September 30, 1960 ~ January 3, 2025

Leroy D. Johnson, 64, Tea, SD, died Friday, January 3, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls from long-term health issues.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be 1-3 pm, Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Anderson, Jones, Corcoran Funeral Chapel, 110 E. Willow St., Harrisburg, SD.

Leroy Dean Johnson was born on September 30, 1960, in Dell Rapids, SD, to Donald and Evonne (Hotchkiss) Johnson. He was the youngest of eight children. He grew up in Shindler, SD, and completed his education in Harrisburg, SD.

On April 12, 1986, Leroy married Terri Lawrensen in Jackson Hole, WY. They built a wonderful life together and raised their son, Bradley.

Leroy was a knowledgeable carpenter, construction worker, and jack of all trades. He was last employed with Lloyd Companies as a service technician. Leroy loved camping, hunting, fishing, and boating trips.

Those grateful to have shared his life are his wife of 38 years, Terri; son, Bradley; granddaughter, Makaylah; mother, Evonne; sisters, Roxanne Putnam, Janet Gannon, and Carol Fee; brothers, Greg Johnson, Kevin Johnson, and Gary Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leroy was preceded in death by his father, Donald Johnson; and brother, Stan Johnson.

November 26, 1968 ~ January 1, 2025

Paul F. Augustad, 56, Sioux Falls, SD, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the Royal C. Johnson Veteran’s Memorial Hospital in Sioux Falls, of Huntington’s Disease (HD).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 6 at the Ransom Church of Sioux Falls located at 700 N. Main, from 5-6:30 p.m., with a Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Paul’s name to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America – South Dakota Chapter.

Paul Frederick Augustad was born on November 26, 1968 (Thanksgiving Day), in Sioux Falls, SD to Fred and Jacqueline “Jackie” (Fods) Augustad. Paul graduated from Chester High School in 1987 where he excelled in athletics, especially football. Friends said that he was so strong and determined that no one wanted to play against him. Following high school, he took his football talents to Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D.

After college, Paul worked in the Sioux Falls area before moving to the Twin Cities where he joined the plumbing union and used his talents in new construction homes and commercial projects.

Paul met Debbie Stadley in 1998, and they were married on October 20, 2001. They lived in Rogers, MN, until 2007 when they moved to Sioux Falls.

He joined the Army National Guard Company B 153^rd Engineering Battalion in 1986. Paul had 2 “MOS” – “Military Occupational Security” positions and was certified in 62 Echo Heavy equipment and 12 Bravo Demolition. After 20 years he retired with the rank of Sergeant.

Paul’s favorite thing about being in the guards was he was in the best physical shape of his life as he always received high scores on his PT (Physical training) tests. The National Guard also gave him the opportunity to travel to Germany twice; Panama twice; and Iraq. Paul was very proud to have had the opportunity to serve in Iraq from 2003-2005. He wanted to serve a second rotation there but was sadly diagnosed with HD in 2006.

Paul always wished that he had a child to pass on the military tradition. He felt it was a great opportunity to learn new skills and to serve our country. Paul was incredibly proud of his niece, Ellie, joining the Air Guard in Sioux Falls.

Paul was a fearless warrior. A gentle giant.  He loved people. He loved his family, friends, neighbors and HE LOVED HARD!  His nieces and nephews were like his own.   He would have adopted them all if he could.  He was physically and mentally tough.  He fought through HD with grace and dignity.

He was a storyteller and would tell the best stories.  He would have everyone on the edge of their lawn chair at the campfires.  He may have been an instigator at times and always able to get out of his predicament.  He wasn’t afraid to try something that probably shouldn’t be attempted. Paul was a talented athlete – basketball, football, baseball, track, snow skiing, water skiing, and air chair – there was not a sport or activity that Paul didn’t try and excel in. HE PLAYED HARD!  

He was humble, kindhearted, silly and his infectious smile would touch your heart and make you smile back. 

