December 17, 1963 ~ August 15, 2025

James L. Williams, 61, Brandon, SD, passed away due to health complications on August 15, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society in Sioux Falls, SD.  

A Memorial Service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 400 S. Chestnut Blvd., Brandon.

James Miyagi Williams was born on December 17, 1963, in Okinawa, Japan. He was adopted by Archie R. and Sumiko (Saito) Williams when he was 9 days old. The family remained in Japan where his father was in the U.S. Army, until his retirement in 1967. The family lived in New York and New Jersey until finally settling down in Opalocka, Florida. James’ name was then changed to James Leonard Williams.

James was active in music and graduated with both band and academic honors from Miami Carol City Senior High School in 1981. He was very proud to become a United States Citizen at age 17 and remained very patriotic throughout his life. Independence Day was always his favorite holiday.  After graduation he attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, where he majored in Political Science and played saxophone as a member of the Florida State University Marching Chiefs.

While in college, James joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and went on to serve a full-time mission in the Ohio-Cleveland Mission. After his mission, he returned to Tallahassee and married Kara L. Urquhart. The couple had one child, daughter, Meredith.

After living in Miami for a few years, the family moved to South Dakota where James attended Southeast Technical Institute and Colorado Technical University. He worked for Gateway 2000 and other technology-related jobs for many years before his retirement due to disability. He continued to serve in his church callings, and he remained proud of his United States Citizenship and Japanese heritage. He also loved and followed everything about Florida State University.

James is survived by his daughter, Meredith L. Williams, of Idaho Falls, ID.

James was preceded in death by his father, Archie Rudolphers Williams; and his mother, Sumiko Saito Williams.

Ways to honor the memory of James Miyagi Leonard Williams: Eat Japanese food, he loved sushi and hibachi. Listen to Florida State University Marching Chiefs or watch FSU Football. Listen to jazz music and enjoy musicals. Watch old Japanese monster movies or TV shows dubbed into English, Think of him during any patriotic display or event. He was especially proud to be a US Citizen.

September 15, 1989 ~ October 5, 2025

Devin S. Knigge’s amazing life was cut short on Thursday, September 25, 2025, when he went into cardiac arrest and his brain was without oxygen for over 30 minutes.  His body finally succumbed to the damage to his brain, and he passed away on October 5, 2025, at the age of 36, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 29, 2025, in Arkansas City, KS. At Devin’s request, Yellowstone National Park will be his final resting place along with his grandma, Sandi Knigge.

Devin Scot Knigge was born on September 15, 1989, in Minnesota, at Worthington Regional Hospital, the day before Turkey Day. (If you know, you know) Devin’s love language was giving to others, and he had such a giving spirit. He was always willing to help out when needed, loved to give everyone special gifts just because he thought of them, and was always ready to pitch in to help his co-workers. 

Devin worked at Blue Rock Bar & Grill where he was able to pursue his passion for cooking and becoming a talented chef.  He started cooking at a very young age with his first signature dish of scrambled eggs and salsa, which he firmly believed he had invented.  He had a passion for cooking and was always putting his own special twist to any meal that he made.

Devin also had a passion for Legos, which started at a very young age when his grandpa gave him his first Lego set.  His Lego passion grew throughout the years, and he proudly displayed his numerous Lego creations around his home. His brother said that he was pretty sure that Devin’s heart was made of Legos, and if it wasn’t, Devin would have wished that it was.  Devin showed his love with Legos and passed that love on to his niece and nephew, who both love Legos as well.

Devin also had a love for Harry Potter, the Minnesota Vikings (win or lose), and Mountain Dew. He was an avid collector of memorabilia including Funko Pops, Game of Thrones, and Walking Dead. He went to numerous Walking Dead events including the Walker Stalker cruise, and was fortunate to meet many of the actors, and have his Walking Dead character figurines signed. He also loved Pokémon and would play Pokémon Go with his beloved dog Wheezy.

