August 12, 1945 – December 11, 2023

Michael Eugene “Mick” Edwards age 78, died peacefully on December 11, 2023, at his home after a very short battle with leukemia. Mick was born in Sioux Falls on August 12, 1945, to Harold Eugene Edwards and Irene Milda Finton. The second child of six, Mick was very close to his siblings growing up and will be missed dearly.

Mick stayed in the city he loved his whole life. He contributed to his community by owning a TV repair shop, and a body shop with his brother Danny. Mick also worked for the city of Sioux Falls for 31 years before retiring. Mick will be remembered for his loyalty to his friends and family and his compassion for all animals. He took in many rescue cats and dogs and enjoyed watching his birds and squirrels, making sure they had water all year long. He had a gift of making you feel like you were his best friend and the most important person in the room.

He will be missed by his wife, Gayle; sister, Shirley; brothers, Calvin, and JR; daughters, Roxy and Barbie (Dan); sons, Earl (Nancy), Daniel (Elaine), and Mick; sixteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Mick was preceded in death by Sandra, his wife of 28 years, brothers Danny, Gary, and Tom, his parents, Harold and Irene, and son Mitch.

A private memorial was held by immediate family members. Please consider a thoughtful donation in Mick’s name to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

June 27, 1957 ~ November 22, 2023

Nancy Jo (Houlihan) Earhart, 66, passed away on November 22, 2023, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after a brave battle with lung cancer. 

Nancy was born in Aberdeen, SD, on June 27, 1957, the third child of parents John (Jack) and Arvilla Houlihan (Thurow).   The family moved to Sioux Falls in 1970, where Nancy graduated from Lincoln High School.  Nancy then attended college at Northern State University in Aberdeen.  After being diagnosed, she moved from Columbus, Ohio, where she had lived for decades, back to Sioux Falls to be closer to family. 

Nancy worked as an accountant and office manager for several companies in Columbus including Chepri, Center for Reliable Energy Systems, Air Force One, Inc. (HVAC contractor), and Electronics Automation Corporation.  Prior to that, she worked for a Financial Planner and Citibank in Sioux Falls, and a traveling magazine sales crew that took her to almost every state in the country.  Nancy was a smart, good-humored person who enjoyed meeting her mom, sisters, and other extended family in Las Vegas, whenever possible over the years.   But her greatest joy was being a mom to Mark.

Nancy will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her son, Mark, Sioux Falls SD; mother, Arvilla Houlihan, Sioux Falls; sisters, Joan Houlihan-Fernette (Tom), Anchorage AK, Sandra Houlihan, Anchorage, Linda (Brian) Evans, Sioux Falls; and sister-in-law, Karen (Randy) Reinartz, Sioux Falls; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.   

Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Jack Houlihan; and brother, Terry Houlihan.

April 24, 2002 ~ November 22, 2023

Zachary Harris, 21, Kansas City, KS, departed this life on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

Zachary Elijah Harris was born to Eliza Harris on April 24, 2002, at Providence Medical Center.

He was currently employed at UPS.  Zach gave his life to Christ at a young age! He was a country boy at heart! He loved with his whole heart! Zach had a passion for cars and anything worth building. If it produced results, he was all about it! He loved family more than anything! Zach loved to cook and could do it great! He was an old soul at heart so he had a music playlist out of this world! 

Zachary is survived by his son, Elijah Harris (Abigail Stamey); his mother, Eliza Harris; his dad, Brian North; and by his three siblings, Mckelle Gravelle, Mckaila Gravelle, and Isaiah Harris.

Zachary is preceded by his grandparents, Mary and Major McGruder; as well as his two uncles, Marshall McGruder and Zachary Parin.

February 21, 1939 ~ December 4, 2023

Marcia L. Tubergen, 84, Sioux Falls, was welcomed to her Heavenly home in the early hours of Monday, December 4, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Village, after a brief illness with Alzheimer’s Disease.  

Visitation will be 5-7 PM, Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 am, Friday, December 8, 2023, at First Christian Reformed Church, Sioux Falls, with burial following at the Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Rehoboth Christian School or the Luke Society. www.lukesociety.org        

Marcia Lou Zwygyhuizen was born on February 21, 1939, the second of four children to Peter and Douwina (Faber) Zwygyhuizen, in Grand Rapids, MI.  Grand Rapids is where she would call home all through her formative years as well as her high school and two college years where she attended Calvin College and Reformed Bible College.   During that time, she met the man who would become her husband, Roger Tubergen, while roller skating.  Three months later they were engaged and not long after, they would be married on September 1, 1960.  That marriage would be blessed with four children; Roger, Rodney, Luanne, and Norma.   

