September 18, 1997 ~ January 28, 2023

Alana N. Ranfranz, 25, of Sioux Falls, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023, at her home.

Visitation will be 5pm-7pm on Friday, February 3, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life at 7pm.  A GoFundMe has been established in her name Alana’sGoFundMe

Alana was born in Rochester, MN, on September 18, 1997, to Thomas Ranfranz and Elizabeth Kavula, and attended grade school there. Her family moved to Hills, MN in 2005, where she graduated. She moved to Rock Rapids, IA, and eventually married Laurence Broesder in 2018. Alana was a mother to a beautiful girl named Remi, who is 3 years old. She worked as an auto mechanic at Vander Lee Motors in Rock Rapids.

Alana loved to play hockey, beginning at the age of 3. She was a goaltender for the Luverne Cardinals, and the Sioux Falls Flyers, and her nickname was “The Wall.” Many college teams recruited her. Unfortunately, after a concussion, she was no longer allowed to play. She loved fishing, target shooting, and riding motorcycles – a true adrenaline seeker. Alana’s passion and greatest joy was her daughter, and their adventures, like visiting the Washington Pavilion and fishing. She was loved by everyone and was a protector for her entire family. Alana had an amazing soul and was the most beautiful woman.

Alana will be deeply missed by her daughter, Remi; mother, Elizabeth Kavula; three siblings, Anthony Ranfranz, Sioux Falls, Maria Ranfranz, Sioux Falls, and Olivia Ranfranz, Sioux Falls; grandparents, Peter Kavula, Georgia, and Thomas and Patricia Ranfranz, Wisconsin; and one niece Gianna.

Alana is preceded in death by her father, Thomas J. Ranfranz, and her grandmother, Nancy Kakula.

June 11, 1962 ~ January 22, 2023

Richard Dean Woodside (Woody), 60, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023 of natural causes. Rick was the son of Suzanne Smith (Anderson) and the late Alvin Leeland Woodside. He is survived by his wife, Heidi Woodside; children, Alexandria and Gagandeep Singh, Hanna Woodside, and Thomas Woodside; brother, David Woodside; and stepchildren, Tyler and Alesia Ode, Oak and Ivy; Paul and Kaitlin Ode, Beckett, Beau, Barron; Christian and Claire Ode, Thomas, Harvey, and Aurora; Calvin and Kaitlyn Ode; Eric and Kathryn Eigenberg; Lincoln and Bailey Ode, Burton and Baby O. 

Rick was raised in Oneida, IL, where he excelled in all things sports. He enjoyed summers with family and friends at Little John Club Lake. He graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Industrial Management and Technology.

Rick went on to raise his two daughters in the Chicago area and later traveled around the US for his job with BNSF Railway while raising his son, Thomas.

He finally settled in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he met his loving wife, Heidi. Together, they enjoyed spending time with family, watching football, and drinking top-shelf margaritas.

Rick was kind, curious, and playful. He enjoyed a cup of coffee in the morning and watching “the game” in the afternoon. He was a dog lover, antiquer, Cardinals and Bears fan (there’s always next year).

Rick adored his new role as grandpa and was honored to be caring for his mother. His greatest pride was his children. He is loved and will be missed by many. 

Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 pm, Friday, January 27, 2023, followed by a Celebration of Life service at Heartland Funeral Home: 1801 Frontier St, Brandon, SD 57005. A link to watch live is https://youtube.com/live/6uhZpsXZdjM?feature=share The streaming will begin at 12:30pm.

Memorials should be directed to Thomas Woodside College Fund, care of Heidi Woodside. Please Venmo @Heidi-Ode with the note “Thomas College” or send contributions to Heartland Funeral Home.

November 24, 1940 ~ January 22, 2023

Robert “Bob” Friemuth, 82, Sioux Falls, died Sunday, January 22, 2023, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls.

Per Bob’s wishes, his request to be cremated and to have no services is being granted.

Robert (Bob) Lee Friemuth was born on November 24, 1940, in Garden City, SD, to Ed and Eleanor (Haseborg) Freimuth. He was united in marriage to Sharon Stahl on June 4, 1966, in Jackson, MN. They lived in Worthington, MN, where they raised two sons, Jim and Dan. They moved to Sioux Falls, SD, in 1998.

Bob loved cooking, baking, and hosting holidays. He was a caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He would help watch his grandkids and great-grandkids at the drop of a dime.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sharon, Sioux Falls, SD; sons, Jim, Sioux Falls, and Dan (Ann-Drea),  Brandon, SD; grandchildren, Jordan, Marissa, Jadon, and Kaesy; great-grandchild, Jackson; along with his siblings, Gladys, Carol, Louis, and Dale.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Alvin, John, and Janet; and brother-in-law, Jim.