Devin’s cousin shared one thing that stood out to him and that was Devin’s resiliency.  Life had a habit of knocking Devin down, but he always got back up.  People are often more than the sum of their parts-and Devin’s resiliency was one of the many things that made him so special.  His Auntie Ann will never forget his amazing smile and his joyful laugh, which contributed to his joyful heart.  Devin enjoyed Nerf gun wars with his brothers, and playing games at family get togethers, which usually resulted in hearing his joyful laughter.  His brother has a favorite Devin moment that occurred on a family trip to Universal Studios. His bond with Devin was strengthened and solidified, which resulted in special memories with Devin that he will forever cherish.
Devin will forever be remembered and loved by his family, mother, Dawn Ruge; father, Sergio Ruge; brothers, Kai Ruge, and Taylor (Morgan Noshbush) Knigge; grandfather, William (Karen, Heather, and Meghan) Knigge; aunt and uncle, Ann and Greg Stofferan; cousins, Shane (Tanya, Kennedy and Ryker) Stofferan, Spencer Stofferan, and Cameran Stofferan; niece, Laila Clairmont; and nephew, Thomas Knigge.

Devin was preceded in death by his grandma, Sandi Knigge; he was her first grandchild and they shared a very special bond, great grandpas and grandmas, Robert and Joan Gustafson, and Fritz and Kathy Knigge; and his beloved dog, Wheezy.

November 20, 1947 ~ October 11, 2025

Gregory “Greg” M. Johnson, 77, Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Brandon, SD, died Saturday, October 11, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family.

Join Greg’s family for a Celebration of Life Open House from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home, in Brandon, SD. A Time of Sharing will be held at 6:00 p.m. To honor Greg’s memory, please wear any fine jewelry that you may have acquired from Greg, especially the pieces he custom made. 

Gregory “Greg” Mark Johnson was born on November 20, 1947, to Leland and Marion (Jungk) Johnson in Sioux Falls, SD. In ‘58, the family moved to Brandon where Greg received his education. Greg married Gladys De Groot on May 22, 1971; to this union, daughter Joy and son Mark were born. 

Greg’s 56-year career in the fine jewelry industry began at Zales Jewelers in the fall of 1969, while shopping for an engagement ring for Gladys. At Zales, Greg rose to regional manager with 18 stores throughout the Midwest. In ’82, Greg owned and operated Artcarved Jewelry, his first store, in Sioux Falls. In ‘87, Greg founded Johnson Jewelers in Brookings, SD; stores in Ames, IA and Madison, SD followed. Greg possessed a keen eye for fine diamonds and precious metals, and he knew his industry. Greg loved to guide his clients to find the perfect engagement ring, anniversary band, or other heirloom pieces to celebrate and memorialize life’s most important milestones and moments. Greg felt privileged to be a part of helping couples select their wedding rings. Greg’s bridal customers frequently became friends who invited him to their social events and weddings. 

Greg was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing trips with neighbors and friends to Lake Athapapuskow in Flin Flon, Manitoba. Greg’s passion for pheasant hunting was nurtured by his favorite great uncle Rudy Offt, who took him and brother Matt hunting every fall when they were children. Greg looked forward to and never missed a year of pheasant hunting at a farm in Howard, SD. Greg was happiest wearing blaze orange with a shotgun in hand. We take comfort knowing Greg is walking the fields in heaven with his dogs Pal, Queenie, and Bojangles. 

Family traditions and holidays were very important to Greg, especially Christmas. Greg artfully trimmed his stores for the holidays and his flare for decorating carried over to his home with an abundance of C-9 Christmas lights punctuating every pitch of the roof and weaved throughout the shrubs.  

Greg lovingly cared for any critter that visited or called his yard home. He fed birds of all types, squirrels, rabbits, and deer. Greg was especially proud of a rare albino robin that nested in his apple trees for many years. Weekly errands included a stop at the grain elevator to pick up bags of cracked corn for the deer. 

Left to cherish Greg’s memory are his wife, Sandy; daughter, Joy Johnson, Esq. (Reed Dill, D.D.S.), Zimmerman, MN; son, Mark (Margaret) Johnson, Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Claire, Hannah and Ava Johnson; stepchildren, Hannah Herman, Minneapolis, MN, and Eugene Nelms, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; brother, Gary (Marlene) Matthew Johnson, Scottsdale, AZ; and numerous other family and friends.

Greg’s parents and former wife, Gladys De Groot-Johnson preceded him to eternity. 

February 15, 1957 ~ September 23, 2025

Richard D. Burch, Pipestone, MN, passed away unexpectedly on September 23, 2025, from a fall, at the age of 68, in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Christ the King Free Lutheran Church, 804 8th Ave. NE, Pipestone, MN.

