June 6, 1936 ~ January 5, 2021

Jesse Ellsworth Smith passed away peacefully in the VA Hospital on January 5, 2021, at the age of 84, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration-of-life gathering. Due to the pandemic and travel limitations, invitations will be sent at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send condolences and donations to “The Jesse Smith Family” at 803 S Walts Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104.

Jesse was born on June 6, 1936, in Aberdeen, SD to parents, Dr. Jesse and Alice (Ruble) Smith. The family moved to Kentucky and California while his father interned and served in the Navy. In 1946, they returned to Sioux Falls. At Washington High school, he had a strong presence on the stage, in the choir, and as a photographer. In 1958, he was drafted into the Army, traveled to Europe, and was stationed in Ankara, Turkey.

Jesse was well skilled in several professions and trades. Some of his professional adventures included disc jockey at KISD, newscaster at KPLO, in the late 1950s, (both under the pseudonym of Carlton Smith), owning a photography studio, and a sign business in the ‘60s. In the early ‘70s, he assisted his former wife, Mary Louise Hunt, with her dance studio, and in the ‘80s, he became a stay-at-home dad. A thespian at heart, he loved classical music and cinema. Jesse was an extremely witty individual who loved to make those around him laugh. He cared about civil rights and liberties and donated to causes in the hope of change. In Jesse’s last days, he lovingly expressed much pride and appreciation for his daughters and beautiful, talented grandchildren. 

Jesse is survived by his partner in life, Estella Vasquez Smith, of Sioux Falls, SD; daughters, Veronica Palmer, of Pembroke Pines, FL, Jennifer Palmer and Nejla (Luis Reynoza) Smith, of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Edell Gabriel, of Los Angeles, CA, Dezirae, LaShae, and Monique Palmer, of Pembroke Pines, FL, Dayton and Elyse Smith, of Minneapolis, MN, and Robinson, Eleni, and Evia Reynoza, of Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Kathy Thompson, of Baton Rouge, LA; and his cherished nieces and nephews. 

Jesse is preceded in death by his son, Jesse Ellsworth Smith Jr.; father, Dr. Jesse G. Smith; mother, Alice (Ruble) Smith; and brother, Garth Smith.

The family would like to thank the VA Hospital staff for their care and dedication.

1936 – 2021

It is with great sorrow and sadness that I, Vanessa and David, must announce that:

Es con gran dolor y tristeza que nosotros, Vanessa y David, debemos anunciar que

En paz y rodeado de su única familia, Efraín Santiago falleció el Sabado 2 de Enero, 2021 a la edad de 84 años.

Peacefully and surrounded by his only family, Efrain Santiago passed away on: Saturday, 01/02/2021 at the age of 84 years.

Recordado Por: (Remembered by)

• He will be lovingly remembered/será recordado amorosamente por; by his Sobrina/Niece of 38 years, Vanessa Rivera Santiago; Friend/Amigo y como su hijo/like a son: David Rivera 40 años, amigo y vecinos/friends and neighbors) William Rivera y Milagro Figueroa, William Rivera Rivera. Y su segundo Primo Israel Robles. Hijos de Vanessa Rivera y David Rivera; Sobrino Nietos/Great-Nephews de Efrain Santiago: 1. David Angél Yamíl Rivera Rivera (2 años y medio); 2. Roberto Antonio Amilio Perry Rivera de (5 años y medio); Sobina Nieta: 3. Janessa Aurea Perry Rivera de (11 años), and a daughter, and Marisol Blumfelt.
• He will also be dearly missed by his friends in Sabana Seca, Manati, PR; sera recordado por sus amistades, hijos y o otros familiares en Sabana Seca Puerto Rico.

He was preceded in death by (fue precedido en la muerte:

 His brother/hermano of 86 yrs, (Emilio Santiago); sister/hermana 62 years (Aurea E. Santiago), sister in-law 56, (Helen Selles); brother/hermano (Gilberto Santiago) of 64 years, and his parents/y padres: (Isabel and Blasita).

Su vida — Efrain nacio en Manatí, Puerto Rico, estudio cuando joven, y luego dejo los estudios para dedicarse siempre a la familia para trabajar y ayudar a su padre Isabel and Madre Blasita. Efrain siempre fue un excelente hijo, tio, padre, hermano y amigo, un hombre trabajador y pendiente a sus hermanos y daba la mano cuando era necesario. En su juventud viajo a los estados unidos por ocho años y vivio también en el sur de la Florida. En su pasa tiempo a el le gustaba ver Lucha Libre(WWE), películas de vaqueros, Albañilería del Cemento/Cement Masonry, y a el le encantaban las flores y su música de jíbaro.

