February 13, 1987 ~ May 22, 2025

Shawn “Scrappy” J. Tarnowski, 38, Ft. Collins, CO, passed away on May 22, 2025, while visiting Williston, ND. A man of grit, contradictions, and restless energy, Shawn lived life on his own terms – fast, loud, and unapologetically.

A Service of Remembrance will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the American Legion in Renner, SD, 47410 258^th Street. Friends and family are invited to ride out and remember Shawn “Scrappy” Tarnowski – honestly, fully, and without filter.  

Shawn “Scrappy” Joseph Tarnowski was born in Sioux Falls, SD on February 13, 1987, to Chuck McGrath and Connie Tarnowski. He grew up close to his brothers and friends. He spent time riding bikes, swimming, and participating in Young Marines. As Shawn grew up, he was never one to follow the straight path. In 2006, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, answering a call to service. After his time in uniform, he shifted into independent contracting work in the Middle East, taking on high-risk roles that suited his fearless nature. Later, he transitioned into oil field work, continuing a life of hard labor and hard living. Over the years, Shawn built a diverse and rugged employment history that reflected the kind of man he was – adaptable, tough, and always on the move.

Shawn had a deep love for motorcycles, long roads, and stiff drinks. He lived for the ride and for the camaraderie of those who understood the life. He was never one to shy away from a story, especially if it came with a laugh and a shot of whiskey.

Though he wasn’t always present, Shawn loved his children, Isaac, Sophia, and Zac. The years and the miles often got in the way, but they remained a part of him – in ways he didn’t always know how to express.

He leaves behind a legacy as wild and varied as the places he worked and the roads he took. Those who knew him will remember a man who lived fast, worked hard, and left no part of life untouched.

Shawn is survived by his children, Isaac Tarnowski, Sioux Falls, SD, Sophia & Zac Tarnowski, Ft. Collins, CO; his father, Charles McGrath, Ramsey, MN; his brother, Nathan (Lindsay) Tarnowski, Sioux Falls, SD; his twin brother, Michael (Bethany) Tarnowski, Fredericksburg, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shawn was preceded in death by his mother, Connie Tarnowski.

Never above you, never below you, always beside you.

March 21, 1942 ~ May 13, 2025

Onalea “Onee” A. Barber, 83, formerly of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, surrounded by her family, at her home in Leavenworth, KS.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at St. John American Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls with a Memorial Service to follow at 10:30 a.m.  To view the service via Livestream, you may click HERE.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. John Lutheran Church in Onalea’s memory.

Onalea “Onee” Ann Berdahl was born on March 21, 1942, in Minneapolis, MN to Carl and Mable (Hokensted) Berdahl. She grew up on a farm near Garretson, SD. She graduated high school from Augustana Academy. After high school, she attended Nettleton College where she learned shorthand. She then worked for the courthouse for a short time.

Onee met her husband, Ronald, and they were married on April 12, 1964. Shortly after the birth of their first child, Onee took on her most important job, raising her children. In their 61 years of marriage, they were blessed with three children, Sheri, Wayne, and Doug.

After her children were grown, Onee worked for Sam’s Club for numerous years. She touched many people’s lives with her soft words and selfless actions.

In 2021, Ron and Onee moved to Leavenworth, KS to live with their son Doug.

Grateful for sharing Onee’s life, are her husband, Ron Barber; daughter, Sheri (Frank) Natole, Sioux Falls; sons, Wayne (Janet) Barber, Overland Park, KS, and Doug (Karen) Barber, Leavenworth, KS; stepson, Robert (Nora) McDaniel, Sioux Falls; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous other children that were blessed to call her grandma and great-grandma.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl & Mable Berdahl.

August 19, 1968 ~ May 7, 2025

Daron D. Engebretson, 56, Lennox, SD, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

No services are planned at this time.

Daron Dean Engebretson was born on August 19, 1968, in South Dakota to David and Sandra (Swanson) Engebretson.  

