March 12, 1928 ~ May 3, 2026

On May 3, 2026, Leland “Wendell” Ames, Sioux Falls, SD, completed his earthly journey and is now at peace in the arms of the Lord after reaching the incredible age of 98.

Per Wendell’s request, a private service for the immediate family was held at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon. Internment, with military rites, took place at the Brandon Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at Brandon Lumber, 403 S Main, Brandon, SD, 57005. Wendell requested that any memorials be directed to the American Legion in Brandon or Sioux Falls.

Leland “Wendell” Ames was born March 12, 1928, at Tulare, SD, to Louie and Reva (Roosa) Ames. Wendell grew up on the family farm, attended school at Tulare and was married to Betty LeGrand on June 12, 1949, in Huron, SD. Wendell was employed at Peavey Lumber in Redfield, SD prior to serving in the U.S. Army at Camp Breckenridge, KY, and in Ft. Hood, TX, from 1952-1954. He returned to manage the Peavey/Co-op Lumber Yard in Alpena, SD in 1954. Wendell and Betty raised 3 children: Ron, Connie and Tim. In 1967, they moved from Alpena to Brandon, SD when they purchased Brandon Lumber Company. They still own it today, 59 years later. Son, Ron, and grandson, Marcus, continue to operate the business. 

Wendell was involved in many church activities over the years, including the positions of trustee and treasurer. He was a charter member of the Brandon Water Company and the Brandon City Council. He served in the Brandon Volunteer Fire Department for 16 years and was proudly a member of the American Legion. Wendell and Betty worked tirelessly to build Brandon Lumber into a thriving business that served the community and region with high quality products and customer service. As CEO, Wendell received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the SD Retail Lumberman’s Association in 1992 for 40 years of continuous service in the retail lumber business; and in 1995 he was named their Lumberman of the Year. Beginning in the 1970s, Wendell and Betty developed the Ames Subdivision in Brandon with numerous single-family homes.

Wendell is survived by Betty, his wife of 77 years; son, Ron (Kay) Ames of Valley Springs; daughter, Connie Tveidt of Pierre; and son, Tim (Marilyn) Ames of Burton, Texas; 7 grandchildren, Marcus Ames, Stephanie Knapp, Jerry Tveidt, Michael Tveidt, Lee Ames, Nicole Ames, and Andrew Ames; and 12 great grandchildren.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Reva; six siblings, Winifred, Lloyd, Robert, Shirley, Betty and Mavis; and his granddaughter, Jennifer Joy. Wendell believed John 3:16 with all his heart, so our sorrow is tempered with hope, as we await the great reunion in God’s House.

The family would like to thank the special caregivers from Avera Hospice who touched Wendell’s life in his final days, along with the caring team at Legends on Lake Lorraine. We are also grateful for Dr. Sam Zollicker and the staff at the Avera McGreevy Clinic in Brandon for their care and support over the years.

November 2, 1960 ~ May 7, 2026

Laurie Diane Nelson, 65, Brandon, SD, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center, in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, family, and loved ones.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon with a service beginning at 7:00 p.m. A livestream of the funeral service may be viewed by clicking HERE. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family to build a memorial garden in Laurie’s name.

Laurie Diane Doering was born on November 2, 1960, in Sioux Falls, SD, to A. G. and Danielle (Ogdie) Ehlen. She grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School. Laurie began her career as a surgical technician after attending vocational school and worked at Avera before transitioning to Citibank. Her heart eventually led her back to healthcare, and she proudly earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of South Dakota.

Shortly after completing nursing school, Laurie was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. She faced this battle with remarkable courage and used her experience to raise awareness of the disease. Later in life, she was also diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite these challenges, Laurie continued to care for others, including through her cherished role as a nanny for the Akkerman family. Over 14 years, she created countless memories with Audrey and Evelyn, who became an extension of her family.

Laurie married Dan Nelson on August 20, 1982. Although their marriage ended, they maintained a friendship and worked together to raise their three children. Laurie embraced farm life wholeheartedly, finding joy in driving tractors, wrangling livestock, and raising her family with love and laughter.

