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.

A private family service will be held at a later date. 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.

October 16, 1954 ~ October 30, 2023

Dennis Sterk, 69, of Brandon, SD, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, November 6, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church (1700 E 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57103).

Dennis Lee Sterk was born to Peter and Marie (Muilenburg) Sterk on October 16, 1954, in Platte, SD. He graduated from Platte High School in 1972, and then moved to Kansas shortly after to work with his brother-in-law, Delbert, moving and setting up mobile homes. He then moved to Sioux Falls where he met Goldie Trautman, and they were married on May 1, 1976, at Wesley United Methodist Church, and in 1979, they had a son, Greg. Dennis worked for the City of Sioux Falls Street Department. Later he worked for Black Top Paving for 20 years. After that, he worked at Sweetman’s Construction (Knife River) until his retirement. After his retirement, he developed throat cancer which he battled for three years before being declared cancer-free. At that time, he was diagnosed with dementia.

Dennis loved the outdoors and his farm. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, downhill snow skiing, riding his Harley Davidson, and most of all, farming his acreage. When he wasn’t doing farm work, he was busy building multiple farm buildings himself.

Dennis would give the grandkids and Greg rides in the tractor bucket and loved campfires with the family. He loved teasing his daughter-in-law and grandchildren and even after getting dementia, he still loved teasing back and forth with Ash, who loved teasing back.

Dennis loved working on crafts with Goldie, including their “bear trap” and helping to make their house into a home. They always had pets in the home and after moving to the farm, they would adopt kittens that would show up. Two very special animals to Dennis were his dog, Jack, and his kitty, Sox.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Goldie Sterk, Brandon; one son, Greg (April) Sterk, Pierre; grandchildren, Alex Woolley, Sioux Falls, Lucas Sterk, Pierre, and Ashley “Denzel” Sterk, Pierre; sisters, Wilma Liestra, Lawrence, KS, Jeanette Johnson, Platte, and Darlene Iedama, Platte; and one brother, Mervin (Patty) Sterk, Wentworth.

Dennis is preceded in death by father, Peter Sterk, and mother, Marie Sterk, Platte; sister, Heretta Leinan, Platte; brothers-in-law, Ron Leinan, Sacramento, CA, Dennis Iedama, Platte, Delbert Liestra, Lawrence, KS; and best friend, Earl Hirzel.

August 21, 1941 ~ October 24, 2023

Abelena “Lena” Weisbeck, 82, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Sanford USD Medical Center.

A Graveside Service will be held for her in Rapid City.

Abelena “Lena” Arguello was born in Rapid City, SD, on August 22, 1941.

Lena loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and traveling. She was inducted into the State and World Hall of Fame in 2006 for her pool-playing skills. She was on the winning team winning the world championship in Las Vegas. She will be greatly missed by all who know her. God bless her.

Lena is survived by her husband, Rodney Weisbeck, Sioux Falls; two sons, Mike (Susan) Tanner, Yankton, and Rick (Linda) Tanner, Sioux Falls; sister Rosie Cox, Rapid City; brothers, Alex Arguello, Sioux Falls and Kenney Arguello, Rapid City; Uncle Paul and Aunt Trinne; stepdaughters, Barbara Tafoya and Brenda Anderson, both of Omaha, NE; and several relatives in Rapid City.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Francis Arguello; and her daughter, Tami Crate.

Online condolences at www.heartlandfunerals.com

April 7, 1939 ~ October 21, 2023

Mylis R. Husby, 84, died Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Ava’s House Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD, after a twenty-nine-year battle with cancer. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, Oct 30, 2023, 11:30 am, at Grace Lutheran Church, (3300 E. 18^th St., Sioux Falls, SD), with a lunch to follow at the fellowship room at the church.  Memorials can be directed to Grace Lutheran Church or St. Francis House Charity in Sioux Falls. To watch live, click here… https://www.facebook.com/GraceLutheranSiouxFalls

Mylis Ruth Scott was born in Ramona, SD, on April 7, 1939, to Joseph and Elva (Heuer) Scott, as their only child.  She was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Oldham Lutheran Church.  On June 1, 1957, she united in marriage to Jewel Husby and they made their home in Aberdeen, SD.  Mylis worked as the assistant manager for 24 years, at Maurice’s Clothing Store.   Jewel and Mylis also owned and operated an apartment rental business for 38 years.  In 2001 they sold their rental business and retired to Sioux Falls, SD. 