Daron was a man whose hands built more than just walls – they built memories, stories, and a lasting legacy across the country. A skilled bricklayer by trade, Daron was a true craftsman. He will forever be known as one of the best masons that anyone has ever met. Daron took pride in every brick, block, and piece of stone that he put in the wall. His talent and dedication helped shape the very foundations of America, and his mark lives on in the places he helped create.

When he wasn’t working, Daron found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved building model cars, fishing, or spending time working in carpentry. He was a diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan and loved nothing more than attending a game with his son.

Daron was always watching WWE Wrestling. He loved listening to music, especially his favorites – Bob Seger, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, AC/DC, and most recently, Jelly Roll.

Daron lived in many places throughout his life, but he was most recently settled in South Dakota. He was known for his kindness – not only through his work, but also through the deep love he gave to his family. Daron was the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He was deeply cherished by his son, daughter-in-law, grandsons, sister, and brother, and that love was returned to them many times over. He took immense pride in his only son, Levi, and treasured every moment he shared with his beloved grandson, Mason. His presence, laughter, and strength will be missed every day.

Daron will be remembered as a man of remarkable strength and a steadfast work ethic. His hands told the story of years of honest labor. The example he set through his hard work will leave a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.

Daron’s legacy is not only in the brick and mortar of the buildings he helped construct, but also in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Daron is survived by his son, Levi and daughter-in-law, Ryli; grandsons, Mason and Adrian; sister, Cara; brother, Taner; and nephews, Westin, Beckett, and Corbin.

Daron was preceded in death by his parents, David and Sandra Engebretson.

June 10, 1952 ~ May 21, 2025

Edward “Ed” B. Gutting, 72, Parker, SD, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was under the care of his son and daughter and the support of St. Croix Hospice.

A Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Saint Anne’s Catholic Church, 141 Church Hill Rd., Somerset, WI, 54025. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00am followed by Inurnment.

A memorial has been established in Ed’s memory and can be mailed to the family at: The Gutting Family, 45270 Brooke Pl., Canistota, SD, 57012.

Edward “Ed” Bernard Gutting was born on June 10, 1952, in Redwing, Minnesota, the son of Bernard and Mary Ann (Gorski) Gutting. On June 26, 1971, he married Kathleen Rivard at Saint Anne’s Catholic Church in Somerset, WI.

Ed worked in South St. Paul, MN for Armor Dial for 32 years. He transferred to the Ft. Madison, IA plant, where he worked until he retired. He had positions in numerous areas of the plant. Running the hydrostats was his last position before retiring. Ed was a loving husband to Kathy, the best dad to his children, Eddie & Melanie, and a great brother to his siblings. He loved spending time with his only grandchild, Schuyler. They would spend time together going fishing, riding four-wheelers, mushroom and deer hunting, and watching scary movies.

Ed loved to babysit his grand puppies, Finley and Oliver, and his grand kitty, Harrison. Ed loved his family immensely and would do anything for them. He was a strong man and very spiritual. He taught CCD at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Montrose, IA for over 20 years with his wife Kathy. Ed was an avid hunter, loved to go fishing, mushroom hunting, ride his four-wheeler, hang out in his man cave with his dog, “Petey”, and his wife and watch movies. Ed loved his butcher’s shop and made the best sausages and jerky that he would share with family and friends. He loved to garden with his wife. He loved music, especially the oldies (50’s & 60’s), and loved Polka dancing with his wife. Ed was a huge football fan of the Green Bay Packers. Every year he would attend games in Green Bay with his family.

Ed is survived by his son, Eddie (Tessa White) Gutting, Mt. Pleasant, IA; daughter, Melanie (Nick) Seiter, Canistota, SD; grandson, Schuyler Gutting, Winner, SD; mother-in-law, Eloris Rivard, Somerset, WI; siblings, Chris & Heidi Gutting, Gloria Brunell, Phil & Sandy Gutting, Bernadine Peacock, and Mary Nelson; brother and sisters-in-law, Pat & Doreen Rivard, Bernie & Marcia Rivard, Renee & Joe Keating, Cindy & Rick Prokash, Joel & Cathy Rivard, Roger & Judy Rivard, Shelly & Bob VanSomeren, and Margaret & John DeRosier; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Gutting; parents, Bernard & Mary; father-in-law, Douglas Rivard; siblings, Robert Gutting, Larry Gutting, Debbie Powers, and Lorelei Johnson; and siblings-in-law, Richard Peacock, Bill Brunell, and Brian Nelson.

