June 14, 1951 ~ October 27, 2022

Lonnie J. Gruneich, 71, Dell Rapids, died Thursday, October 27, 2022, at her home, unexpectedly from health issues.

A private Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022.

Lonnie Jo Mutschelknaus was born June 14, 1951, to L.K. and Ardis (Evenson) Mutschelknaus, in Yankton. Her father worked for the railroad as a vacation substitute. Lonnie cherished the memories of staying in the stations, then fishing and hunting after work. The family moved to Trent, where she graduated from Flandreau High School. In the summer of 1966, a new lifeguard worked at the swimming pool; the handsome Stanley Gruneich. The summer romance between the two continued for over 50 years. Part of Stanley and Lonnie’s married life was moving; over 24 houses were made into homes throughout the years. Together they had three boys and four grandchildren.

After moving with Stan for 9 years of active-duty Army, they moved to Sioux Falls, then a few years later, Stan was ordained as a minister. Lonnie worked at the Presbytery level, leading over 40 camps, conferences, and committees. She was the Presbytery Delegate to General Assembly in Houston, TX. Lonnie was asked to speak before the assembly for the Youth Rally in South Dakota. At that time, it was the largest Presbytery Youth Rally in the nation.

Lonnie was a skilled and quick learner. She worked in grocery stores, flower shops, and then for 12 years, as a 911 dispatcher.

Lonnie will be deeply missed by her husband, Stanley, Dell Rapids; three sons, Jason (Mae), Sioux Falls, Joel (Pheonix), Gardnerville, NV, and Nick (Kelley), Dell Rapids; four grandchildren, Dominick, Olivia, Emma, and Evan; three siblings, Dave (Jane) Mutschelknaus, Brandon, Kay (Mark) Bonrud, Sioux Falls, and Dan (Amy) Mutschelknaus, Brandon; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

January 24, 1942 ~ October 25, 2022

Carol E. (Kittelson) Cassidy, age 80, resident of Salem, passed away on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Thursday, November, 10, 2022, at Heartland Funeral Home, with Memorial Services beginning at 7pm.  Inurnment will be at Acacia Park Cemetery in Mendota Heights, MN, at a later date.

Carol Elaine Kittelson was born January 24, 1942, to Ernest and Flora (Barnes) Kittelson, in Chester, SD. Carol spent most of her youth growing up in Baltic, SD, on a farm.  Her family were members of Willow Creek Church. She graduated from Baltic High School in 1959.

Carol married Richard (Dick) Cassidy in 1965.  They raised four children as they moved around the country for Dick’s career.  They lived in South Dakota, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Ohio.  Their life together was filled with traveling, fun times with good friends, many pool parties, and great memories with their kids.  After Dick’s death in 1987, Carol moved to Richmond, VA, where she worked for Gates McDonald Insurance and Blue Cross Insurance.

In 1991, Carol met her partner, Keith Wells, and moved to South Dakota to be closer to family and be with Keith.  Carol and Keith had an acreage in Valley Springs, SD, together for nearly two decades, where they had horses and cows.  They enjoyed their time there entertaining family and friends for numerous holidays and gatherings. 

Carol started her real estate career in South Dakota in 1992 and enjoyed working with clients over the years, helping them find their next homes.  She retired from this career in 2007.

In 2011, Carol and Keith sold the acreage and moved west to Salem, SD.  They spent their last decade together traveling, relaxing, and enjoying family.

Carol is survived by her children, Jerry (Allisha) Cassidy, Michael (Jacqueline) Cassidy, and Kelly (John) Rademacher; brother-in-law, John Sittig; twelve grandchildren, Tabitha, Kayla, Jade, Jordyn, Missy, Justin, Stacia, Jonathan, Jordan, Chad, Hanna, and Hailey; many great-grandchildren; her nieces, Sondra, Shelly, Pam, Barb, and Monica; and numerous friends and extended family.

Carol is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Cassidy; partner, Keith Wells; siblings, Ronald Kittelson, and Connie Sittig; daughter, Jerilyn Miller; an infant son and daughter; sister-in-law, Jean Kittelson; nephew, Ronnie Kittelson, and her parents, Earnest and Flora (Barnes) Kittelson.

July 3, 1958 ~ October 21, 2022

Lyle E. Bresson Jr. 64, Sioux Falls, died Friday, October 21, 2022, after sustaining injuries from a traffic accident.

Services are pending at this time.

Lyle will be deeply missed by his four children, Charles, Levi, and Nicole Bresson, and Heather Rust; and many grandchildren.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle Sr, and Mary (Gardner) Bresson; and one son, Jeremy Bresson.