Paul’s strength, humor and resilience touched so many hearts at the Sioux Falls VA.  A special thank you to the Community Living Center (CLC) team.  The love and care that the team gave Paul during his HD journey is unprecedented.  Paul would tease and joke with the team (even though it was hard for him to get his words out).  They always knew if Paul had a secret or a surprise.  Paul would laugh so hard that he would grin big and have tears in his eyes.  They would have to stop and say “Paully, breathe – don’t laugh at us so hard!”

Paul’s brain and other tissues were donated to Harvard University as part of the HD Legacy program. This will foster cutting edge HD drug discovery research.  

Paul is survived by his wife, Debbie; sisters, Sonja (Kent) Boen, Amy (Tom) Sebert, and Nichole Anderson; brother, Todd (Renae) Augustad; nieces and nephews, Tara Augustad, Alex (Jillian) Augustad, Paul Matthew (Kallen) Augustad, Austin (Peyton) Boen, Andy Gordon, Ellie  Anderson, Bennett Sebert, Molly Anderson, Olivia Sebert, Callie Gordon, Jack Sebert and Oscar Anderson; great nephews, Oliver Augustad, Jack Augustad, and Paolo O’Louglen; and a great niece, Sophia Augustad. He will also be missed by his beloved goldendoodle, Pyper Jayne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Jackie; brother, Cliffy; and a sister, Kim. 

June 18, 1941 ~ December 27, 2024

Beverly A. Edmundson, 83, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully, while surrounded by her closest loved ones, on Friday, December 27, 2024, after a cancer diagnosis.

Per Beverly’s request, no services will be held.

Beverly Audrey Edmondson was born on June 18, 1941, in Massachusetts, to Edmund and Antoinette “Audrey” (Fairhurst) Burl. She lived in Millbury, MA for the first twenty years of her life. She had a very close relationship with her mother Audrey, sharing that she was her strongest inspiration and referring to her as her best friend.

Beverly moved to California with her son Mark, in her early twenties, with her mother and father following soon behind. Beverly lived there until her cancer diagnosis in November 2024. She spent the final days of her life in South Dakota with her daughter-in-law and three youngest grandchildren.

Beverly was very active in the Elks and was the first woman Exalted Ruler of her lodge. She was also involved in the Rotary and the Alpha Charter Guild. She was thankful for the close friendships she made through these organizations as well as from the years working at Kaiser Permanente. She wanted you to know that you were all very special to her.

Beverly loved to sing and one of our cherished memories of her is of her singing Christmas carols and her favorite song, Honey’, by Bobby Goldsboro.

Beverly will be deeply missed by her daughter-in-law, Ruba (Haddad) Petka; grandchildren, Nicholas, Edward, Mia, and Melissa; great-grandchild, Gentry; second mother, Donna (Erickson) Burl; sister, Brenda (Roger) Combs; and two nieces, Antoinette L. Dinsdale, and Samantha B. Roy.

Beverly was preceded in death by her son, Mark Don Petka; father, Edmund G. Burl; mother, Antoinette “Audrey” Burl; and niece, April Dawn Combs.

August 27, 1945 ~ December 7, 2024

Barry L. Baum, 79, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Barry Lynn Baum was born on August 27, 1945, in Huron, SD to Orville and Audrey (Peterson) Baum.

After serving his country in the United States Navy, Barry dedicated his life to what he truly loved, auto body repair. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Barry is survived by his son, Troy; granddaughter, Sierra (Garett); siblings, Randy (Connie), Marsha (Ron), Marla, Sheri, and Marcy; and several nieces and nephews.

February 14, 1986 ~ December 13, 2024

Sean A. Fischl, 38, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

A proud Army veteran, Sean served his country honorably, including a tour in Iraq. While he made his home in South Dakota, where he found a chosen family, his heart and soul remained in the majestic mountains of Colorado, a place he truly loved.