Mylis is survived by her children, Jon Husby, and Karla (Dan) Brown, of Sioux Falls; grandson, Marshall (Giezelle) Brown, Pierre; granddaughter, Kallie (Joe) Kroeger, Mankato, MN; foster grandson, Hazen Brown, Sioux Falls; and two great-granddaughters, Evelyn and Camille Kroeger, Mankato, MN; one special sister-in-law, Donna Lange, Sioux Falls; and 21 nieces and nephews. 

Mylis was preceded in death by her husband Jewel, her parents, four sisters-in-law, and five brothers-in-law, and their spouses.

March 25, 1955 ~ October 20, 2023

Dallas D. Granberg, 68, of Valley Springs, SD, suffered recent health issues and passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Sanford Health Ava’s House.

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, Brandon. Funeral Services will be 11am, Thursday, October 26, 2023, also at Spirit of Truth. Burial will follow at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery. A link to watch live is at the following…. https://youtube.com/live/9xIhV9VUZaY?feature=share

Dallas Dale Granberg was born at Valley Springs Hospital on March 25, 1955, to Vernon and Donna (Rueb) Granberg in Valley Springs, SD. He attended Brandon Valley High School and graduated in 1973. Dallas continued his education in Mitchell, SD, to become an electrician at Mitchell Technical Institute. In the meantime, he also worked at John Morrell and married the love of his life, Linda Lange. They were married on May 26, 1979, at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church in Valley Springs, SD. They resided in Sioux Falls, SD, before building their first house on an acreage outside of Valley Springs, where they raised their three children: Evan, Emily, and Danielle. His electrical certificate allowed him to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Sioux Falls, become a commercial journeyman, and work at job sites in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa.

In 2006, Dallas took medical retirement to be able to enjoy time at home working on electrical projects, photography, and woodworking. Dallas also enjoyed camping with his family, friends, and pets. In March of 2022, Dallas and Linda finished building their new home to enjoy their retirement together.

Dallas is survived by his wife, Linda; and three children, Evan Granberg, Minneapolis, MN, Emily Granberg, Sioux Falls, Danielle (Darrick) Thomas, Valley Springs; grandchild, Daxton Thomas; and his brother, Richard (Dee) Granberg, Pierre, SD.

Dallas is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Donna Granberg, Valley Springs, SD; and his brother, David Granberg, Valley Springs, SD. 

November 24, 1963 ~ October 14, 2023

David W. Brannan “Little Ozzy” loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, left this world suddenly on October 14, 2023, on a beautiful fall afternoon, while visiting his son in Towner, ND.  

Visititation with family will begin at 5 pm, Monday, October 23, 2023 at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, with a Scripture Service at 7pm. Funeral Services will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at St. Therese Catholic Church (901 N Tahoe Trail, Sioux Falls, SD). Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls with Military Honors.

David Wayne Brannan was born to Wayne “Ozzie” and Julie (West) Brannan in Sioux Falls, on November 24, 1963. After graduating from high school, he went on to join the SD Air National Guard where he spent 23 years serving his country being deployed overseas several times. He worked full-time as a diesel mechanic in Sioux Falls, along with the military. After 22 years as a diesel mechanic\ fleet manager, he left for the oil fields to start a new journey. His son Joey, soon followed, and they had many memories together. Everyone knew the Brannan Boys. Five years ago, they both decided to run their own trucks, and Brannan Trucking was started. Till the end of his life, you could see Dave trucking down the road in his red Peterbilt, loving the business that they created.  

In the 38 years he spent with the love of his life Shari, they lived seven years in Sioux Falls, and eighteen years in Brandon, raising their kids in the community. In the past six years, they built their dream home on Big Stone Lake in South Dakota, where they currently reside. 

Throughout Dave’s life, you could see him playing baseball, watching sports on TV, golfing, hunting, fishing, or bowling. He loved to live life and he did it to the fullest. Fishing, is his favorite thing in life, as many will tell you about his competitive edge. Let’s just say, many poles were broken and went in the water, while everyone laughed as they caught all the fish and he didn’t get one bite on his. Every year, you could find him searching for the perfect lure to out-fish everyone in the boat. He will be missed for his quick-witted comebacks about everything you said to him. His last day of fishing was a few weeks ago with his dog as his captain, limiting out on perch and enjoying a perfect day out on the water. 