In 2004, Laurie met Dennis Altman, and the two shared a deep and joyful companionship. Their years together were filled with simple pleasures and adventures, including riding their matching mopeds, attending car shows, taking road trips to casinos, and sharing endless laughter. They became engaged shortly before Dennis passed in 2006. Laurie carried him in her heart always, and we find comfort knowing they are reunited.

Laurie had a servant’s heart. She welcomed people into her home, brought meals to those in need, gathered clothing and essentials for families going through difficult times, and volunteered in classrooms. Her smile and laugh were infectious, her hugs warm and generous, and her kindness unwavering. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, going for drives, shopping, eating out, and playing the occasional online game. She formed meaningful friendships through games like Mafia Wars and June’s Journey, some of which extended into real life.

Her greatest pride was her family. Laurie was a devoted mother to her three children, Ashlie, Blake, and Casey, her beloved ABC’s. She was endlessly supportive, selfless, and present in their lives. She was blessed to see each of them become parents and to witness the love they now pour into their own children. She often reminded her family to “call when you get home” and ended every conversation with “love you bunches.”

The title she cherished most was Grandma and Nana. Laurie adored her eight grandchildren. She celebrated their accomplishments, comforted their worries, spoiled them with treats, read stories, watched movies, and shared countless snuggles. While she leaves a tremendous void here on earth, we take comfort knowing she is now being welcomed by her eight grandbabies in heaven.

Laurie is survived by her children, Ashlie Nelson, Brandon, Blake (Anna) Nelson, Valley Springs, and Casey (Chris) Dickerson, Brandon. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Keegan and Koen Wingate, Bennett, Benson, and Addison Nelson, and Ari, Maeve, and Rae Dickerson; mother, Danielle Ehlen; sister, Linda (Kevin) Fountain; nephew, Royce Ehlen; niece, Jamie Jones; and special daughter, Shelly Krell.

Laurie was preceded in death by her fiancé, Dennis Altman; eight angel grandbabies; father, A.G. Doering; stepfather, Roy Ehlen; siblings, Marie Ehlen and Allan Gene Doering.

We are grateful for the love, strength, and memories Laurie shared with us throughout her life. She will be deeply missed and forever carried in our hearts. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

May 19, 1959 ~ April 20, 2026

Rebecca “Becky” D. Archer, 66, of Canton, SD, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

An informal Celebration of Life type potluck, for all of us to share our favorite family recipes together, will be held on May 23rd, 2026, at 12:00 pm, (weather permitting), at their spot at the Sioux River, at the end of Lincoln Street, Canton, SD, 57013. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her daughter Danielle, to help with memory keepsakes for distribution to family. Her Venmo is @dwsspecialties.

Rebecca “Becky” Dianne McClellan was born on May 19, 1959, in Corona, CA to Richard “Dick”, and Leona “Lee” (Jameson) McClellan. She was a strong, independent woman, that rose from the ashes of domestic abuse relationships, addictions, and trauma. She also believed everyone that was single deserved their other half, and it was her job to match them up. If she ever met a single person, it was her main goal in life to find their soul mate, or the next single person she met that fit her criteria for their mate. She had a sarcastic and dirty sense of humor that would make a cop blush. She was one hell of a woman that could bring a smile to your face, but also make you want to wring her neck. She was very outspoken, and if she saw something unjustified happening, she was sure to speak up or come up swinging if needed. This did get her in trouble sometimes, whether she was in the right, or wrong, you always knew where you stood with Rebecca. She was a friend to the end, or a “road dog”, as she would lovingly reference anyone that shared that same loyalty.

Rebecca’s last work family was at Cenex, where she worked for a combined amount of 4 years. She met numerous people, friends and her soulmate there. Her bestie Michelle, friends Amy, Ronald, Leanne, Tara, Monica, Kris, and countless others. She rarely met a person that wasn’t a friend. Rebecca dedicated the longest amount of work of 15 years to RGIS, where she had numerous friends; her besties being Ricki, Wendy, and the late Debbie. Rebecca had a very good work ethic, was team lead, always showed up, helped out, and was a great team player. 

Growing up in California made Rebecca love the sunshine, beach, and ocean, but she did love the cold up here as well. However, she missed her besties in CA; Mary, Debbie, Wendy and Ricki, among others. 