Sean was a gentle, kind, and compassionate soul who brought light and love to all who knew him. He loved with his whole heart, cherishing his family and friends deeply. He adored his nephews, Adrian and Elijah, as if they were his brothers, and held a special place in his heart for his niece, Zoe.

Sean enriched the lives of everyone he encountered, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. His loss leaves us forever changed. He will be deeply missed and eternally remembered.

Sean is survived by his devoted mother, Deborah Peterson; his loving sisters, Brandy Fischl and Tatiana Zecher; his cherished nephews and niece; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

August 24, 1930 ~ December 25, 2024

Bonnie B. Krochock, 94, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls after a courageous battle with cancer.

In keeping with Bonnie’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. Her children will scatter her remains in the waters of Lake Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bonnie’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

Bonnie Backman was born on August 24, 1930, in Murdo, SD to Adolph and Bessie (Brookens) Backman. Bonnie was raised in a family that instilled in her a strong sense of community and purpose. She graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls before earning her degree in Pharmacy from South Dakota State University.

Bonnie worked as a pharmacist at a time when the profession was dominated by men…making her accomplishment even more impressive. While working at a pharmacy in Vermillion, South Dakota, Bonnie met her loving husband, David Krochock. They were united in marriage on December 19, 1955, and went on to raise a loving family together. Over the years, Bonnie and David lived in several states, including Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, before returning to Sioux Falls, to enjoy their retirement years.

Bonnie was a devoted volunteer, offering her time to various activities, especially those involving her children. She was an active leader in both Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, helping to shape the lives of young people in the community. After retiring, Bonnie continued her service by volunteering at the Sioux Falls Library, where she lovingly repaired book bindings, and with the Sioux Falls Symphony, where her love of the arts was a perfect match for the organization.

A gifted artist, Bonnie, had a deep passion for needlework and sewing. She created beautiful garments, holiday crafts, decorative wall hangings, and most recently, intricate quilts that her family will treasure as a lasting legacy of her love and creativity.

Bonnie’s kindness, creativity, and dedication to her family and community will be forever remembered by all who knew her.

Bonnie is survived by her four children, Ruth, Alan, Steven, and Russell.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, David, in 2014.

September 11, 1938 ~ December 21, 2024

Wilma “Jo” Swier, 86, Brandon, SD, passed away with family by her side, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Home, in Brandon, SD.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 9:30am, Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Heritage Lutheran Church, Brandon, with a funeral service beginning at 11:00am. Interment will be at Brandon Lutheran Cemetery. To watch the funeral service, click HERE.

Wilma “Jo” Berdahl was born on September 11, 1938, in Colton, SD, to William and Clara (Berg) Berdahl. Born on her father’s 40^th birthday and his namesake, Wilma Jo, was raised in Colton where she went to school with the boy who became the love of her life, Ernie Swier.

After attending Augustana College for a year, she transferred to South Dakota State and the young couple married on August 1, 1958. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education, Jo taught in Lyons and Colton for a few years before moving to Rock Rapids, IA.

Once becoming a mom and moving to Sioux Falls, Jo focused her many talents on caring for their three children. In 1971, the family moved to an acreage that they named Dakota Ridge, located outside of Brandon/Corson. They raised Simmental cattle, had expansive gardens, and were extensively involved with 4-H where she served as a leader for the Mapleton Hustlers for many years. Jo was active in church and served joyfully. Larger family gatherings were a highlight of Christmas traditions in her home that made the holidays feel magical. Her creative skills were expressed through hobbies, and she created many treasured gifts. Jo returned to working outside the home at Dayton’s department store and then as a bank teller for 18 years, retiring in 2001 from First National Bank.

Jo and Ernie enjoyed being grandparents, providing care and traveling to see the kids’ events. She always brought meals, usually lasagna, family favorite baked goods and lots of love to share. Her faith, beautiful smile, infectious giggle, and quiet strength will be treasured by all blessed to be loved by her.