Richard Dale Burch, the youngest of ten children, was born on February 15, 1957, in Pipestone, MN, to Howard and Gladys (Quirk) Burch.

Richard spent his younger years at the Boys Ranch in Austin, MN where he developed his passion for working with horses. He met his foster family through the Boys Ranch where his foster father, Art Carlson, worked as a carpenter. Art taught Richard carpentry, a skill he used throughout his life to work on his own projects, but also to help others with theirs. Richard’s foster mother, Lee, was an amazing baker, and that is where he got his sweet tooth from. Richard would never turn down a sweet treat of any kind!

Richard graduated from Austin High School in 1975, and in 1976 married Wendy Nelson. They had a daughter, Angela. The couple later divorced, and Richard remarried. He had two sons, Travis and Colton.

A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Richard found peace and joy in nature. Whether he was cruising the many lakes of Minnesota with friends and family on his pontoon boat, fishing quiet streams, or just sitting in a tree stand with his bow, hunting, he felt most at home surrounded by nature.

In addition to the outdoors, Richard enjoyed spending his weekends at several race car tracks in Minnesota and South Dakota, cheering for his favorite drivers and family members.

Later in life, Richard was reunited with his siblings. They would spend countless hours on the farm sharing stories, fishing, and soaking in the beauty of the lake.  It was a chapter of his life that brought him deep happiness and a sense of wholeness.

Richard will be remembered for his kindness and his ability to rig just about anything to work… often with nothing but duct tape and determination.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Angela; sons, Travis and Colton; sisters, Robin, Cathy, Carol, and Judy; brothers, Andy and Raymond; and his beloved pets, Myah, Gracie, Tango and Cash, who will now be cared for by family.

Richard was preceded in death by his birth parents, Gladys and Howard; his foster parents, Lee and Art; and his siblings, Roy, Daryl, Jerry, and Eva.

In his final act of kindness, Richard chose to donate his organs, giving the gift of life to others.

November 22, 1961 ~ October 4, 2025

Anne Elizabeth Butz, 63, Sioux Falls, passed away surrounded by loving family on October 4, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, she was at peace.

Anne was insistent that her passing (being released from Alzheimer’s) be celebrated, not mourned. Anne’s family invites you to an informal celebration of Anne’s life at Look’s Marketplace on Saturday, October 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions would be most appropriate for the SD Alzheimer’s Association, Ceili Cottage in Sioux Falls, or Day Break Adult Day Services in Sioux Falls.

Anne Elizabeth Frost was born November 22, 1961, with her twin sister, Beth, at Sioux Valley Hospital to Ernest and Lorraine Frost. The home of the Frost family in Colton on that day was excited with the announcement of “15 pounds of girl.” The switchboard operator was busy!!

Anne attended schools in Huron, Clark, and Sioux Falls, SD. She graduated from Washington High School where she was active in music and drama. Anne participated in band, choir, and the musical Showboat. Her love of music continued throughout her life. In May 1984, Anne graduated from SDSU with honors from the nursing program. She passed her nursing boards with one of the highest scores in the state.

On September 8, 1984, Anne married Richard Butz. They first met at Washington High when Anne and her tuba sat behind this cute boy in the band, and they later reconnected during college. Sioux Falls was their home, except for two years in Dell Rapids, and two years in Hilo, Hawaii. They were blessed with two sons; Gregory was born in 1987, and Eric came along in 1989.

Maternal-Child Health was Anne’s nursing specialty. She worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, high-risk OB, postpartum, and labor and delivery. Anne excelled in her nursing career in Hawaii, also—delivering babies when the doctor was late, or being asked to start IVs for challenging newborns. Anne especially loved babies and toddlers, and they loved her too. She often created fun, educational activities for those in her care.

Anne was an accomplished, respected nurse, but her greatest passion was being the mother of her two boys. She loved helping the boys in any way she could—school volunteer, soccer mom, driving Eric to horse riding events, helping Greg obtain his private pilot’s license. She enjoyed making personalized scrapbooks for family trips and events.