Dave’s greatest accomplishments in life were raising his children. He was a hands-on man, as his family was everything to him and he would have told you so. You could find him coaching his kids, and being the loudest cheerleader at every marching band competition, music concert, football game, track meets, bass tournaments, and anything else his children were a part of.  

Becoming a grandparent to Riley in 2019, meant so much to him. This last March, his second grandson, Wyatt, was born. Although he only had a short time with those boys, he loved every minute of being a grandpa. 

Everyone who knew Dave were drawn to him as he brought so much joy to everyone around him. His goofy humor will always be remembered by all.  

Words that I could hear Dave saying to you today would be; “Tomorrow is never promised, don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life” and he made a beautiful life.  

Dave is survived by his wife of 34 years, Shari Brannan, Bigstone City, SD; two children, Chelsey “pookiebear” Brannan, Harrisburg, SD, and partner, Jess Peterson, and Joey “little buddy” Brannan and future daughter-in-law, Trista Collins, Towner, ND; two grandsons, Wyatt and Riley Brannan; along with many more loving family members. 

Dave was preceded in death by his son, Mathew David Brannan; mother, Julie Brannan; father, Wayne “Ozzie” Brannan; and brother, Douglas Brannan.

June 28, 1942 ~ October 11, 1923

A Memorial Service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. with a visitation scheduled from 9:30-10:30 a.m and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) South Dakota in honor of Bonnie.

Bonnie Lee Hess was born in 1942 and grew up on families farm outside of Dell Rapids, SD. Bonnie’s heart was forever tied to her “farm home”. Growing up amidst the peaceful serenity of nature, she nurtured a deep love for the outdoors that would stay with her throughout her life.

As fate would have it, Bonnie attended a Valentine’s Day and met John Nelson. He would ask her to marry him on their third date, but it did not become official until 1965. With stars in their eyes and dreams in their hearts, Bonnie and John embarked on a full and adventurous journey together. Their love story spanned over five glorious decades, brimming with laughter, endless exploration, and unwavering devotion. Their unbreakable bond was tragically severed in 2021 when John ran out of bonus time, leaving Bonnie’s heart forever touched by his enduring love.

Bonnie graduated from Augustana College in 1964. She quickly found her passion in helping others. She had always wanted a “people orientated career” and social work did not disappoint.  For the next 40 years, she tirelessly advocated for those who needed someone in their corner. She worked in special education, as a coordinator for Meals on Wheels, she spent time working for Minnehaha County as a representative payee, and ended her career as a targeted case manager with 5th Street Connection. She made a difference in so many lives. Her dedication and empathetic voice gave hope to countless souls, illuminating paths that previously seemed impassable. She was a fierce warrior in her own right, shining light where darkness threatened to prevail.

Bonnie and John became the proud parents to their daughter, Sara. In 1979, they officially adopted her and brought her into their loving home. Bonnie’s determination and unwavering love shaped Sara’s life for the better, and their bond remains unbreakable to this day.

But Bonnie’s vibrant spirit did not end with her noble work. Sports brought her tremendous joy and animated her evenings and weekends with exuberant cheers aimed at the TV. Her favorite teams, the Minnesota Vikings and the UCONN Huskies Women’s Basketball team, captivated her heart and ignited her passion for the game.

After retirement, Bonnie and John embarked on a new adventure, traversing the open road in their trusty camper. Together, they explored the beauty of the world, creating indelible memories at every turn. One of Bonnie’s most treasured voyages was returning to Germany, almost half of a century after she and John had been stationed in Bad Kreuznach. The flood of memories and nostalgia intertwined with her love for exploration, forging a lasting imprint on her soul.

While John was undoubtedly the love of her life and Sara held a special place in her heart, it was her grandson, James who illuminated Bonnie’s world with sheer joy. His infectious laughter and playful spirit brought endless smiles to her face, and she cherished every precious moment they shared.