 Su hermana Aurea y el fueron muy cercanos, al iguál que su hermano Emilio que fue quien lo cuido por 7 años hasta también fallecer el 1 de Noviembre, 2020. Mientras Efrain no progresaba lo cuido David Rivera y su sobrina Vanessa Rivera Santiago, para darle lo mejor en esta vida sus últimos meses junto a su familia hasta su ultima hora porque ese fue su deseo al encontrarse solo y encamado cuando mas necesitaba alimentos y atención 24/7 y no había nadie mas.

Please note

• A Visitation will not be held due to the location of his passing. In the future, he will be buried in Puerto Rico with his parents; the date is yet to be announced.
• No habrá visitas debido a la ubicación de su fallecimiento; En el futuro será enterrado en Puerto Rico con sus padres en el Cementerio Altagracia, la fecha aún no se ha anunciado.

Special Thank you

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff with Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, Sanford Hospice Nurses in the end days, and the Doctor for his care at the Sanford Clinic on Ellis Road, during December 2020, for their care and support compassion.

Y Gracias a el Doctor Angél Rivera Negrón de Barceloneta, PR; por mas de 20 años de cuido para mi Tio Querido, Efrain Santiago Robles.

February 16, 1963 ~ January 3, 2021

Bradly Brine Overbee, 57, Buffalo Ridge, died on Sunday, January 3, 2021, at Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls.

A private family service will be held in spring, 2021.

Bradly Brine Overbee, was born on February 16, 1963, to Lloyd and Janice (Aeilts) Overbee, in Sioux Falls. He was raised in Sioux Falls, SD, and graduated from Washington High School. Bradly loved nature, family, cowboy hats and fancy belt buckles. He worked in construction and truly enjoyed his time driving truck. In the last few years, he lived at Buffalo Ridge and loved working with the buffalo.

Bradly is survived by his siblings, Laura Moenich, Sioux Falls, Marie (Jerry) Kuhnert, Brandon, Starla Overbee, Sioux Falls, Lloyd (Julie) Overbee, Rowlett, TX, Nadine Overbee, Viborg, Peter (Tammy) Overbee, Washington, and Katherina (Dean Taylor) Allen-Taylor, Colorado; his longtime girlfriend, Vicki Bertsch; and a host of other relatives.

Bradly was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Roy Overbee and Raymond Overbee; and his grandparents, Peter Aeilts and Sabina Voortman.

September 30, 1929 ~ December 29, 2020

Richard Lien went home to be with his parents, wife, sister, and son on Wednesday, December 29, 2020. Richard requested no funeral or memorial services. Richard and Virginia will be united once again at the South Dakota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls, in the Spring of 2021.

Myron “Richard” Lien was born on September 30, 1929 to Arthur & Marie Lien in Gary, Minnesota. Richard was united in marriage to Virginia McDonald on June 7, 1963 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Richard retired from being a professional over-the-road truck driver for 36 years to support his family, Virginia, Laura, Cheryl, and Tom which had kept him away from his family for most of the time. After Richard retired, he ended up continuing his professional driving career by playing taxicab driver for all his grandchildren.

Richard and Virginia enjoyed traveling to Hawaii for a vacation to see Cheryl and her family, while she was stationed there, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Another trip they enjoyed, was visiting Laura and her family in Louisiana. Richard and Virginia also enjoyed camping when they had the time. They would meet up with Tom and his family at either Newton Hills or Lake Herman State Parks.  Richard was also a race car enthusiast and would help his Great-grandson Joshuah, whom Richard and Virginia raised since he was six months old, who raced stock cars.

In Richard’s later years, his physical and mental health started to fail him which not only frustrated him, but also his family.  Richard was a very private person & would not share things with his family; those that wanted to help him.

Richard leaves behind four generations that will always remember him for his love of Jesus.  Richard is survived by his children, Laura, Cheryl, and Tom, from Virginia’s first marriage; and Vicki and Jeffrey, from Richard’s first marriage; and his brother, Jerry, in Pueblo, Co.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Virginia; his son, Mike, from his first marriage; and his sister, Margie.

Richard will be missed by his family & all who knew him.

November 5, 1940 ~ December 18, 2020

Marilyn Mae Hofer, 80, Sioux Falls went home to be with her Savior on December 18, 2020, at Sanford USD Medical Center from an exacerbation of chronic lung disease due to a COVID-related illness. With family at her side, she went peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus. 