During the years, Marcia would find herself re-adjusting her home as moving became a necessity with her husband’s job.  From Michigan – came a new home in Alto, Wisconsin which brought many memories and many friends as well as a new job at the school in which her children attended as a school secretary.  Then came yet another move – to Orange City, IA – with it brought new friends, a new church, and new memories.  While her children attended school, she worked part-time at Unity Christian High School, as a librarian.  Then, following her passion for sewing, she worked part-time at Ben Franklin in the fabric department.  She had a gift for creating beautiful displays that included samples that she made whether it was an apron, a blanket, a pillow, or a dress.  They showcased her incredible talent. Upon her husband’s retirement, they moved to Sioux Falls, SD where they made their home for close to 25 years.  All through her life, no matter where she was, she was always involved with her church whether it was with the choir, Bible study, or the coffee break nursery ministry she led a life of service.

Marcia is survived by her husband of 63 years, Roger; four children,  Roger (Shar), Rodney (Glenda), Luanne (Jim) Wuestewald, and Norma (Robert) Spanton; grandchildren, Nichole (Dirk) De Koning, Heidi Tubergen, Jessica Tubergen, Morgan (Tim) Lange, Danielle (Matt) Tubergen,  Matthew (Brooke) Wuestewald, Emily Wuestewald, Ross Vander Weide, Kelsey Vander Weide, Caitlin (Brandon) Zervas, Brady Dalen, and Madison (Danny) Angeles; step-grandchildren, Erin (Travis) Rup, Kyle Spanton, and Kaelynn Spanton; great-grandchildren, Claire and Garrett De Koning, Tori Sneller, Carlee, Chase, and Colten Lange, Wesley Zervas, Wren Dalen, and Lucas and Wyatt Angeles; Marcia’s sisters, Maxine Doornbos, and Sherry (Rick) Bode; her brother, Raymond Zwyghuizen; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Floyd (Dee) Tubergen, Wayne (Kim) Tubergen, Marlene De Good, Arlene (Earl) Vander Wood, Glenda Tubergen, and Casey Vander Maas.

   Marcia is preceded in death by Dick Tubergen, Shirley Vander Maas, Sue Zwyghuizen, and Alvin Doorbos; and brother-in-law, Jim De Good.

January 14, 1972 ~ November 18, 2023

Mark A. Buchanan, 51, Brandon, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2023, at his home from a recent illness.

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 10:30am, Wednesday, November 22, 2023, also at Heartland Funeral Home, with burial following at Brandon Lutheran Cemetery.

Mark Alan Buchanan was born in Pipestone, MN, on January 14, 1972, to Robert and Pamela (Royce) Buchanan. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Sioux Falls, where he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1990. He worked in many different areas of the construction business and most recently built his own company, Door Doctor.

In 1994 Mark had his first child, Bobby. In 2005 Mark married Gina which immediately expanded his family by adding Brad, Macy, and Austin. In 2011 Mark and Gina welcomed Kian and the family was complete.

He loved the outdoors, fishing at Mantrap Lake, and pheasant hunting with his boys. He created the largest collection of tubbies (fishing lures) you can imagine and competed in a local pool league.  He also enjoyed traveling, including several trips to Disney World throughout his life. Mark was a family man in every aspect and loved spending time with all of his children and grandchildren. He never missed any of their sporting events; whether it was football, basketball, or soccer, he was always there to cheer them on. He enjoyed going to the family lake house at Lake Brant, which he had completely remodeled as he was an excellent carpenter. He could strike up a conversation with anybody and would help anyone and everyone out of the goodness of his generous heart.

Mark is survived by his wife, Gina; Brandon; his five children, Brad, Macy, Bobby, Austin, and Kian; grandchildren, Jackson, Sage, and Brayden; his parents, Robert and Pamela Buchanan, Sioux Falls; one sister, Jody (John) Kersey, Sioux Falls; nephew and niece, Jack and Katie; and aunt, Pat Buchanan, Rochester.