January 6, 1961 ~ January 19, 2023

Bryan A. Rupprecht, 62, Garretson, died Thursday, January 19, 2023, unexpectedly at his home.

Memorial Services will be 1pm, Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home.  A Livestream link will be provided here in the obituary, by February 2.

Bryan Allan Rupprecht was born on January 6, 1961, to Edmund Allen Rupprecht and Eunice Marilyn (Olson) Rupprecht in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1979 and went on to graduate from Northland College in 1981 with a degree in drafting. Thereafter he moved to Milwaukee with his sisters, Kathleen and Suzanne. He worked in several places including Home Depot where he spent 23-1/2 years working in the appliance department in addition to designing kitchens and bathrooms. He began his career with Home Depot in Brookfield, WI, and then Milwaukee, WI. In 2004, Bryan and his family moved to Garretson, SD. Bryan then transferred to Home Depot’s Sioux Falls, SD, store.

Bryan loved watching thunderclouds roll in and star gazing when he could. He was a gentle soul and was easygoing. He loved fishing, camping, traveling, and woodworking. He enjoyed kittens and puppies and worked well with his sisters doing yard work. He was the assembler, putting together cabinets, desks, and other things needing assembly. Bryan absolutely loved mowing the yard on his Cub Cadet lawnmower.  It was his “alone time”. He cried along with his sister when her beloved Cocker Spaniels died, as well as the numerous precious cats she loved. Yes, Bryan was a very gentle soul who will be sorely missed.

Bryan was always caring, welcomed new challenges, and was dependable, loyal, and gentle. If he saw someone or something in pain or sorrow, he always reached out to help within his control. He always filled in that gap that people got lost in with his smile and his humor.  He was his own person and there were none like him.  He was always loved and welcomed wherever he went and never caused anyone anger or hardship. However, when his siblings hunted for his glasses at Bryan’s young age of 2, before church, they were stashed under a bale of hay or a chicken in the coop.

Bryan is survived by his siblings, Lee, Kathleen Rupprecht, and Suzanne Rupprecht, all of Garretson, and Pauline Kaiser, Martinez, CA; foster brother, Carl Olson, Gary, MN; two nieces, Kelley and Nichole; nephew, Brandon; four grandnieces, Brittany, Emma, Elizabeth, and Chantelle; two grandnephews, Jordan and Chase.

Oh, how greatly he is missed, passing so unexpectantly. This again gives us all the message of how short life can be and a reminder that each of us is so greatly important to our loved ones around us.  

October 7, 1939 ~ January 19, 2023

David E. Lien, 83, Brandon, died Thursday, January 19, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls, after a three year battle with Bile Duct cancer.

Parking for the Dave Lien funeral will be more limited than we prefer because of the snowfall we’ve received this season. Here are some options:

You are welcome to park in the B&G parking lot east of the church.

You are welcome to park in the row farthest south at Dollar General.

Please consider carpooling if at all possible.

We would like to keep the parking spaces closest to the church entrance available for the Lien family and our guests who may have difficulty walking from the street or the aforementioned spaces at B&G or Dollar General.

Visitation with family present will be 5-7pm, Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, Brandon.  Funeral Services will be 11am, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, also at Spirit of Truth.  Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Brandon Lutheran Cemetery. Click her to live stream the service https://youtu.be/ImUxv1BQZUc. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Post 131 American Legion, Valley Springs, Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, Brandon, or a charity of your choosing.

David Earl Lien was born Oct 7, 1939, in Luverne, MN. to Thelmer and Gladys (Sundem) Lien.  He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, MN. He was the second son of four boys and raised on a farm east of Beaver Creek, MN. Dave graduated in 1957 from Beaver Creek High School. He participated in football, basketball, and track, winning a gold medal in the 4 x 4 relay. 

After graduation, Dave tried several jobs and attended heavy equipment school in Homestead, FL.  He decided John Morrell & Co would offer him the best option and worked in several departments and with encouragement, he took the Machine Shop Test and became a mechanic roustabout. From 1962 to 1964, Dave served on active duty in the U.S. Army, stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and Fort Sill, OK. He completed classes at Southeast Vo-Tech in electronics and earned the title of electrician at John Morrell & Co.

Dave returned to military service in U.S. Army Reserve as a weekend warrior and served many years as an instructor of Chemical Defense 504 3rd USARF School in Fargo, ND. Dave was very proud to be in the military and retired as an E8 MSG with 29 years of service. He also was a member of Valley Springs American Legion Post 131. In 2021, he was part of Mission 8 Midwest Honor Flight.

Dave and Bonnie were married on October 4, 1975, and bought their acreage in Brandon. In November 1976, they were blessed with a very special son, Erik.  