Anne was a woman of many talents and interests. As a woman of faith, she was a kind, compassionate, and giving person. She and Methodist Minister Darrell Leach, started “The Haven,” an after-school childcare in Dell Rapids in 1997, a program that has expanded and continues today. She adored and spoiled her pets. Her favorite part of life was being with family. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was very witty especially when injecting original puns into a conversation. She loved to laugh and be silly. She always made the room more fun and entertaining, Anne loved creating and crafting and had an eye for decorating. And she loved to shop!

Anne is survived by her husband, Richard; sons, Gregory and Eric (Samantha); sisters, Kathy (Phil) Zabell, Lisa (Rob) McGraw, Beth (Phil) Taubert; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Anne in death were her parents, Ernest and Lorraine; her sister, Jackie; and her brother; David.

September 20, 1947 ~ October 1, 2025

Richard “Dick” E. Clark, 78, Sioux Falls, SD, died on October 1, 2025, at the Sioux Falls VA Cottage after a battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, with a Time of Sharing beginning at 10:30 a.m., at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon. Inurnment will be at 11:30 a.m., at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Sioux Falls, with Full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Banquet, Salvation Army, or the Boys and Girls Club of Sioux Falls in Richard’s memory.

Richard “Dick” Everett Clark was born on September 20, 1947, in Wessington Springs, SD, to Freeman and Johanna (Brock) Clark. He graduated from Washington High School in 1966. He joined the Navy in December 1966 and was honorably discharged in July 1972. He proudly volunteered in Antarctica for a portion of his service. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Antarctic Service Medal. Dick worked at American Rim & Brake for 38 years and retired in 2009.

Dick is survived by his sisters, Shirley Runge, Sioux Falls, SD, Dolores Kaufman, Olympia, WA, Karen (Warren) Oakland, Sioux Falls, SD, and Sandra Sichmeller, Sioux Falls, SD; many nieces and nephews; and special friend, Ernestine Miller.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Freeman and Johanna; brothers-in-law, Richard Runge, and John Sichmeller; and niece, Angela Runge.

December 4, 1954 – September 29, 2025

James “Lippy” Richard Lipscomb, 70, Sioux Falls, SD, a man with the “gift of gab” and a heart for the outdoors, passed away on September 29, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

A private celebration of life will be held for family and close friends at a later date.

James Richard Lipscomb was born on December 4, 1954, in Illinois to Robert and Italine (Armes) Lipscomb. James, or “Lippy” as he was affectionately known, never met a stranger. His extraordinary talent for conversation made him a memorable figure to all who knew him. He was a man of remarkable dedication and work ethic, building a diverse career that spanned from real estate and working at John Morrell’s and Waste Management to proudly owning and operating his own company, J & L Hauling.

Beyond James’ professional life, he was most at home in nature, finding his greatest joy while fishing. He was also a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings, a team he loyally supported even when the odds were against them. His love for the outdoors, his pets, and his steadfast dedication to his favorite team were defining parts of his character. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, a genuine spirit, and countless stories shared with those he loved.

James is survived by his children, Jamie Lipscomb, Jack Lipscomb, and Candice Lipscomb; his cherished grandchild, Ruth Yanovich; his siblings, Bob Lipscomb, Cathy Brown, Linda Donaldson, and Tara Steiner; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. His life was also blessed by the recent discovery of his daughter, Angie Culp; and granddaughter, Casey Kremke.

James is now reunited with his beloved parents, Italine and Robert Lipscomb, who preceded him in death.

January 20, 1953 ~ September 28, 2025

Pamela “Pam” A. Heinemann, 72, Valley Springs, SD, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Avera Dells Area Hospital in Dell Rapids, SD.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Valley Springs. Pam will be laid to rest at Pleasant View Cemetery in Valley Springs.

Pamela “Pam” Ann Wiese was born on January 20, 1953, at the Pipestone County Hospital in Pipestone, MN to William and Margaret (Demuth) Wiese. She was raised in Woodstock with her brother, Butch, twin sister, Patricia “Pat”, and sisters, Jackie and Abbie. Pam graduated from Pipestone High School in 1971.

Pam married Richard “Dick” Heinemann on September 27, 1980, and moved to Valley Springs, SD. They welcomed their son, Christopher “Chris” Heinemann, on February 11, 1986. They spent many wonderful years of love and laughter together before Dick’s untimely passing in July of 1999.