Mark was reunited with his beloved grandparents, Bud and Ronnie.

August 23, 1947- November 10, 2023

Dr. Eldon A. Lenz Jr., 76, Garretson, died Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Palisades Manor in Garretson.

Celebration of Life for Eldon will be 5-7pm, Friday, December 8, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a time of sharing beginning at 6:30pm.

Eldon Albert Lenz Jr. “Boopsie” “Boobs”, was born in Watertown, SD, he moved to Chester SD in 1958 where he finished his primary education, graduating in 1966. He then became a member of the Army National Guard from 1967-1972.

Eldon married his first wife, JoAnn (Miller) Dickinson, in August 1968. They lived in Sioux

Falls, and had two children. Eldon furthered his education with a B.S, M.Ed., at South Dakota State University, a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Counseling, and Writing a Dissertation: A Cognitive Psychological Group Therapy Approach to Counseling of Male Adolescents in a Residential Treatment Facility. He used his degree when working at Southeastern Mental Health Center, Custer Youth Forestry, and West River Behavioral Health. He provided counseling at West Central High School and taught graduate school at Indiana University Southeast. When living in southern Indiana, he met and married his second wife, Debra Spence, during the winter of 1994, where they lived on a hobby farm and raised three children.

Eldon’s time on earth was spent hunting, fixing cars, caring for animals, especially horses, going to the rodeos, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and watching MMA fights. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family and loved ones.

Eldon is survived by his five children, Chase Lenz, Amber (Robert) Spalding, Nadia (Kevin) Sweeten-Lewis, Lucas (Lauren) Sweeten, and Spence Lenz; his eleven grandchildren, Kyle (Rachel) Spalding, Tayler Lenz, Cierra (William) Hinks, Kiley Lenz, Alexander Spalding, Jayden Lenz, Maddox Lewis, Corbin Spalding, Payton Lenz, Shelby Spalding, and Novak Tisiga; his five great-grandchildren, Michael Spalding, Gabriel Spalding, Isaac Lenz, Piper Hinks, and Eli Spalding; and his two brothers, Donald Lenz, and Michael (Rosemary) Lenz.

Eldon is preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Lila (Thompson) Lenz, and his sister, Sharon (Lenz) Ruiz.

December 5, 1969 ~ November 7, 2023

Danielle M. Karber, 53, Brandon, joined her Heavenly Choir, on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of her Life will begin with Visitation at 11am, Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Celebration United Methodist Church, Brandon, and a service at Noon. A lunch of Danielle’s desires will follow with more fellowship and celebration. Brett asks that “Casual Tropical” attire be worn in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, please direct any gifts to Metavivor (A 100% Non-profit organization) for Metastatic breast cancer patients’ support and research (metavivor.org and click on the DONATE button) or the Celebration United Methodist Church Praise Band account in Danielle’s Memory.

Danielle Marie Kruse was born December 5, 1969. She was raised in Volga, SD, and then moved to Toronto, SD. She graduated from Deubrook High School in 1988. She was very active in athletics, cheerleading, singing, band, and theater. Danielle then attended and graduated from Nettleton College with a Fashion Management Degree. She began working in retail in Sioux Falls, and while doing this she met her husband, Brett Karber. They were married on February 16, 1991, in Sioux Falls, and had one son, Nick. Danielle later worked at Gateway Computers, as a tech support manager, Z-Wireless, as the comptroller, Bethany Meadows, as an accountant, and at Henkel, as their office manager and human resources.

Danielle had a very special and loving relationship with her son, Nick and Jenna, as well as her stepson, Corey and Cara, and their children.

Danielle “Dani” loved to travel with Brett and on many occasions, they went to Jamaica (3 times), Hawaii, the Caribbean, Florida, and Las Vegas. In more recent years, they purchased a motorhome and traveled some of the U.S. Her other love was food and going to many restaurants, diners, drive-ins, and dives to try different food. Danielle was also an excellent cook and even won a soup contest with over 150 different entries with her famous Zuppa Toscana. She loved Food Network shows and with Brett, watched them all.

Danielle also shared her talent for singing in church praise bands. The long-term membership of Alter Ego became her life and her other family. She loved her pets; Remy, Toby, and Spike.