Thankful to have shared her life, Jo is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ernie Swier; three children, Scott (Kristi), Chad (Kara), and Kelli (Daryl) Mitzel; nine grandchildren, Riley Swier, Cody Swier, Kaylee Swier, Brady Swier, Schuyler Swier, Hannah Swier, Spencer Swier, Hailey (Mitzel) Derosier, and Mason Mitzel; nine great-grandchildren; and sister, Bev Skrovig of Colton.  

Jo is preceded in death by her parents, William and Clara Berdahl; and sisters, Marilyn Kluter, Darlene Sheddan, and Cleone Foster.

December 30, 1947 ~ December 22, 2024

Helen N. Helm 76, Brandon, died peacefully, while surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls, after a long battle with emphysema and COPD.

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will be 10:30am, Friday, December 27, 2024, also at Heartland Funeral Home followed by Interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Sioux Falls. Helen appreciated the work done by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please consider a donation to St. Jude’s in her honor.

Helen Naomi Stadum was born on December 30, 1947, in Maddock, ND to Arthur (Art) and Ida (Hanson) Stadum. Helen graduated Valedictorian from Esmond High School in North Dakota. She moved to Sioux Falls in 1969 where she met Dave Helm in 1970. They married in 1975. She was a wife and mother for many years raising 8 children. She later became a supervisor at Luverne Truck for 26.5 years. 

Helen lived a life of compassion and had a helping heart. She would always see the best in each person and became a communal maternal figure to many kids over the years. Helen loved to read and could always be found with a book in her hand. She loved to spend time with her family and friends, and going on daily walks with her sister-in-law, Jeri, around Brandon. She had a love and passion for music: if you were to walk into the house at any given time of day, you would get to listen to Elvis, Everly Brothers, or songs from the 50s-60s.

Helen will be deeply missed by her daughter, Christina (Bruce) Crawford; sons, Tim (Naja) Lemke, Jon (Kim) Helm, Steve Helm, Clarence (Stephanie) Helm, Nathan (Amanda Biteler) Helm, and Patrick (Shannon Crowe) Helm; grandchildren, Katie (John) Aaberg, Jordan Page, Samantha (Dylan) Rouzer, Makenzie McGregor, Dylan (Chiara) Jasper, Jordan Crowe, Carys Helm, Ayda Lemke, Mila Lemke, Mia Helm, Shaylee Crowe-Helm, Zane Lemke, Aidan Helm, and Owen Biteler; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Atticus, Emmett, Allen, Rylan, Leo, and Luca;  one brother, Gary Stadum; and sisters, Janice Culp and Eileen Vetter.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ida Stadum; her husband, Dave Helm; and her son, David (Davy) Helm.

September 17, 1939 ~ December 19, 2024

Karen Best had a restless energy, ever only operating at two speeds: on—and in a hurry—or off. It is with great sadness that we announce that she has switched to off mode one last time. Karen Best of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away quietly at home on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from complications related to heart disease. She was 85 years old.

A Celebration of Life for Karen will be held at 10:30am, at Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, on Saturday, January 4, 2025. To watch online by streaming, click here www.peacelutheran.com/live . In lieu of memorials, the family requests that folks carve out a moment to buy a friend a coffee and share a memorable story about Karen.    

Born in Lake City, Iowa, on September 17, 1939, to Carl and Florence Vincent, she grew up a middle child in a farming family along with her five siblings. Despite her diminutive stature, she took pride in giving her two older brothers, Gene and Paul, a run for their money in whatever games or activities they engaged in, and she delighted equally in being the bossy older sister to Mary and Patricia. All five doted on the energetic rascal of the group, their youngest brother, Steven.