August 30,1941 ~ October 17, 2022

Karen S. Hiller, 81, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away Monday, October 17, 2022, at The Inn on Westport Assistant Living Center in Sioux Falls. 

Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00am to 2:00pm, Saturday, October 29, 2022, at The Inn on Westport (4000 S Westport Ave Sioux Falls SD 57106). A Memorial Service will begin at 10:00am and will be officiated by Chaplin Marc Anderson.

Karen is survived by one son, Ed, Arlington; two daughters, Kathy (Jim) Joenks, Spencer, IA, and Betty Shields, Sioux Falls; five grandchildren, Shavon (Shawn) Borman, Ashley (Chris) Hagen, Ryan (Jessica) Swanson, Maria Shields, and Brandi Shields; six great-grandchildren; and five siblings, Sandy, Georgia, Charlotte, Kevin, and Leanne.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, James; her mother, Emmy and step-father, Harry Larimore, brother, Paul Larimore; and in-laws, Ed and Mildred Hiller; and two sons-in-law; Robert Swanson, and RJ Shields.

Her family will miss her caring words of wisdom and the love she shared with all of us. We know her light is shining bright above us with the Savior she praised every day.

October 14, 2022 ~ February 4, 1946

Gail Hepler, 76, Brandon, SD, died at his home on Friday, October 14, 2022.

No services are planned at this time.

Gail Ray Hepler was born in Bridgewater, IA on February 4, 1946. He was the son of Stuart and Zola (Reed) Hepler. He attended school in Massena and graduated with the class of 1964. He worked in Massena for a number of years, before purchasing the bar and then the grocery store in Fontanelle, then working in Winterset.

Gail and Claudia were united in marriage on September 18, 1971, in Bridgewater, IA, at the United Methodist Church, and they celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary in September 2021. They were blessed with one daughter, Megan, in 1983.

Before retiring in 2014, he worked as a custodian at the Nodaway Valley High School. In April 2015, Gail and Claudia moved to Brandon, SD, to be near their daughter, Megan, and her family.

Gail was a loyal husband, dad, and friend. He loved being a grandpa. He enjoyed playing pinochle with family and friends. He also enjoyed keeping in contact with his nieces and nephews.

Gail will be deeply missed by his wife, Claudia Hepler, Brandon; daughter, Megan (Jerrid) Van Sloten, Brandon; grandchildren, Annabelle, Jerrid Jr, Madilynn, and Emilee; sisters-in-law, Nancy Hepler, and Karen Dant; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Gail was preceded in death by his parents, Stuart and Zola (Reed) Hepler (Clark); two brothers, Ted Hepler, and Terry Hepler; grandparents, Stuart and Lena Hepler and Burton and Alma Reed; and parents-in-law, Walter “Sonny” and Lois (Gipple) Anderson.

February 22, 1941 ~ October 12, 2022

Larry Lape, 81, Valley Springs, passed away the morning of Wednesday, October 12, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Per Larry’s wishes, no services will be held. A Gathering of Remembrance in Larry’s honor will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 2pm ~ 7pm at the American Legion in Valley Springs. Also per Larry’s wishes, no flowers, please.

Larry Dean Lape was born February 22, 1941, to Tim and Viola (Perkinson) Lape, He attended public school until 9^th grade. He married his sweetheart, Kathy Swanson, on February 26, 1960. To this union, two children were born. Daniel was born on September 18, 1960, and Alison was born on April 18, 1962.

Larry and Kathy lived in Valley Springs all of their married lives. Kathy passed away on January 14, 2013.  Larry was a hard worker and had many jobs throughout his life. He worked for the Ford Garage in Valley Springs, was the town man for Valley Springs, worked at Missile Muffler, and eventually retired from Luverne Bumper. He later also worked for a short time for the town of Brandon.

Larry raced from 1962 to 1969, when he lost his right leg in a stock car accident in Huron, SD. He was inducted into the Huset’s Speedway Hall of Fame in September 2020. Larry loved watching car races, going to car shows, loved to golf, and watching golf tournaments. He also enjoyed watching Jeopardy.

Larry had the best lawn in Valley Springs and was the standard for everyone else in town, regarding when to mow. He would go to breakfast daily and had several friends who would check on him when his health began to decline.

Larry is survived by his son, Daniel (Roberta), Valley Springs; his daughter, Alison (Paul) Leuning, Luverne, MN; grandson, Cody Lape, Sioux Falls; three brothers, Jack Lape, Sioux Falls, Den (Val) Lape, Valley Springs, and Kenny (Patty) Lape, Elkins, AR; three nephews, Ben (Shaina) Lape, Jed Lape, and Zachariah Swanson; nieces, Sony Swanson, Erin (Jared) Clawson, and Jessie Lape; and many friends and family.