A Celebration of Life for Marilyn will be 11am, Saturday, January 2, 2021, at Central Church in Sioux Falls.  Burial will follow at Hutterthal Mennonite Church Cemetery, rural Freeman. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, Memorials be directed to Central Church in Marilyn’s honor. The link to watch the service is here. Click to watch live

https://youtu.be/SoeiHgIGeNA

Marilyn Mae Glanzer, was born to Mike J. and Mary (Gross) Glanzer on November 5, 1940, in a country home near Alexandria, South Dakota. She grew up on a farm near Bridgewater, SD, enjoying the various duties of farm life, including milking cows by hand, gathering and packing eggs from a large flock, and helping with all household chores. This included canning, cleaning both chicken and ducks, in addition to helping with field work.

At a young age, Marilyn accepted Jesus as her personal Savior during an alter call at a revival meeting.  She was baptized by immersion on August 16, 1953, in the James River by Rev. J. J. Kleinsasser and joined the Salem KMB Church.

Marilyn attended a one room country school (Plainview District 92) and graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1958.  Music was always important to her, starting at a young age, singing duets in church with her brother, Herb.  She found great joy from singing in church choirs starting when she was in 8th grade. She also sang in a quartet with her family and a youth group trio.  She enjoyed playing tenor saxophone in the band and singing in the choir in both high school and junior college.  Marilyn graduated from Freeman Junior College and taught in a country school for one year. 

Marilyn married her high school sweetheart, Derrold Dennis Hofer, on July 16, 1961.  They moved to Speedway, Indiana, where Derrold was in the Service and in school.  She worked at the Indiana University Medical Center, in the Medical Records Department.  This was instrumental in starting her career as a Medical Transcriptionist which spanned over 30 years in various doctors’ offices after moving back to Sioux Falls. Marilyn took off from work for 10 years after her first daughter, Sandra Jo, was born in 1971, and her second daughter, Stacy Marie, in 1973.  She was blessed to be a homemaker and full time Mom during that time giving her the chance to participate in her daughters’ activities, such as being a classroom “room mother”. She was a friend to many, and her daughter’s friends referred to her as “Mom Hofer”.

In her adult years, she always enjoyed being involved in church activities; teaching in the children’s department, singing in sanctuary choir, and being involved in wonderful choir productions. In 1988, her church choir sang in Carnegie Hall with a group of 350 singers from the Midwest. She was also part of the Bell Choir at Central Baptist Church and when her church no longer ministered through choir, she enjoyed singing with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Choir, for many years.

 Marilyn also enjoyed Genealogy and edited and published two family record books.  In 2006, she enjoyed a Caribbean Cruise with daughter, Sandi.  It was so special, enjoying the time, just Mother and Daughter.  Marilyn was also a great cook. The Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays were always wonderful times to enjoy her exceptional cooking with family.  Marilyn enjoyed puzzles, especially the daily Sudoku from the paper, often sharing it with her daughter Sandra when she got stuck. Marilyn and Derrold enjoyed attending many plays, musical concerts, going to Branson, MO, and traveling to Indiana and Alabama, to see family and friends.

When Marilyn’s first grandchild, Riley Jo, was born in 2005 to Stacy and Phil, she chose to retire to be a full-time caregiver for Riley, and later, when Halle Marie, was born in 2009.  When Derrold retired, he joined Marilyn in being fulltime caregivers.  She was blessed to be able to spend this very special time with her granddaughters. Together, they daily took Riley and Halle to and from school and many activities such as Kindermusic, story times, the Outdoor Campus, and so many other activities of interest.  Baking with “MeMe” was an extra special time for the girls.  They had many favorites like spritz, banana bread, and some special German dishes. She spent many hours playing games with the girls after school and in the summer. With Marilyn’s musical abilities, she was the designated person to help the girls practice piano.  She was well known as an incredibly caring, involved grandma “MeMe”.  Until her current illness, she never missed any of her granddaughter’s activities.

2020 was an extremely difficult year health-wise for Marilyn. She was blessed to have Stacy by her side and really valued her medical expertise. Stacy was able to facilitate much of her care in her last days.  Derrold and her daughters were very thankful for the wonderful care she received at Sanford and the opportunity to take turns at her bedside during her final days. 