Karen attended Lake City area schools, graduating in 1958. During high school, she played half-court Iowa-brand girls’ basketball and worked as a soda jerk at a local drug store as well as a clerk at the local grocery store. She married Jim Best on December 6, 1958, and welcomed a daughter, Dee, the following year. The couple lived at several places in the area before settling in Lytton, Iowa, where Karen operated a beauty parlor out of their home for many years while Jim worked at the local grain elevator. It was in these years that both Karen and Jim took up golf, which became a life-long hobby for both.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Jim was offered different opportunities to manage elevators, and the couple followed these opportunities. From Hills, Minnesota—at which time their family grew to include a son, Dan—to stops in Red Oak (Iowa), Storden (Minn.), and Marion (So. Dak.), Jim worked the elevators while Karen worked as a mother, at a fabric store, and as a bookkeeper. It was also during this time that she started to find success on local golf courses. She won her first of four club championships in 1977 followed by wins in 1985, 1986, and 1990 across three different country clubs.

In the late 1980s and into the 1990s, Jim’s career pivoted to insurance, and Karen joined him for several years as an agent after moving back to Storden. True to her restless and tireless nature, Karen switched up careers to become a travel agent in the early 1990s as the couple moved to Marshall and Lake Benton in Minnesota before eventually settling for good in Sioux Falls in the late 1990s. In Sioux Falls, Karen shifted careers once again, working first as a bank teller and then in operations for local banks. She finished out her work career back in the insurance business as an agent at Best Insurance along with her husband and daughter, before they sold the business and retired in 2014.

Karen had an active retirement and was fortunate to spend her last several winters at a small townhouse the couple purchased at Sun Village in Surprise, Arizona. It was in Surprise that she took art classes and developed impressive skills in watercolor painting and chalk drawings. Golf continued to be her favored form of activity, and after so many years of close calls, she recorded her first and only hole-in-one at the age of 83.

Karen is survived by her husband of 66 years, Jim Best; daughter, Dee (Bruce) Swenson, Sioux Falls; son, Dan (Sarah) Best, Shorewood, Minn.; granddaughters, Courtney Swenson, and Molly Best; and great-grandsons, Adam Swenson and Declan Swenson.

Karen was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Rachel Best; her parents; and her brothers, Paul Vincent and Steven Vincent.

Karen’s greatest joy in life was in time spent with family—especially her granddaughters and great-grandsons. In moving more than two dozen times over the years, Karen and Jim owned 12 different houses, and the many moves brought into their lives new adventures and wonderful friends whom Karen always enjoyed visiting with, particularly over a hand of cards. Karen is remembered by those closest to her as a curious and tenacious soul and a person unafraid to speak her mind while always thoughtful of others. To family members, she was their most enthusiastic supporter, and her energy, love, and loyalty will be sorely missed.

October 29, 1956 ~ December 14, 2024

Barbara “Barb” A. Zobrist, 68, Brandon, SD, passed away comfortably, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Dougherty Hospice House, after experiencing a sudden and insurmountable medical event.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2pm on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home. The service may be viewed online by clicking HERE.

Barb always appreciated the work done by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and her family is thankful for the care she received at the Dougherty Hospice House. Please consider a donation to either of these wonderful organizations in her honor.

Barbara Alice Birath was born on October 29, 1956, in Brookings, SD, to Harry and Mardella (Smith) Birath. She was their only daughter and was born on her parents’ wedding anniversary, making it the best gift they ever received.

Barb moved to Lake Preston before starting high school. She was initially upset by the move because there was no swim team for her to join, despite the school mascot ironically being The Divers. However, she ended up making life-long friends among her class of 32 people.

Barb married Doug Zobrist in 1987 and was blessed with two daughters from that union.

Barb held a variety of interesting jobs during her life but her years as a florist were most notable as she had a passion for flowers and a gift for arranging and caring for them. She worked for many years at Citibank where she again made life-long friends.

Barb loved swimming, being in the sun, reading, house plants, correcting people’s grammar, and all her family and friends. She was known for being accepting, warm, and fun-loving. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh.

Barb is survived by her daughters, Mara Zobrist, and Sarah Goth; three grandchildren, Caspian Goth, and Theobella and Leif Larson; brothers, Bob, Dick, and Tom Birath; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mardella Birath.