The faith Dave had, always showed in how he lived his life. As a member of Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, he was in Men’s Bible Study and as Property Deacon for four years.  He was always ready to serve whenever needed in his parish and in the community.

Dave was a proud member of the Norse Glee Club and served as President; Nordic Hall Board member and President; he Coached Special Olympics-Brandon, Sprinters, Basketball, Softball, and Bowling for 26 years.

Dave always loved fast cars, tractors, the Vikings, the Twins, going to Husets, Knoxville, and 17 years at KC Speedway races, and three years of racing #85, front wheel drive class, with Erik. His favorite cars: ‘55 Chevy Impala, and ‘59 Chevy Corvette. He restored Bonnie’s 1969 Mustang, and with Casey’s help, was able to drive it in November. He was a lifelong learner and always reading, and taking courses. Our memories to cherish were their trips to Sydney, Australia, Honolulu, HI, Catalina Island, and New Orleans.

Dave will be deeply missed by his wife, Bonnie (Maschino); children, Erik Lien, Brandon, and Lezli (Dan) Klitzke, Sioux Falls; stepchildren, Casey (Melanie) Hurney, Brandon, Pat Hurney, Brandon; Mary (Jim) DeRouchey, Omaha, NE; three granddaughters, and six grandsons; four great-granddaughters; brothers, Michael (Joan) Lien, and Richard Lien; and sister-in-law, Laura Lien, Sioux Falls.

Dave was preceded in death by his daughter, Sonja Lien; parents, Thelmer and Gladys (Sundem) Lien; and stepson, Mark Hurney; brother, Tom Lien; parents-in-law, Wilson and Helen Maschino; sister-in-law, Vickie Lien.

July 24, 1984 ~ December 21, 2022

Charity A. Cook, 38, Sioux Falls, SD, died Wednesday, December 21, 2022, of complications from a fall, resulting in internal organ damage, at her home.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Eastside Baptist Church, (6101 E. 49th St.) in Sioux Falls.

Charity Amanda DeVee was born on July 24, 1984, to Keith and Judy Cook, in McAlester, Oklahoma. Though she struggled with addiction later in life, as a youngster, Charity was witty, smart, and a good student with an exuberant personality. At age 10, she and a friend won 2nd place out of 42,000 contestants in the National Oscar Mayer Talent Search contest and as a teen, she recorded a gospel album with her mother.

Charity was a skilled photographer and a gifted musician. She played the guitar and piano, as well as several other instruments by ear, often mastering the basics of a new instrument within minutes. She will be remembered by her friends and family for her extraordinary talents and infectious laugh.

Charity was delivered from her addiction when she passed from this life into eternity, having been born again as a young child, and is forever free from it now.

Charity is survived by her eight-year-old daughter, Mia Claire; her mother, Judy Cook, Sioux Falls; one brother, Quinn; as well as many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

July 7, 1981 ~ January 10, 2023

James L. Fratzke, 41, Sioux Falls, died Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at his home in Sioux Falls.

No services are planned at this time.

James “Jim” Lynn Fratzke was born July 7, 1981, in Waterloo, IA, to Lynn and Terry (Gesell) Fratzke. He was raised in Brandon and graduated from Brandon Valley High School in 1999. Jim lived and worked in Sioux Falls as a cabinet maker. He loved being in the outdoors, hunting, and fishing.

Jim will be deeply missed by his mother, Terry Gesell, Brandon; father, Lynn Fratzke, Sioux Falls; brother, Dan Fratzke, Sioux Falls; and one nephew, Jack.

September 16, 1948 ~ December 27, 2022

Patrick D. Conner, 74, Sioux Falls, died December 27, 2022, in Sioux Falls, SD, after a lengthy
illness.

There will be a service to celebrate Patrick’s life in the Spring/Summer of 2023 in Rapid City. Please, check back for updates later this Spring.

Patrick Dwain Conner was born on September 16, 1948, in Osmond, Nebraska. He lived in Bloomfield, NE, until he, his parents, and his four siblings moved to Rapid City in the mid-1950s.

Patrick attended South Junior HS and graduated from Central High School in Rapid City.  He attended Santa Fe College in New Mexico and Black Hills State College.  Patrick served in the Navy for 6 years at Chelsea Naval Hospital in Boston and Bethesda, MD, and in Philadelphia as an ENT Tech. Patrick spent an almost 25-year career at Fort Meade VA Hospital in Sturgis as a Nurse Assistant giving compassionate care to fellow veterans.

Patrick was a collector of classic (and not so classic cars), especially Ford Mustangs.  He had a lifetime interest in the study of history, which he pursued in college and in avid personal research.  His family history included a grandmother who was adopted when she came across from New York City, on the Orphan Train, to Nebraska, in the late 1890s. He furthered this knowledge of history through his travels throughout the United States and trips to Europe.