Danielle will be deeply missed by her husband, Brett; son, Nicholas (Jenna) Karber, Haw River, NC; stepson, Corey (Cara) Karber, Garretson; several grandchildren; father-in-law, Jack Karber, Pierre; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike Karber, Hartford, Hollie Karber, Mitchell, Kim Vuchetich, Sioux Falls, Jason Karber, CA, Jodie Karber, ND, Jamie Karber, Pierre, Paul Karber, Pierre, Pam Karber, Pierre, and Phil Karber, Pierre; aunts and uncles, Dale (Netah) Kruse, Carol O’Block, Leroy (Belinda) Kruse, Katherine (Fred) Prahl, and Barbara (Richard) Tarp; and many cousins.

Danielle is preceded in death by her parents, Milan and JoAnn Kruse; cousin, Erika (Prahl) Cromwell; and mother-in-law, Bette Hoekman and her husband, Alvin Hoekman.

May 26, 1942 ~ November 7, 2023

George Lynn Pesicka Jr, 81, Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully, on November 7, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice House.

A Celebration of Life will be held 5-7pm, Friday, November 10, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD, with a time of sharing at 6:30pm.

George Lynn Pesicka Jr was born in Sioux Falls, SD, on May 26, 1942, to George Sr and Viola (Barnhart) Pesicka. He was the oldest of seven siblings growing up in Riverside. George started his career as an early teen, working alongside his father in the garbage hauling business. He then went on to work at John Morrell for over 20 years, making many friends along the way. Finally, he worked at Sanford (Sioux Valley) Hospital, in the laundry department, until his retirement.

In his early life, racing was a big part of George’s life. Racing car number 75, he enjoyed spending long hours with his dad, brother Mike, and brothers-in-law working to make his race car better and faster. You could often find George and his pit crew working on the race car in the garage. After his racing years, fishing became George’s main hobby. He loved to fish, whether from the boat, the shore or on the ice. He was an expert at cleaning and frying the fish he caught and hosted many fish fries over the years. He loved the Green Bay Packers and cheered them on every weekend. His favorite times were cheering loudly for the Packers, with his son, Travis, win or lose. George loved his family beyond measure. He enjoyed going to his grandkid’s sporting events and cheering them on. Fry-N-Pan was his favorite morning spot. It made his day spending time with his breakfast buddies just shooting the breeze.

George is survived by his six children, Christi (Ralph) Green, Florida, Joni Pesicka, Sioux Falls, Karen Pesicka, Sioux Falls, Lynnette Grandison, Sioux Falls, Tracey (Brian) Sherman, Tea, SD and Travis (Brenda) Pesicka, Sioux Falls; grandchildren, Heather Morris, Heath Gruhlke, Brandi Ellefson, Lorenzo Sebastian, Richard Wibeto II, Lacey Perdew, Zach Moncrief, JD Moncrief, Shawn Sherman, Alyssa Sherman, Keira Sherman, and Mason Pesicka; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Pat (Bill) Mulroy, Beresford, Mike (Sheila) Pesicka, Sioux Falls, Fanny Spielman, Sioux Falls, and Pam (Mike) Stoops, Sioux Falls; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including special friend, Wayne.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George Sr and Viola; his siblings, Shirlene, Kate, and Julie; as well as his fishing buddy, and Karen’s significant other, Jamie.

November 29, 1931 ~ October 29, 2023

Ronald Luttge was born November 29, 1931, in Mineola, New York, to Dr. Louis and Ruth Luttge. He grew up on Long Island, in the town of Bethpage where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports. Ron played football, basketball, and (his first love) baseball. He attended Farmingdale High School and later went on to Hofstra College and the University of Maine. While working at the local lumber yard, between semesters, a lovely young woman caught his eye (which she promptly ignored). He and his one true love, Joan Wiggins, were married not long after and their adventures were just beginning.

Ron soon joined the Air Force, and after basic training in Rome, NY he and his new wife were assigned to Lowry AFB in Denver. His military career took him from Denver, to Maine, and on to LA (for training with Hughes Aircraft), and then back to NY. Later, Ron was assigned to LADD AFB in Fairbanks, Alaska. He and his wife loaded up their Nash Rambler, and their two young sons, and drove the two weeks to Alaska.  They found themselves on a very primitive ALCAN highway (before it was paved), changing flat tires as well as diapers. Eventually, a third son was born and the Luttge’s found themselves back on the road headed east, where their last child, a daughter, was born. Ron’s time in the Air Force found him working on the F86 Sabre, the F100/F101 Voodoo, the F89 Scorpion, and the F4 Phantom, among others. He was a fire control systems specialist that maintained the weapons system (missile and guns) with the targeting systems (radar, infrared, and gunsights) on the jets. Ron’s final assignment brought them full circle back to Colorado, where he finished his career as a technical training instructor utilizing all the skills and experience, he had acquired over the years.