June 29, 1938 ~ May 17, 2025

Waldo H. Ost, 86, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

A Remembrance Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at First Congregational Church in Sioux Falls. A visitation will be held after the service. A livestream of the service is available by clicking HERE.

In lieu of flowers, Wally’s family requests that you honor his memory by supporting the International Music Camp or your local school music programs.

Wally was born June 29, 1938, to Fred and Selma (Mohl) Ost of rural Beulah, ND. In his boyhood on the farm, he sang and played piano at home and in church and entertained the cows with his virtuosic whistling. After finishing eight grades in six years at a one-room country school, he graduated from Beulah High School in 1955, having played tuba in the school band, and composed a march for the North Dakota Future Farmers of America state convention.

During his music education studies at Concordia College, Wally played tuba in the Fargo/Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, and may have been the second person in the USA to perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’ tuba concerto. Upon graduating from Concordia in 1959, Wally began his teaching career as the band and choir director in Terry, Montana. One family with three band students took a special interest in this first-year teacher, and he soon took a special interest in their oldest daughter. On June 14, 1961, Esther Harris became Mrs. Wally Ost, a marriage that would last nearly 64 years.

The newlyweds first settled in South Dakota, where Esther attended Dakota Wesleyan University and Wally taught band in Emery and Platte. They next spent five years in Ketchikan, Alaska, where Wally was the band director at Schoenbar Junior High and Ketchikan High School, and their oldest daughter, Marian, was born.

They moved to Beulah, ND in 1972, to take over Ost Septic Tank business, which provided liquid-sanitation services and piano tuning(!) across much of western North Dakota. Many music recitals were hosted in the OST company’s spacious lobby, which featured two grand pianos and a church organ. Three generations of the Ost family sang together in the Knife River Chorale’s 1976 Bicentennial Tour of North Dakota, for which Wally also provided the concert-grand piano and piano-moving truck. Once their daughter Muriel and son Dan were born, the Osts relocated to Minot for educational opportunities, and the entire family became deeply involved in Minot’s cultural community. Wally himself performed in the Minot Symphony Orchestra, Minot City Band, Western Plains Opera, and numerous community theatre productions, often with his children onstage or in the pit orchestra with him.

Upon the 1991 death of his longtime friend Glenn Siverson, Wally stepped out of semi-retirement to fill Glenn’s position as Canton (SD) High School band director for the rest of the 1991-92 school year, including a by-invitation performance at the South Dakota Bandmasters Convention. As a direct result of his new South Dakota connections, Wally was “instrumental” (pun intended) (he loved puns!) in launching the Brass Band of Minot, which led to him serving on the national board of the North American Brass Band Association and creating the official NABBA summer brass band program at the International Music Camp.

After losing their house to the devastating floods of 2011, Wally and Esther moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where Wally had been on Sanford’s organ transplant waiting list since 2009. On August 20, 2012 he received a healthy kidney that revitalized his body and mind, allowing him to continue composing, arranging, mentoring and encouraging for many more years.

Wally is survived by his wife, Esther Ost (Sioux Falls); daughters, Marian and John Casey (Sioux Falls), and Muriel and Robert Jackson (Maple Grove, MN); son, Daniel and Shelley Ost (Memphis, TN); grandchildren, Connor and Samantha Ost; many “adapted” children and grandchildren, including Jacob Pagone and Frances DeArmond (Sioux Falls), Jeremy Nygard (Bismarck, ND), Joan Haaland Paddock (McMinnville, OR) and Zephyr Hillebrand Buettner (Austin, TX); and musical friends around the world.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Selma (Mohl) Ost; and his sister, Lorraine (Ost) Biloff.