Larry is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his parents; brother, Ron Lape; sister, Donna Marshall; brothers-in-law, Randy Swanson and Gene Swanson; sisters-in-law, Deb Lape, Rene Swanson, Karen Nichols, and Kathy Swanson; and his nephew, Owen Swanson.

February 22, 1933 ~ October 3, 2022

   Joyce Monger, 89, Sioux Falls, formerly Brandon, passed away peacefully Monday October 3, 2022, at Avera McKennan Hospital, surrounded by her family.

   Memorial Services will be 2pm, Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Brandon Lutheran Church, with visitation beginning at 1pm. Inurnment will follow at Brandon Lutheran Cemetery.  

   Memorials may be directed to the Brandon Lutheran Choir.  In addition, because Joyce delighted, welcomed, and embraced any animals that her sons and grandchildren brought over to her home, please also consider memorials to the Sioux Falls Humane Society as well as Almost Home Canine Rescue.

   Joyce Lucille Baker was born in Nassau Minnesota on February 22, 1933, to Ray and Ida (Sorterberg) Baker, the sixth of nine children.  The Baker family moved to Sioux Falls in August of 1943, where Joyce attended Longfellow Elementary and Washington High School. 

   On August 2, 1953, Joyce was united in marriage to her best friend and love of her life, Lawrence Monger at First Lutheran Church Sioux Falls, SD.  They made their home in Brandon, and later Sioux Falls.  Joyce and Larry were blessed with two wonderful sons, Chuck and Don. Throughout their childhood, no doubt gave Joyce and Lawrence a run for their money.  Joyce delighted in the stories, friendships, and all the things the boys threw her way, welcoming all the cars, animals, and things that boys bring home! Continuing to laugh and remember all the antics and stories years later.  The love and support of family is something that cannot be replaced, and Joyce was never without that love and unfailing support.  She visited with Chuck every day on the phone, as well as visits after work, and on the weekends.  The bond between a mother and a son is unbreakable.   Joyce delighted in their time together.  She worked outside the home in the insurance industry throughout her career until she retired in 1995.

   Joyce and Larry were blessed with a beautiful daughter-in-law, Mary, and later 3 wonderful grandchildren, and then four Great Grandsons.  Throughout her life, Joyce uncontrollably doted on Laura, Casey, and Jacob, and later her four great-grandsons: Charlie, Ben, Henry, and Logan Stockland.  There is nothing that she would not do for her family, she was so proud of each and every one of them.   Later, her best days were visiting and laughing with her son Chuck, and playing with the Great Grandsons – blowing bubbles – playing catch- and watching them drive their trucks. 

   Joyce was a gifted seamstress, quilter, and knitter who shared her creations with many.  Her designs touched the heart of many near and far.

   Joyce is survived by her son Chuck (Mary) Monger, Granddaughter Laura (Dana) Stockland, two Grandsons, Casey Monger, and Jacob Monger; four Great Grandsons: Charlie, Ben, Henry, and Logan Stockland; one sister, Barbara Galland of Helotes, TX, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

   Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Lawrence; her son, Don; parents, Ida and Raymond Baker; five brothers, Kenneth Baker, Virgil Baker, Charles Baker, David Baker, and Les Baker; and two sisters, Eunice Buckley and Dorothy Farquhar. 

July 20, 1951~ September 27, 2022

Lyle Schlaak, 71, Sioux Falls, SD, formerly New Richland, MN, passed away on September 27, 2022, at Avera McKennan Hospital, following a car accident.

Visitation with family will be 2-4pm, Sunday, October 2, 2022, with a time of sharing at 4pm, at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00am, Monday, October 3, 2022, at the Brandon Valley Assembly of God, with visitation beginning at 10am.  Burial will follow. A link to live stream the service is https://brandonvalley.online.church/

Lyle William Schlaak was born July 20, 1951, to Alfred and Luella (Tesch) Schlaak, in Waseca, MN. He attended high school at the Southern School of Agriculture in Waseca, MN, graduating in 1969. He farmed in rural New Richland, on the family farm, and then continued in agriculture throughout his career by working as a mechanic at John Deere, trucking, and buying and selling farm machinery.

Lyle and Diane Gottschalk were married on July 11, 1975, in Janesville, MN. Lyle and Diane have been married forty-seven years and raised four children together: Kari Rettig, Vermillion, SD, Kyle (Lisa) Schlaak, Cedar Rapids, IA, Katie (Gabriel) Waddell, Fresno, CA, and Kayla Schlaak, Fresno, CA. In 2016, Lyle and Diane moved from New Richland to Sioux Falls, SD.