Rebecca was the cherished mother of her oldest daughter Michelle (Butch and Brook) Poulin, and youngest Danielle (Tanner) Wooledge, and the “best Mema” to her four adored grandchildren, Teddy, Lily, Taylor, and Annabell. As well as being a bonus Mema to her g babies, Kenny, Keith, Gracie, Nichole, and many other babies that came her way. She also had many ‘adopted’ children like Shane and Tiffany, etc., and ‘adopted’ mothers, Momma Deelstra, and Momma Knudsen.

Rebecca loved her soulmate Ron, that she had waited her whole life to meet. They had three wonderful years together, going to estate sales, stealing their nightly river kisses at their spot, and playing their bedtime spades phone games. Ron completed her life in ways she longed for, for many years, he was an answer to many prayers, and she loved to always say, “that beard is taken”, in regard to his luscious face mane, he always kept brushed and tamed. Rebecca loved to share her table with family and friends, who turned into family, watched her stories on Y&R and B&B, and loved her family. 

Rebecca was the cherished mother of her oldest daughter, Michelle (Butch and Brook) Poulin, youngest daughter, Danielle (Tanner) Wooledge; and the “best Mema” to her four adored grandchildren, Teddy, Lily, Taylor, and Annabell. As well as being a bonus Mema to her g babies, Kenny, Keith, Gracie, Nichole, and many other babies that came her way. She also had many ‘adopted’ children like Shane and Tiffany, etc., and ‘adopted’ mothers, Momma Deelstra, and Momma Knudsen.

Rebecca is survived by her youngest daughter, Danielle (Tanner) Wooledge; grandchildren, Teddy, Lily, Taylor, and Annabell; older sister, A. Renee; aunt, Peggy; uncle, Bill; some of her cousins; and her soulmate, Ron. Rebecca was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Richard and Leona; oldest daughter, Michelle;

March 12, 1939 ~ April 26, 2026

Mark W. Tisland, 87, of Volga, SD, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Madison Regional Health in Madison, SD.  

A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Sinai Lutheran Church in Sinai, SD. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with burial following at East Sinai Cemetery with Full Military Honors. To watch the service live, click HERE. The link will direct you to the church Facebook page. The service will be broadcast via Facebook live.

Mark Wendell Tisland was born on Sunday, March 12, 1939, to Carl and Hazel June Marie (Nelson) Tisland at the Kruse Maternity Home in Arlington, SD.

Mark was raised on the Tisland family farm south of Sinai, SD, where they had no running water or electricity. Electricity was installed in 1977, and water and sewer in June of 1999.

Mark attended grade school at District #23, Lake Sinai Township, walking 3/4 miles uphill both ways, graduating in May 1953. He attended Rutland High School, Rutland, SD, graduating in May 1957. He moved to Sioux Falls, SD, in August 1957 to attend Nettleton Career College and worked part-time at Sunshine Food Market as a shelf stocker and carryout boy. Mark graduated in July 1958 as a junior accountant.

Due to the conditions in Laos and Vietnam, Mark joined the US Army on September 16, 1958. He flew to Ft. Carson, CO, for eight weeks of basic training and then to Ft Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX, for three months of medical training. Mark then flew to Augusta, GA, where he was sent to the Savannah River Defense Post near Aiken, SC, on the Dupont reservation, a 75 mm gun post, which was deactivated in December 1959. He transferred to a Nike Missile Site at Westview, PA, near Pittsburgh. He was honorably discharged on September 15, 1960, with the rank of PFC.

Mark returned home, moved to Sioux Falls, and started a lifetime of many jobs. He often jokingly said he was a jack of all trades and a master of none. He worked at Brown Drug, Wholesale House, a hatchery in Redfield, a veterinary clinic, and Purina Foods. Mark was then a business manager for a Chevrolet and John Deere dealership in Redfield. In September of 1976, he became a Lutheran Brotherhood insurance representative for twelve years. He also worked for other insurance agencies, County Atlas, Aerial Photos of farms, and was a building contractor from 1991 to June 7, 1999. Mark then went to work for the South Dakota Department of Corrections as a roofing supervisor until August 22, 2002. He was self-employed until October 1999, then worked for Rainbow Play Systems in Brookings, SD, and Daktronics, also in Brookings. Mark then worked for Scenic Concept of Lacrosse, WI, until he retired in 2016.