Patrick was a loyal fan of Jim Plunkett before he was a football success, including attending several New England Patriots games in their early struggling years.  He was a Bob Dylan fan enjoying many live concerts over the years.  Patrick dabbled in poetry, music lyrics, and jingles.

Patrick had such a fondness for animals.  He smiled widely when his niece and her family brought their Newfoundland, Duke, to visit and when he visited his nephew’s family and pets.

For the last four years, Patrick lived at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls.  The residents, staff, and caretakers were like extended family members to him.  He truly felt their openly invested care.  They thanked us for sharing him with them and we thank them for truly loving him so well, and of course, helping him care for his two special feline roommates.

We are also thankful to the Ascera Care team for their special care for him in the last several months.

Patrick had many close friendships in Rapid City and beyond. Patrick was an intelligent, gracious gentleman who was witty, kind, generous, and always had that sly smile.  He was a man of quiet but strong faith.

Patrick grew up in a family that was held together by a strong mother, whom he admired greatly. He is survived by his brothers, Kerry (Theresa), and Kevin, both of Rapid City;
one sister, Beth (Jack) Babb, Sioux Falls;  two step-sisters,  Dianne (Rocky) Volker, (children, Ryan, Angela, and Mallory) Rapid City, and JoAnne (Stephen) Schleif, Harlingen, TX;  one aunt, Loa Houtz, Sun City, AZ; two nieces, Christen Babb, Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Katherine Brown (children, Mary Elizabeth, Natalie, and Benjamin), Sioux Falls; and two nephews, John (Abbie) Babb, (son, Charlie), Sioux Falls, and Aaron (Tanya) Babb, Burney, CA.

Patrick was preceded in death by his father, Dwain Conner; mother, Bette Conner Ellis; stepfather, Joseph Ellis; brother, Kelly Conner; nephew, Kelsey Conner; and step-brother, Edward Ellis.

June 28, 1953 ~ January 4, 2023

Paul E. Madetzke, 69, Huron and formerly Brandon, passed away peacefully in his home Wednesday, January 4, 2023. 

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

Paul Edward Madetzke was born to Gustave and Ellen Ann (Lent) Madetzke. Paul grew up in Jasper, MN. He lived in South Dakota most of his life; recently residing in Huron, SD. Paul proudly served his country in the United States Navy, during Vietnam.  Paul enjoyed fishing, drawing, and music as well as traveling to some of his favorite places in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and South Dakota.  

Paul is survived by his two sons, Richard, and Ryan (Kelly) Madetzke; two grandchildren, Connor and Jacob; siblings, Barbara Nelson, Cindy (Jeff) Amundson, Donald (Emily), Kenneth (Cheryl), Allen (Patricia), his twin brother, Brian (Sandra), and Gregory (Nita); sister-in-law, Dolly Madetzke; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Kathleen; and brothers, Richard, and Ronald; and brother-in-law, Wendell. 

November 8, 1955 ~ January 1, 2023

Don R. Zweygardt, 67, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at his home.

There will be a Celebration of Life, Friday, January 13, 2023, 5:00 ~ 7:00pm, at the Heartland Funeral Home, in Brandon, SD. Flowers may be sent to the Heartland Funeral Home.  Memorial donations can also be sent to Heartland (PO Box 451), or be given to the family on Friday.

Don Ray Zweygardt was born on November 8, 1955, in St. Francis, Kansas, to Victor and Darlene Zweygardt.  He graduated from St. Francis Community High School in 1973.  He then went on to graduate from Brown Mackie Business School in 1974.   After moving around the Midwest, he eventually found his forever home in Sioux Falls, SD, in 2001.  He began working at the Argus Leader, as a Senior District Manager that same year.  Don loved his job and his co-workers at the Argus Leader.  While he definitely worked hard, he played hard as well.  Don looked forward to the vacations and cruises he took with his sisters, nieces, nephews, and children every year. There wasn’t a Hawaiian shirt he wouldn’t wear or a hairy chest contest he wouldn’t take part in. Those closest to him will miss his kind nature, group text limericks, and dad jokes.  No one had a sense of humor like Don, who went through life laughing and bringing laughter and joy to everyone around him.  His generous spirit will live on as an organ donor, helping more people to be able to live life to the fullest.

Don is survived by his children, Max (Morgan) Zweygardt, Pittsburgh, PA, and Dylan Zweygardt, Rapid City, SD, and Chandler Zweygardt, Sioux Falls; and his beloved grandchildren, Noah, Stoklie, Daven, Luke, and Killian; his loving girlfriend, Kelly Kots; two sisters, Susan (Jerry) Pierce, El Cajon, CA, Cathy (Dan) Gleason, Anchorage, Alaska. While this is his immediate family, he is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins, family members, many friends, and co-workers who will miss him dearly.