Pam will be remembered for her kind heart, her laughter, and her ‘life of the party’ personality. She especially enjoyed spending time playing darts with the Pink Ladies, her sewing projects, and getting ice cream with her granddaughter.

Pam is survived by her son, Chris; granddaughter, Macy; sister, Abbie; and many friends who will cherish her memory.

Pam was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; parents, William and Margaret Wiese; brother, Allen “Butch” Wiese; twin sister, Patricia “Pat” Peterson; and sister, Jackie Beukema.

December 20, 1985 ~ September 26, 2025

Jeffrey L. Treadway, 39, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, after a very short battle with cancer.

Per Jeffrey’s wishes he will not have a funeral service and instead will have his ashes spread at Pikes Peak in Colorado and a place he always wanted to visit…Japan.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Jeffrey’s memory by enjoying a game, a movie, or a quiet moment with loved ones.

Jeffrey Lee Treadway was born on December 20, 1985, in South Dakota to Rick Fenicle and Holly Howard. He was a kind and beautiful soul with a passion for gaming, anime, food, and the worlds of Marvel and DC. His love of computers and fascination with Japanese culture shaped much of his life and brought him joy, curiosity, and connection.

Though his health often limited his opportunities, Jeffrey was a devoted and loyal worker when he was able, and he carried that same loyalty and kindness into his relationships. Those who knew him best will remember his quick wit, easy smile, his gentle heart, and the way he found comfort and community in the things he loved. Jeffrey is deeply loved and will be forever missed by his dad, Rick, mom, Holly, and stepmom, JoAnna; his brother, RJ Fenicle; sister, Sierra Fenicle-Eveland and brother-n-law, Tim Eveland; his grandmothers; aunts; uncles; Godfather, Jon Dewaard; as well as many friends; and his special friend, Jennifer.

July 18, 1950 ~ September 28, 2025

Bruce J. Nytroe, 75, Brandon, SD, died at his home on Sunday, September 28, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, with a Memorial Service beginning at 6:30 p.m., at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon. The family requests that guests wear camo, wrestling, or racing attire to honor Bruce’s memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the Brandon Fire Department in Bruce’s memory.

Bruce Jay Nytroe was born on July 18, 1950, in South Dakota to Kermit and Elaine (Peterson) Nytroe. He grew up in Crooks until the family moved to Brandon in 1962. Bruce spent the rest of his life living in Brandon.

In 1981, Bruce met Cathy Makowsky at a Valentine’s Day party. They married on September 25, 1982, in Brandon where they raised their two sons, Jared and Brandon. Bruce had several jobs, most notably for Building Products. After one year of retirement, Cathy told him to go back to work because he was driving her nuts at home. He then worked for Marv’s Sanitary in Brandon until his bad knees forced him into retirement again. Not wanting to stay home, Bruce then worked summers for Minnehaha County doing roadwork until ill health finally made him retire.

Bruce volunteered on the Brandon Fire Department as a firefighter and EMT from 1979 to 2002. He participated in dart and bowling leagues and built model cars. He enjoyed dirt track racing and even raced himself and pitted for many years. He cherished camping and fishing with Cathy and Brandi. Bruce was so proud of Jared and his (so far) 22 years of dirt track racing, and of Brandon becoming a professional wrestler and turning his life around.

Grateful for having shared Bruce’s life are his wife of 43 years, Cathy Elizabeth Nytroe; sons Jared (Amanda) Nytroe, Brandon, Brandon (Haleigh) Nytroe, Sioux Falls, and David Nytroe, Sioux Falls; special nephew, Brian Sabia, Sioux Falls; 11 grandchildren, Brandi, Novah, Tinsley, Ember, AJ, Aslee, Jasper, Jaxon, Faith, Phillip and Sincere; sisters, Bonnie (Gene) Schumaker, Sioux Falls, Barb (Jim) Schartz, Brandon, and Brenda Lape, Brandon; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and the many friends he cherished throughout his life.

Bruce was preceded in death by his grandson, Kamden Nytroe; father and mother, Kermit and Elaine; sisters, Betty Dansman, and Beverly (Rick) Blue; father and mother-in-law, George and Musazettia Makowsky; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Cheryl and John Beauvic; and nieces, Sierra Petersen and Leisha Watkins.