Mark married Mildred Nickisch from Redfield, SD, in April 1962. They had three sons, Mark Alan, Michael Steven, and Monte Gregg. They moved to Redfield in 1964 and then to Wolsey, SD, in 1977. They divorced in December 1987. In September 1990, he married Leona (Lee) Baysinger in Redfield, SD. She has two daughters and one son.

Mark loved telling jokes and stories. His grandfather, Art Nelson, was a good storyteller, and Mark said that with his own humor, he took jokes and storytelling to a new level.

Mark is survived by his wife, Lee; three sons, Mark (Amy) Tisland, Pheonix, AZ, Mike (Angie) Tisland, Huron, SD, and Monte Tisland, Tea, SD; three grandsons; two granddaughters; two great-grandsons with a third on the way; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Tisland, Kalamazoo, MI; three step-children, Dawn Kopplin, Redfield, SD, Kelly (Dean) Knippling, Mitchell, SD, and Jason (Daniella) Aslesen, El Paso, TX; three step-grandsons; five step-granddaughters; many nieces and nephews; and friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Mishele; parents, Carl and June; and two siblings, Dawn and Conrad.

March 30, 1970 – April 21, 2026

Ryan A. Gienapp, 56, of Brandon, SD, passed away tragically on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, after being hit by a car while doing something he loved, running.

A Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., on Monday, April 27th, 2026, at Brandon Lutheran Church, with a Memorial Service beginning at 1:00 p.m. A livestream of the service will be available to watch by clicking HERE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to B-Squad Dog Rescue or your favorite charity in Ryan’s memory.

Ryan Anthony Gienapp was born on March 30, 1970, in Sioux Falls, SD, to David and Nancy Gienapp. His family moved to Madison, SD, in 1976, where, unbeknownst at that time, he would meet his future wife, Amy, when their dads joined forces at the law firm Arneson, Issenhuth, and Gienapp. Ryan graduated from Madison High School in 1988. Ryan achieved high academic honors, receiving his Pharmacy Doctorate from the University of Wyoming and graduating in 1993.

In college, Ryan met the most wonderful friends who carried through to the day of his passing. He was set to leave on an annual Colorado mountain biking trip with some of those friends the day after he was sadly taken from this earth.

Ryan and Amy (Issenhuth) were united in marriage on September 10, 1994. They were blessed with four amazing children who were the center of their world.

Ryan was a pharmacist with Walgreens for over 30 years. His dedication to his coworkers and customers was a testament to his caring and professional nature that will be difficult to duplicate.

Ryan and Amy lived in Colorado for 7 years, along with many college friends. They moved to Brandon, SD, in 1999, to be closer to their parents and to return to their roots.

Ryan loved the outdoors – whether it was hiking, running, golfing, fly-fishing, or mountain-biking – it didn’t matter, as he wasn’t one to sit idle for long. He was the driving force behind many adventures, which included climbing 14ers in Colorado with his family. He was an amazing cook and loved seeing others enjoy what he made. That brought him more joy than the cooking itself. His homemade pizza and stromboli will be missed by many.

Ryan was a dedicated son, husband, dad, brother, uncle, and friend. We are all blessed to have him in our lives, although the time was too short and we wish for more days. We will all carry on in his honor.

Ryan will be deeply missed by his wife, Amy; children, Quinn, Evan, Jillian, and Ella; his parents, David and Nancy Gienapp; his sister, Tracy (Ross) Crum; nieces, Katie and Caroline; brother-in-law, Tom Issenhuth; nephews, Noah and Lucas; sister-in-law, Tracey (Jim) Tomassetti; nephews, Nick, Jake, Chris, and Ben; Ryan is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and the Colorado/Wyoming crew who were considered family.

Ryan is preceded in death by his in-laws, Sharon Issenhuth and Tom and Monie Issenhuth.

Please, remember Ryan as you listen to music, eat good food, hear a funny joke, or enjoy outdoor adventures.

October 7, 1948 ~ April 16, 2026

Judith “Judy” H. Gullickson, 77, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital.

A Celebration of Life Open House with family present will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD. In lieu of flowers please make a charitable donation to the cancer charity of your choice.