Lyle loved agriculture, conservative talk radio (especially Rush Limbaugh), driving, and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. In fact, he attended every one of Kyle’s basketball games from middle school through college except for two. The family often gathered in his office (the smallest room in the house), joining him in watching classic television and movies (throwing in a bit of Rick Steves’ Europe here and there).

From trucking to Volkswagens, Lyle would get into a vehicle and just go. If you ever gave him a call, a good first question in the conversation was “which state are you in?”  Once he found a bailer on Craigslist that was in Montana. He had a bailer like this as a young farmer and he had been looking for one like this for years. He convinced his cousin to join him on an 18-hour drive just to check it out. Fortunately, he went with a trailer because that bailer came home with him.

If something didn’t work exactly how Lyle wanted it to, he’d tinker with it and overbuild it until it was better than perfect, from making legs on a ping pong table that would last forever to customizing an auger box for the new ridge-till system until the industry caught up (an idea that was later used by a major equipment manufacturer).

Lyle is survived by his wife, Diane; four children; eighteen grandchildren, Elisabeth (Taylor Gould), Jacob, Christian, Hudson, Hannah, Rockford, Victoria, Keira, Emma, Mercedes, Abraham, Benjamin, Caleb, Gracie, Micah, Reuben, Lincoln, and Gretchen; and one great-granddaughter, Makiah; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and siblings-in-law, Carol Schlaak, Eleanor Schlaak, Daryl and Carol Kohloff, Gary and Kay Gottschalk, and Ron Gottschalk.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Harlan, Kenneth, and Judy Leyk; brother-in-law, Kenneth Leyk; and sister-in-law, Joyce Wondra.

March 10, 1956 ~ September 20, 2022

Rose M. Swenson, 66, Sioux Falls, died Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Services are pending at this time.  Please, check back for further updates.

Rose Marie Hines was born to George and Ruth (Fauser) Hines in McGregor, Iowa. Soon after they moved to Clayton, IA. Rose attended school and then was tasked with taking care of her mother, when she became ill. After her mother passed Rose moved to Cherokee, IA, working on farms. Eventually, Rose moved to the Sioux Falls area, where she focused on hobby farming. Rose had three children with whom she moved to Brookings, SD. While in Brookings she managed a Super 8 Motel and helped at a women’s shelter. Due to health reasons, Rose was forced to stop working and returned to Sioux Falls.

Rose loved to go to Lake Thompson to relax. She enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, and hanging out with friends and her kids. Her real loves were John Wayne and Tom Selleck movies and playing cards or dice. Although she was blunt to your face, she really meant it with love. She was “everyone’s mom”. She would never turn her back on anyone. She would never say “No” to shopping or going to Frying Pan for coffee. Her fur babies were a special and meaningful part of her life.

Rose is survived by her three children, Phillip, Patty, and Paul; five grandchildren, Paul Jr., Corbin, Matthew, Dennis, and Ryver; and one niece, Karen Wilcox.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Swenson; by her parents, George and Ruth Hines; two siblings, Jerry Hines and Judy Wilcox; and a special friend, Wyman Card.

January 26, 1967 ~ September 16, 2022

Tamara K. Goertz, 55, Brandon, died Friday, September 16, 2022, at Ava’s House, surrounded by her family.

Visitation with family will begin at 1pm, Thursday, September 22, 2022.  Memorial Services will begin at 2:30pm, at Heartland Funeral Home. Inurnment will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Sioux Falls, at a later date.

The service live stream is accessible by the following link: https://youtu.be/vKaHGA-xeDc

Tammy Kay Reiners was born January 26, 1967, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Terry and Joyce (Whiteman) Reiners. She attended Sioux Falls Schools and graduated from Washington High School in 1984.

On August 4, 1984, she married Scott Goertz. They raised two children, Sara and Luke, in Brandon, SD.

Tammy worked various jobs from in-home daycare, special education aide, and customer service manager.

Tammy enjoyed spending time with her family, doing yard work when she was able, and really enjoyed watching Luke in taekwondo. Tammy, herself, enjoyed taekwondo, where she earned a yellow belt.

Grateful for having shared her life are her ex-husband, Scott Goertz, Baltic; daughter, Sara Goertz (Nate), Brandon; son, Luke Goertz, Brandon; brother, Terrill (Nicole) Reiners, Belfaire, WA; sister, Jenni (Chris) Ludens, Chancellor; one grand-dog, Manny; three step-grandchildren; nine nieces and nephews; and one great niece.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Terry and Joyce; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Florence and Jack.

Tammy’s family would also like to thank Asera Care Hospice, Sanford Hospice Cottage, and Ava’s House for their extraordinary care for her. We will forever be grateful.