Bonnie passed away peacefully with her beloved dog Geno by her side on October 11, 2023. Today, as we bid farewell to our dearly loved Bonnie, let us celebrate the remarkable chapters she wrote in the book of life. Her time on this earth was filled with love, adventure, selflessness, and unwavering dedication. Her laughter will forever echo through the hallways of our hearts, reminding us to embrace each day with open arms and a sense of joy.

Bonnie, your spirit will forever dance in the fields of our memories. May you find eternal peace in the embrace of your beloved John, basking in the eternal sunshine of love.

Rest in love, Bonnie.

August 27, 1994 ~ October 12, 2023

How does one announce the passing of a loving, vibrant, young woman taken from us all too soon?

Brittany Mae Janish, 29, Sioux Falls, left this world on October 12, 2023, after a tragic, devastating accident that has left all who have known her heartbroken and in disbelief.

A Visitation with the family present will be held at the St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Humboldt, at 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Sunday, October 22, 2023. A Memorial Mass will be 10:30 am, Monday, October 23^rd, also at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Humboldt.

Brittany Mae Janish was born on August 27, 1994, in Sioux Falls, SD, to John Janish and Pearl McMillan, and taken to her home in Humboldt, SD, where she grew up and attended school at West Central, throughout many of her school years.  In 2013, Brittany graduated from Parker, SD.

Throughout Brittany’s life, she had a beautiful soul with a smile that could light up the world. She was positive and kind and desired to help others, no matter what battles she was fighting herself.  If you met Brittany, you could not help but love her wholeheartedly.  

Brittany LOVED.  She was a daughter, a sister, an Auntie, and a cat mom, to one very spoiled cat (Mocha).  She was her dad and mom’s “Brittany Mayhoo” and came into this world with a fire in her soul and grace in her heart.  She adored her brother and sisters straight down to her bones and had an unmatched bond with her nieces and nephews.  When asked to describe Brittany, her family said she was dedicated, energetic, passionate, bright, organized, funny, sweet, observant, loving, happy, generous, colorful, and the biggest cheerleader to us all.

Brittany was preceded in death by her grandparents, George and Etta Janish, and Delbert and Naomi McMillan; her brother, David, her aunt, Julie; and her nieces, Haryper and Amelya.

Brittany will be deeply missed by her father, John; her mother, Pearl; her sisters, Jeannie (Clint), Ashley (Jordan), Crystal (Trejon), and Catherine; her twin brother, Brian (Jordyn); her nephews, Daelyn, Peyton, Graysen, and Baylor; her nieces, Alyna, Taryn, Hadley, Ava, and Evadyna; and a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Her impact has been engraved in our hearts; and while we know that we can no longer see her, she will be shopping right next to us, helping us pick out the perfect shade of rose gold; she will be right next to us celebrating our milestones for generations to come; and she will be right next to us with her own perfect seat in the bleachers, cheering us all on until we meet again.

November 9, 1936 ~ October 10, 2023

Barbara J. Peschong, 86, Brandon, SD, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at her home.

Visitation with family will begin at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 17, 2023, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Church, Brandon. Inurnment will follow at 2:30 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Howard, SD.

Barbara Jean Thelen was born on November 9, 1936, in Howard, SD, to Joe and Lizzy (Lauer) Thelen. Barbara was the youngest of seven children. Her siblings, Joseph, Hubert, Zeta, Mercedes, Helen, and Millie, affectionately called her Bobbie Jean. Barbara attended Saint Agatha High School and then studied nursing at Presentation College, in Aberdeen and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mitchell SD, where she graduated in 1957 as a Registered Nurse.

On December 28, 1957, Barbara married her high school sweetheart, Jim Peschong. Barbara and Jim had six children: Bradley, Christopher (1959), Jon, Laura (1962), Ann, and Mary. Jim’s career took the family first to Rapid City, SD, then to Sioux Falls, SD, and finally to Fargo, ND. Barbara was a full-time mother until the children were well on their way in school. Barbara’s training as a nurse and instincts as a mother were occasionally tested by one or two of her children, making it simply impossible to feign illness to avoid school. In 1972, while in Sioux Falls, Barbara and her dear friend, Illa Graphenteen, opened “Cottage Oak”, an antique reproduction store, which prospered under their ownership. When the family moved to Fargo, Barbara continued her nursing career at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital for a decade.