Marilyn will be deeply missed by her husband of 59 and ½ years, Derrold Hofer, Sioux Falls; daughters, Sandra (Harold) Baty, Shoreview, MN, and Stacy (Phil) Nelson, Sioux Falls; granddaughters who meant the world to her, Riley and Halle Nelson, Sioux Falls; sister-in-law, Edwina Glanzer, Rolesville, NC, and sister-in-law, Brigitta Hofer, Bridgewater, SD; nephew, Mike (Sandy) Glanzer, Elgin, IL; nieces, Kristi (Ray) Jezek, Rolesville, NC, Kelly (Brian) Hefti, Sioux Falls, Stephanie (Michael) Burgeson, Yankton, SD, and Robin (Mike) Jaspers, Sioux Falls; several cousins, great nieces and nephews and a new great-great nephew.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Mike & Mary Glanzer; brother, Herb Glanzer; parents-in-law, Joe E. and Erna Hofer; stepmother-in-law, Agnes Stern-Hofer; and brother-in-law, Larry Hofer.

In these days of uncertainty, take the extra time to show those closest to your hearts that you love them, for you never know when a goodbye hug will be the last time.

December 12, 1947 ~ December 14, 2020

Kay Rose, 73, Sioux Falls, died Monday, December 14, 2020, at the Palisades Manor in Garretson, SD.

A short Memorial Service will be 6:15pm, Monday, December 21, 2020, at Brandon Lutheran Church. 

Kay Lynn Burt was born December 12, 1947, to Richard and Edna (Young) Burt. Kay attended school in Selby, SD, through her junior year and graduated from Brookings, SD.  She attended Stewarts School of Cosmetology and worked in Cosmetology and with Fashion Two Twenty sales. Kay married Curt Vilhauer and the couple had one daughter, Kimberly Kay. Kay was able to take Kim with her on many of her trips when she sold Fashion Two Twenty.  The two of them shared many happy times and memories of that time. 

Kay later married James Rose.  During this time, she went to trucking school. One of Kays passions was to Travel the United States and she was able to do this with her truck driving.  She loved the freedom of the open road and adventures along her routes.  Her “Butterfly” handle was known by many drivers throughout the United States and Canada.  She was able to help fellow drivers with directions due to her ability to recall exit numbers and landmarks.  She maintained contact with many of her driver friends enjoying long conversations whenever possible. Kay lived in Sioux Falls for the past several years working for trucking companies before she retired.

Kay had the gift of gab and always had a story to tell.  She enjoyed sharing her enthusiasm for the many places she was able to visit and people she met.  She was involved in bowling leagues, horse shows and quilting for much of her life.  She loved to read and was knowledgeable about the history of our country. 

Kay was a horse enthusiast for much of her life.  She owned several horses and enjoyed riding especially in the mountains when she lived in Wyoming and Colorado.  She always loved to visit about horses and share stories of her many adventures with them.

She treasured her friendships from her school years and had reconnected with many from Selby in the past few years.  These friendships remained especially important to her.

Kay is survived by her daughter, Kim, and granddaughter, Katelyn, Colorado; sisters, Lori (Rick) Dump, Valley Springs, and Dee Ann Jensen, Sioux Falls; niece, Robyn (Salvador) Cruz and nephew, Ryan (Blythe) Dump; four great nephews, many cousins and friends around the country.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, step-parents, and one sister, Jolene.

July 13, 1933 ~ December 11, 2020

Bernard Friessen, 87, Sioux Falls, passed peacefully, December 11, 2020, at the Sanford USD Medical Center.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Bernard was born July 13, 1933, to John and Meta (Ehde) Friessen, in Bloomington, MN. He served in the United States Air Force. Bernie owned and operated A&T Body Shop for almost 50 years. He enjoyed his family, friends, hunting, fishing, and car shows.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Evelyn Reynolds, his daughters, Helen (Ken) Havener, Roxanne (Dennis Wurtz) Hinnenkamp; his sons, Dan Friessen, Rick Friessen, Marvin Friessen; six grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; and many loved relatives.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, John and Meta (Ehde) Friessen.

April 6, 1927 ~ December 6, 2020

Martha M. McKee, 93, Sioux Falls, SD, died peacefully on Sunday, December 6, 2020, at Dow Rummel Village.  No services are planned at this time.

Martha Mae Kelsay, daughter of Elmer and Grace (Cutler) Kelsay, was born April 6, 1927, in St. Paul, MN. She married Ted R. McKee in December 1947. 

Everyone that spent time with Martha loved her spunky attitude.  She was a happy and easy going individual that enjoyed playing bingo, going shopping and taking day trips with friends.  She loved to sing along with the radio, read, and watch TV.  Hobbies included knitting, crocheting, painting, and other needle work crafts.