After 14 years in the Air Force, Ron was offered an opportunity to work for Westinghouse Defense Operations. His career took him all over the United States and the world, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and England. While traveling for work, he took advantage of every opportunity to bring his family with him on assignment. Joan once estimated the family had moved over 20 times, before Ron retired from Westinghouse in the early 1990’s, ending his career as a Supervisor for Westinghouse Field Engineering and Service. He and his wife moved to South Dakota, where they appreciated a quieter life, surrounded by rural countryside and plenty of opportunities for him to continue his love of hunting (pheasants) and working his dogs (Springer Spaniels) in the field (the real joy of “hunting”).

Ron was known for his intelligence, sense of humor, lightning-quick wit, and his intense devotion to those he loved. He loved a good practical joke (case in point: When working in AK, he and his buddies collected several dead ravens and stuffed them upright into a snowbank that lined the runway. When a visiting General asked what was up with the ravens, he was told the crew had trained them to “stand at attention” to welcome incoming guests. The General, needless to say, was impressed.) He cheered, cursed, and swore off (never for very long) the Denver Broncos, the New York Yankees, and the New York Rangers. He believed, strongly, that honesty was not the best policy, but the only policy. Ron saw the world in black and white, and right and wrong. No gray spaces. He was an old-fashioned man living in a modern world, and they did not share space well. Ron was proud of his children and amazed at the good fortune he found in his wife. His health had begun to decline in recent years, and he passed away on October 29, one month to the day, of his 92nd birthday. He and Joan lived, traveled, and loved together for 71 years. He will be missed every day. The family will be honoring Ron with a small, private military ceremony.

September 15, 1943 ~ November 1, 2023

Edwin “Ed” M. Lewis, 80, Brandon, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD, after suffering from recent health issues.

A Memorial Service will begin at 11am, Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Risen Savior Catholic Church, Brandon, followed by Military Honors.

Edwin “Ed” Michael Lewis was born in Adrian, Minnesota on September 15, 1943, to Bill and Ella (Masagi) Lewis. The youngest of eight, Ed was endearingly called “Eddy Mike” growing up in Adrian, where he played basketball and enjoyed time outdoors. Ed graduated from St. Adrian High School and attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, where he was a member of the ROTC program and graduated with a degree in History. He met his wife Ann, and they were married in Huron, South Dakota. 

His successful career in the United States Air Force took him on many exciting adventures. Ed, Ann, and their three children, Michael “Mike,” Brian, and Theresia “Terri,” spent time in Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Colorado, California, and Australia. Ed also spent time in Alaska and Greenland as part of his Air Force work. 

Ann and Ed ultimately settled down in El Segundo, California, raising their kids in “Mayberry USA.” While balancing family and a career, Ed also managed to obtain two masters degrees and a Ph.D. in Space Studies (On-Orbit Servicing of Satellite Payloads was his dissertation topic). An avid reader and writer, Ed was simultaneously brilliant yet humble, and he truly loved to learn.  

Ed was a family man with a warm smile, an excellent sense of humor, and a heart of gold. An engaging and witty conversationalist, he was approachable and kindhearted. Ed was the true patriarch of the family, sharing wisdom, unwavering love, and many laughs with his children and grandchildren. He was always willing to go above and beyond to support his family.

Ed recently got to celebrate his 80th birthday surrounded by family in Brandon, S.D, where he retired after many years in California. 

Ed is survived by his three children, Mike, Brian, and Terri; and nine grandchildren, Taylor, Gina, Courtney, Brian, Chaise, Skyler, Bella, Henry, and Kody. 

Ed is preceded in death by his wife, Ann; his parents, Bill and Ella; and his seven older siblings, Don, Ray, Paul, Carl, Joe, Patricia, and Bill.

He will be greatly missed, and his family and friends will cherish their time with him forever.