Judith “Judy” Helen Gullickson was born on October 7, 1948, in Flandreau, SD, to Kenneth and Alice (Krall) Gullickson. She attended school in both Flandreau and Sioux Falls, graduating from O’Gorman High School in 1966.

Judy worked in commercial insurance for 55 years. She enjoyed playing cards, spending time with friends, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Melissa Gullickson of Sioux Falls, SD; her older brother, William “Bill” (Kathy) Gullickson, Cliftonpark, NY; eleven nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her mother and father, Kenneth and Alice; her brother, Kenneth (Ken) Gullickson; sister-in-law, Joan (Fischenich) Gullickson; and brother, James “Jim” Gullickson.

Judy was loved by many!

July 3, 1987 ~ April 14, 2026

Casey C. Monegue, 38, Sioux Falls, SD, died on April 14, 2026 in Sioux Falls.

Casey’s ashes will be spread at a later date.

Casey Colleen Shepard Monegue was born on July 3, 1987, in Edina, MN, to John and Mary (Coutier) Shepard. She grew up in Lexington, KY, and attended Lexington Catholic High School. Casey graduated from Tates Creek High School.

Casey was the beloved daughter of John and Mary Shepard. Besides her parents, she is survived by her daughter, Zuri; her sisters, Kelly, Molly, Clancy, and Shelby; as well as nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Casey is preceded in death by her infant son, Brenden, and her brother, Albert.

June 5, 1950 ~ April 12, 2026

Gary “Mac” A. McDowell, 75, Sioux Falls, SD, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 12, 2026. A man of deep conviction, quick wit, inappropriate jokes, and a heart for service, Mac leaves behind a legacy of faith, a cohort of friends, and a trail of laughter.

A celebration of Mac’s life and faith will be held on April 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Pipestone Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 831 8th St SW, Pipestone ,MN. Friends and family are invited to share stories and remember a man who lived life on 2 wheels, loved the Lord fiercely, and helped so many others find their way. The requests either plants or monetary gifts be sent directly to the Pipestone Seventh-Day Adventist Church in honor of Mac’s memory.

Gary Alden McDowell was born on June 5, 1950, in South Dakota, to Elmer and Dorothy (Edgecomb) McDowell. Mac was a man who lived life as he rode a bike; at full throttle. He graduated in the spring of 1968 in Hills, MN and attended college at Granite Falls Technical School (Minnesota West). It was in high school where Mac would meet his soon to be wife of 56 years. Above all else, Mac loved Jesus. His faith wasn’t just a part of his life; it was his mission. He felt a profound calling to help save souls, walking alongside others with a compassion that only someone who had traveled a similar path could offer. This was most evident in his 48 years of sobriety, during which he became a source of hope, changing countless lives by leading others toward healing and grace.

Whether he was riding his VTX (sometimes Goldwing if Pam is riding with) or keeping up with friends, Mac had a way of turning every conversation into a personal connection. Mac was a legendary fixer known for “gooping” anything and everything under the sun that needed a repair. Much like his ability to fix everything with goop, he was also able to mend broken people with his love, compassion and tolerance. He was also a man of simple, sometimes strange, tastes—most notably his firm belief that nearly any meal could be enhanced with a copious amount of ketchup, and a tall glass of cold milk.

Mac’s greatest earthly joy was his family, especially his role as a partner-in-crime to his grandson, Coheed; the two were frequently found getting into exactly the right kind of mischief together. The kind of relationship where the word “no” lacks existence in the dictionary.

Mac is survived by his devoted wife, Pamela McDowell; his unofficially adopted daughter, Jessie (Kevin) Pike; his beloved grandson and best friend, Coheed Pike; nephew, Wade (Stacy) McDowell; and nieces, Stacy Brallier, June (Doug) Green, and Lynda (Dan) McDowell-Stadelska.

Mac was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Dorothy; and his brother, Denny McDowell.

February 3, 1943 ~ April 12, 2026

Eileen M. Hartman passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Good Samaritan Prairie Creek Memory Care in Sioux Falls, surrounded by the love of those who cherished her.

A Memorial Service will be at 11am, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD, with visitation beginning at 10am. A livestream of the Memorial Service will be available by clicking HERE. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Eileen’s memory to a local food bank or humane society.  