Martha is succeeded by her children, Stephen McKee, Ted McKee, Letitia (McKee) Pierson, Raymond McKee, Kathleen (McKee) Beck and Robert McKee; 27 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Pauline Cottrell, St. Croix Falls, WI, Dorthy (Dot) Wilcoxen, Roscoe, IL, Alice Chadwick, Walnut Ridge, AK, and Odean (Butch) Kelsay, Cedar, MN.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Grace (Cutler) Kelsay; granddaughter, Christine Olsen McCreary, and grandson, Andrew Neeley.

October 31, 1955 ~ November 27, 2020

Bonnie A. Murray, 65, Sioux Falls, died Friday, November 27, 2020, at home with her family, after a brave battle with cancer.

A Private burial will be held.  A Public Visitation and Memorial will be held from 1 – 2:30pm, Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Heartland Funeral Home.  A continued Celebration of Bonnie’s Life will be at JJ’s Billiards (309 S Elmwood, Sioux Falls), from 3-5pm, also on Wednesday, Dec. 2, with light appetizers and drinks.

Bonnie Aileen Murray was born on October 31st, 1955 to Arnold and Elnor Murray. She was raised in Sioux Falls, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1972. She worked with her family at Murray Construction, Murray Properties for 45 years. In those 45 years she worked with SF Housing, developing Multi-Family housing and aiding Housing and Urban Development to provide affordable housing for families in need. She was a pioneer in the industry, with her father and siblings. At the time of their retirement, they had over 500 housing units, and over 30 commercial spaces, including two historical buildings in Downtown Sioux Falls.

After her retirement in 2015, Bonnie enjoyed gardening and cooking with her grandchildren, Shelby and Casey, traveling with her best friend of 30+ years, Paula Koch, and spending time with her sister, Teri, nephew, Chad, and daughter, Ellison, playing card games and board games. She had many talents, including playing the piano and teaching her grandchildren how to crochet. Bonnie was an involved volunteer with CASA in Sioux Falls, and also helped her daughter develop and run a commercial rental unit in Brandon, SD, until her passing.

Bonnie will be deeply missed by her daughter, Ellison (Billy) Cutrer, Garretson; two grandchildren who were her entire world, Shelby and Casey; three siblings, Teri (James) Nace, Estelline, SD, James Murray, Sioux Falls, and Wayne Murray, AZ; several nieces and nephews; several grand-nieces and grand-nephews including Marcus and Aiden Nace; and her very special friend, Paula Koch, Beresford.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Elnor (Gilman) Murray; and one sister-in-law, JoAnn Murray.

October 14, 1954 ~ November 13, 2020

Carlyle R. Buskol, 66, Sioux Falls, SD succeeded in fulfilling his life’s motto of “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” on Friday, November 13, 2020, at Avera McKennan Hospital surround by his family after suffering many health issues over the years, most recently including a heart attack and multiple strokes. 

Services will happen at a later date due to the Covid Virus.

Carlyle Richard Buskol, son of Peter and Olga (Grosz) Buskol, was born October 14, 1954, in rural Olivet, SD. His family moved to Sioux Falls when he was 5 years old.

Carlyle married his love, Julie Ann on January 26, 1990. He worked various jobs throughout the years until he started his career as an over the road truck driver with his wife, until he was forced into retirement due to health issues. He and his wife enjoyed finding old antique thrift shops all over the US. Carlyle was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and loved to go head to head with his sister in law, Carla Kruger, about her love for the Minnesota Vikings. He loved music, but The Kinks, were his all-time favorite!  “Last Assembly” by the Kinks was his favorite song. 

While we have tried to find more fun and interesting things to put in here, we have decided that we don’t have many stories that would be considered “g-rated” or obituary appropriate. That being said, we are certain that everyone can think of at least one memory and/or story that involves Carlyle that will make you laugh, cry, scream, or his favorite, rolling your eyes (he may actually be doing that right about now.)

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of almost 31 years, Julie Ann Buskol, Sioux Falls, SD; his children, Jesse Buskol, Sioux Falls, SD, and Angie Wilson, Texas; his step children, Samantha Vogler, Hartford, SD, Adam (Ashley Rinder), Goodyear, Az, Andrea Rinder (Jason Brewer), Sioux Falls, SD, Zach Rinder, Sioux Falls, SD; two brothers, Skip (Beverly) Buskol, Mn, Ivan (Kathy) Buskol, Sioux Falls, SD; sister in law, Julie Ray Buskol; many more in laws; 13 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; lots of great nieces and great nephews, as well as many more family members and his friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Peter Buskol, in 2002; his mother, Olga Buskol, in 2015; his brother, Gary Buskol in 2005; his mother-in-law, Lorraine Egan, in 2005; his infant grandson, Jacob, in 2006; and his beloved dogs, Crystal and Buddy.