May 24, 1978 ~ May 6, 2025

Jeremy J. Buechler, 46, Redfield, SD, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Warner, SD. A luncheon and fellowship will follow the service.

The family requests no flowers and asks that guest wear casual attire. Funny T-shirts are appreciated.

Jeremy John Buechler was born on May 24, 1978, in Aberdeen, SD to Jerold and Amy (Gross) Buechler. He graduated from Warner High School in 1996, and immediately joined the Marine Corp. He also achieved a degree in Network Communications at Mitchell Technical Institute. Jeremy worked at the South Dakota Development Center as a Direct Support Personnel for the past 20 years.

Jeremy was known for having a quiet personality and a great sense of humor. He would hold the door for you, shovel your sidewalk, or help you without being asked. When he was not on his computer playing games, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family.

Jeremy was generous in life, and as well as in death, as he was an organ donor.

Jeremy is survived by his parents, Jerold and Amy Buechler; siblings, Scott and Darcy; niece, Ryleigh Beckman; girlfriend, Emily Baumann; Emily’s children, Kaydence and Oriana; and Emily’s granddaughter, Isabella.

May 30, 1992 ~ May 4, 2025

Mark R. Unekis, 32, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, after a long-time struggle with mental illness.

A Visitation will be held with family present from 2-3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Ransom Church in Sioux Falls. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:30pm. A Time of Sharing with light refreshments will be held after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to places that Mark held close to his heart: 5th Street Clubhouse at Southeastern Directions for Life, or the Cattitude Café in Sioux Falls.  

Mark was born in Des Moines, IA, on May 30, 1992, and spent his early childhood years in Newton, IA. In 1999, the family moved to Rock Rapids, where Mark was involved in taekwondo, theater, wrestling, and cross county. He graduated from Central Lyon High School in 2011 and attended South Dakota State University as an Honors student.

Mark was known for his quick, witty remarks. He was always ready with a joke, even if it made you roll your eyes. He was also known for his spot-on impersonations, whether it be of Billy Mayes of Oxi-Clean, Scott Stapp of Creed, or a teacher with particular idiosyncrasies. If you needed a random fun fact, a quote from The Office, or the Rotten Tomatoes score on any given film, Mark would have them at the ready.

Mark returned to South Dakota State University and was actively pursuing a degree in Psychology. Outside of school, he kept active by taking guitar lessons, frequently visiting the Cattitude Café downtown, and traveling around the area to do karaoke with his friends. Mark was a client of Southeastern Directions for Life and took full advantage of their 5th Street Clubhouse program, which he attended daily. He developed many friendships there and always enjoyed playing games with other clients, participating in their music sharing days, and going on their field trips around the state.

Mark cherished his close relationships with family and friends. He was intentional about staying in touch with out-of-state family and checking in on them. Mark loved to have long conversations, with topics spanning from early 2000’s music, and silly things he did as a kid, to politics, philosophy, and the family cats. He will be remembered for his unconditional acceptance of others, incredible empathy, and quick wit.

Mark is survived by his mother, Patrice A. Unekis, Rock Rapids, IA; father, James Unekis, Oakland, MD; sister, Rachel (Greg) Poches, Newaygo, MI; brother, Daniel (Kari) Bechtel-Unekis, Holland, MI; aunts and uncles, Kama Jongerius (Steve DeYoung), Tim (Ruth) Jongerius), John (Valerie) Unekis, and Ann (Wayne) Dumonchelle; and several cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Elaine Unekis, and Willis and Edna Jongerius.

January 5, 1936 ~ April 25, 2025

Joan F. Shipe, 89, Brandon, SD, widow of Raymond George Shipe, peacefully departed this world at home, on Friday, April 25, 2025.

As per their wishes, Joan will be cremated, and she and Raymond’s ashes will be inurned together beside her parents at St. John’s German Lutheran Cemetery in Elizabeth, Minnesota.