In retirement, Barbara and Jim made Brandon, SD, their home base, enjoying summers in the Ottertail Lake region of Minnesota. For 21 years straight, they journeyed south to warmer winters in New Braunfels, Texas. In Brandon, Barbara was one of the original members of “Young at Heart”, a program benefitting and celebrating the elderly at Risen Savior Catholic Church.

Barbara, a life-long devout Catholic, is survived by her husband of 66 years, Jim; her children, Bradley (Laura) Peschong, Brandon, SD, Jon Peschong (Tamara Holmlund), Olympia, WA, Ann (John) Ham, Fargo, ND, and Mary (Brian) Leach, Grand Forks, ND; her seven grandchildren, Andrew Peschong, Sioux Falls, SD, Emma (Mitchell) Younie, Tea, SD, Matthew (Sasha) Ham, Fargo, ND, Michael Ham, Madison, SD, Adam (Allison) Leach, Aberdeen, SD, Eric Leach, Grand Forks, ND, and Claire Leach, Grand Forks, ND; and three great-grandchildren, Baker, Mason, and Natalie.

Barbara is preceded in death by one son, Christopher; and one daughter, Laura; her parents, Joe and Lizzie Thelen; siblings, Joseph Thelen, Hubert Thelen, Zeta Thelen, Mercedes Pistole, Helen Sotz, and Millie Jansen.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Risen Savior Catholic Church, Brandon, SD.

November 4, 1932 ~ October 9, 2023

J. Dale Schroeder, 90, Mitchell, SD, passed away, Monday, October 9, 2023, at his home and surrounded by his family.

Visitation will begin at 5pm, Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Bittner Funeral Home, Mitchell, with a time of sharing at 6:30 and Rosary Service at 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am, Friday, October 13, 2023, at St Mary’s of Mercy Catholic Church, in Alexandria, SD. Burial will follow with Military Honors.

John Dale Schroeder was born on November 4, 1932, in Alexandria, SD. to Chris and Margaret (Paweltzki) Schroeder. Dale enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school. He served on the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA from 1953-1955, during the Korean War. On July 7, 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Smith. To this union, three children were born: Mark, Lisa, and Stacey.

After returning home from the Military, Dale took over his father’s dairy herd and continued the family tradition of dairy farming. In 1965, he was named South Dakota’s Outstanding Young Farmer. In later years, he also took over his father’s Patz business; selling silo unloaders and dairy equipment. He also sold hoop barns for several different companies over the years. He sold his last hoop-barn at the age of 86.

Dale was an avid bowler and claimed several state titles while bowling on the local Elks bowling team. He was proud to lay claim to the fact that he hung around the Mitchell Bowling Ally for at least 70 years. Dale also had a love for children and could always find a way to get their attention and meet them on their level.

On May 14, 2014, Dale married Jeanette Cain Baas and inherited two more children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. After 81 years of “farm-life”, he found “city-life” much to his liking; making his home in Mitchell, after his marriage.

Dale is survived by his wife, Jeanette Schroeder, Mitchell; his son, Mark (Dotty) Schroeder, Alexandria; two daughters, Lisa (Robert) Harrington, Sioux Falls, and Stacey (Stan) Graber, Sioux Falls; an additional daughter, Kallan Paulson, Mt. Vernon; thirteen grandchildren, Naomi (Chris) Long, Sarah (Cory) Powell, Jessica (Eric) Nebelsick, Luke (Amanda) Schroeder, Tara (Cory) Steffen, Nole (Sarah) Harrington, Christian Graber, Trinity (Logan) Harmelink, Yeshari Graber, Tyson (Erin) Paulson, Nicholas (Miranda) Paulson, Delayna (Charlie) Stellphlug, and Sean Baas; thirteen great-grandchildren, Addison Long, Avreigh Long, Tucker Long, Zach Powell, Elliot Powell, Troy Nebelsick, Myles Nebelsick, Chet Nebelsick, Raegan Schroeder, Porter Steffen, Wells Steffen, Graham Paulson, and Brooks Paulson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins.

Dale was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Smith Schroeder; his parents, Chris and Margaret (Paweltzki) Schroeder; one daughter-in-law, Denise Schroeder; one son-in-law, Lynn Paulson; and one stepson, Kyle Baas.