974, he married Michele Christman and they had two children, Jeremy and Eric. Gar started G & M Repair in 1994, and even after retiring, he could often be found in the garage working.

Gar was fortunate to have traveled with family on multiple vacations including trips to Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. Canoeing the Niobrara River every August was a favorite summer trip spanning 19 consecutive years. Gar will always be remembered for his strong work ethic, generosity, and overall willingness to help others.

Garland is survived by his sons, Jeremy (Erin) Olesen, and Eric (Cali) Olesen; grandchildren, Holly (Nick) Tieszen, Hunter (Josiah) Crawford-Olesen, Ashley, Abby, Carisa, and Tayber Olesen; great-grandchildren, Lailah, Westley, and Maverick; his mother, Phyllis Olesen; brothers, Burnell (Mary), David, and LeRoy Jr.; sisters, Mary (Rodger) Wenzlaff, Blanche (Allen) Vannorsdel, Peggy (Dave) Martin, Bonnie (Dave) Hubbs, and Brenda Olesen (Dan Hauser); and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Gar was preceded in death by his father, LeRoy; brothers, Mark and Tim; and nieces, Candice, Rebecca, and Jaden.

December 14, 1946 ~ May 28, 2024

Roy Jacob Meyer Jr., age 77 years, 5 months, and 14 days, of Ocheyedan, IA, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2024, at the VA hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation will begin at 10am, Monday, June 3, 2024, at St. Peters Lutheran Church, Ocheyedan, IA. Funeral Services will start at 10:30am, also at St. Peters, followed by Military Honors. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery, in Hartley, IA.

Roy Jacob Meyer, the son of Roy John Sr. and Meta (Massmann) Meyer, was born on December 14, 1946, in Primghar, IA.  His younger childhood was spent on a farm near Hartley IA. Later, they moved to Spencer, IA. Roy was confirmed at First English Lutheran Church in Spencer and graduated from Spencer High School in 1965.

Roy was drafted into the Army in 1966 and returned home in 1967 from the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he worked in Denver, CO., then returned to his roots in Spencer, where he worked at Meyer Oil, F.W. Means, and Nelson Tire, as an appliance repairman. Spencer is where he met the love of his life, DruLene Johnson, and was united in marriage on June 12, 1971, at Ocheyedan, IA. They made their home in Spencer, later moving to Ocheyedan where he worked at Chase Bag in Sibley, IA. They then moved to Kettle River, MN, where he pursued his dreams of farming and milking cows (with the help of his brother Hilmer). In 1988, they moved back to Ocheyedan, where they bought an acreage, and began farming, milked cows, and worked again at Chase Bag. He retired in 2011, due to his health. He truly loved farming the land, while enjoying hunting and fishing with all his boys.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 52 years, DruLene; three sons, Bradley (Karen), children, Brandon and Braden, of George, IA, Brian, child, Jacob, and Randy, Ocheyedan; two siblings, Hilmer (Denyse) Meyer, Kettle River, MN, and Alana Blair, Spirit Lake, IA; one sister-in-law, Terry Meyer, Northglenn, CO; and one brother-in-law, Gary Lundquist, Spencer, IA; and nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; four sisters, Bernita Meyer (2012), Edna Lundquist (2013), Ethel Reese (2019), Bernice Back (2022); two brothers, Homer, of 6 months (1944), Wilmer (2023); one nephew, Ken Meyer; two brothers-in-law, Ivan Reese and Ernest Back; father and mother-in-law, Donald and Gayle Johnson; and brother-in-law, Terry Troutner.