Joan Frances Hoffmann was born in Fergus Falls, MN, on January 5, 1936, to Elmer and Frances (Trenne) Hoffmann. She was raised in Fergus Falls, an only child to her parents. She graduated from Fergus Falls High School, and on February 17, 1955, she married Raymond G. Shipe at the Catholic Church in Wahpeton, ND.

Joan stayed home and nurtured their four children, Brenda, Preston, Dawn, and Neil, while Raymond worked as a truck driver and machinist. Joan and Ray lived in Breckenridge, MN for 18 years and then another 24 years in Fergus Falls, MN, before enjoying their retirement with their youngest son, Neil, in Brandon, SD.

Joan and Ray were active choir members of Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon. Ray was one of the designers of the beautiful prayer garden beside the church.

Joan is survived by her four children, Brenda Hansen, Staunton, VA, Preston (Betty) Shipe, Haslet, TX, Dawn Lane Mehl, Fargo, ND, and Neil (Leigh) Shipe, Brandon, SD; eight grandchildren, Karen Hansen Arehart and Christopher Gall, Staunton, VA, Tyler Shipe, Minneapolis, MN, Kimberly Black, Keller, TX, Jeszrai Muscha, Fargo, ND, Josiah Mehl, Cape Girardeau, MO, Jordyn Braegelmann, St. Cloud, MN, and Senna Shipe, Brandon, SD; and great-grandchildren, Kaeden Click, John Preston Arehart IV (Jack), Boston Self, Adrian and Elliot Braegelmann, Selah, Millie, and Noah Black, and Clara Mehl.

Joan is preceded in death by her adoring husband, Raymond; and her parents, Elmer and Frances Hoffmann.

January 9, 1954 ~ April 24, 2025

Willa J. Johnson, 71, Garretson, SD, died Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

An Open House Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2025, at Tucker and Deanna Bonte’s home at 308 River Ave. in Garretson, SD.

Willa Jean Boyer was born on January 9, 1954, in West Virginia to William and Jean (Palmer) Boyer. She grew up in Martinsburg and graduated from Martinsburg High School in June of 1971.

In September of 1971, Willa married Donald E. Johnson. They were blessed with 5 children. They moved around the United States for the first few years of their marriage. They eventually settled on an acreage in Valley Springs, SD.

Willa attended Nettleton College and graduated with an Associate of Science of Paralegal Degree. She worked various jobs throughout her life. Willa worked as a paralegal in a law office for a few years. She then changed course and went into customer service at Citibank until she retired in 2016.

In her retirement, she enjoyed thrift store shopping, reading, baking, and spending time with her family, especially her great-granddaughter Oaklynn Maye, who she was asking for until the very end.  

Willa was a woman whose life was a testament to love, strength, and quiet grace. She was a mother of five, but to so many more, she was a safe place, a listening ear, and a steady hand. Her strength carried her family through life’s hardest moments, and her love was the foundation that held everything together.

Willa gave her all to her children, raising each one with patience, wisdom, and a heart full of unconditional love. She led by example, showing them how to face the world with dignity, care for others, and stay true to what matters most: family, kindness, and faith.

Eric will be bringing her home to the rolling hills of West Virginia, where she will be laid to rest near her beloved parents. It is a return not just to her roots, but to the peace and beauty of the place that helped shape the remarkable woman she became.

Although we grieve, we also celebrate. We celebrate a life that mattered deeply, and a love that touched us all.

Willa is survived by her son, Eric (Kelli) Johnson, Valley Springs, SD; daughters, Amy Johnson Stassen, Valley Springs, SD, Michele Johnson, Valley Springs, SD, Tammy Webb, Sioux Falls, SD, and Deanna (Tucker) Bonte, Garretson, SD; grandchildren, Jake, Alex, Logan, Lane, Shyanne, Chloe, Nealy, Rylea, Parker, Caitlin, Dusty, Brock, Cody, and Kailyn; special grandson-in-law, Trevor Iverson; great-grandchildren, Oaklynn Maye, Drew, and two more on the way; and her brother, William Boyer II.

Willa was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jean Boyer.