Eileen was born on February 3, 1943, in a midwife’s home in New England, ND. She was baptized, and later confirmed, at Norman Lutheran Church in New England, ND, where her faith took root and never left her. Eileen’s early years were shaped by hard work and determination. She attended a one-room country schoolhouse for her elementary education and later attended high school in Bowman and New England, ND, and graduated from Scranton Public High School, working to earn her own room and board. 

After high school, Eileen moved to Bismarck, ND, where she studied secretarial sciences at Bismarck Junior College. She then worked for the State of North Dakota’s Highway Division. She married DuWayne Bostow, and they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where their son Preston was born, and later to Fairbanks, Alaska, where Eileen worked at the University of Alaska. 

After retiring, Eileen made her way to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to be closer to family. She became an active member of East Side Lutheran Church, where she found great joy serving with the Altar Guild. Her faith was not just something she practiced on Sundays; it was woven into the fabric of who she was.

Eileen had a deep love for life and an equally deep love for her many pets over the years, each one a cherished companion.

Eileen is survived by her son, Preston (Shu-Wen) Bostow, Taiwan; siblings, Gene Hartman, Carmichael, CA, Geraldine Roach, Brooksville, FL, Linda (Charles) Weber, Orangevale, CA, Phyllis Hartman, Redding, CA, Rod (Chris) Hartman, Brandon, SD, Cindy Hartman, Sioux Falls, SD, Shane (Kristin) Hartman, Sioux Falls, SD; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Marion Hartman; one sister, Lois Hartman; and her sister-in-law, Alice Hartman, beloved wife of Gene Hartman.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Good Samaritan Prairie Creek Memory Care for their kindness, care, and support.

May 14, 1938 ~ April 9, 2026

Wilma H. Haugen, age 87, Brandon, SD, died on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Good Samaritan Luther Manor, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Wilma wished for no services. She has donated her body to the USD School of Medicine, Vermillion, SD, to further teach the medical field.

Wilma Harriett Riggs was born on May 14, 1938, in Cumberland, MD, to Russell Charles and Ida Mae (Petit) Riggs. She was one of several children; a life she would share in a few bits and pieces.

Wilma married Jim Varilek in February 1964 and soon had a daughter, Anna, and son, Frank. Throughout her life she worked many jobs in Yankton; Gambles, Human Services Center, Home Hospice Aide, Yankton Liquor Store, Tobacco Road, Wonder Bread, Walbaum Drug and Ahern Drug.

A kinder, gentler woman, there has never been. Truthful and honest were her life motto, and Wilma raised her children with those same traits.

Wilma married her second husband, Palmer Haugen, in July 1995, and found true love. Together they spent great times traveling to see grandchildren, Jason and Sara, and babysitting now and then. They enjoyed their time together. Palmer would shower her with roses and sweet nothings through their time together. She lost him in August 2006. In November 2008, her son passed.

In September 2009, Wilma moved from Yankton to Brandon to be with Anna and the family. As time passed, she battled diabetes, heart disease, broken bones, countless doctor appointments, constant and countless medications and tests.

Wilma suffered a heart attack in March 2024, and she said, “No more. No tests, no treatments, just no more.” She came to Good Samaritan Luther Manor under Hospice Care and adjusted well to her new family and caretakers. She rallied and graduated from the specialized care and they even threw her a party. Though in December 2025, she was readmitted to her devoted team.

Mama and I have shared so many journeys together, but this one is meant only for her. I love you, more than anything or anyone in my world. The reunion awaiting you, mama, at your new home will be amazing. You won’t miss where you’ve been but will rejoice in the fields of the Lord and wait for all of us to join you one day, in each, our own time. I will forever feel your kiss on my cheek. I love you, mama. Always and forever.

Wilma is survived by her daughter, Anna (Jon) Nadenicek; grandson, Jason (Casey) Nadenicek; granddaughter, Sara (Scott) Sommers; great grandsons, Jonah, Allen, and baby angel, William; Frank’s widow, Kim, and her family, Drew, Emily, and Ian; Palmer’s son, Terry (Denise) Haugen; and special friend, Carolyn Kleinschmit.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Palmer Haugen; and son, Frank Varilek.