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.

September 14, 1952 ~ April 4, 2026

Dennis P. Swanson, 73, Lennox, SD, formerly of South Haven, MN, died Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his home due to health reasons.

A Graveside Committal Service is planned for 11am, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Calvary Cemetery in Mankato, MN. Cards may be sent to Heartland Funeral Home PO Box 451, Brandon, SD, 57005.

Often known as Denny, he was born the baby of 5 on September 14, 1952, to Don and Doris Swanson.  He graduated from Mankato High School in 1970. During high school, he worked at Cub’s Steakhouse. 

After graduation and throughout the 1970’s, he joined the carpenters’ union hanging and taping sheetrock for local construction contractors in the Mankato area. He also worked with his Father building houses when construction was slow.  In 1971, he married Ingrid Swenson in Mankato, MN.  Two beautiful daughters blessed their union.

Following a major back surgery in 1978, he worked for Sears installing windows and other small construction projects. 

Dennis returned to full contracting work in the 1980’s. He worked for Becker Brothers out of St. Cloud, MN. He took great pride in each of his construction accomplishments.

In 1983, he married Jan Samuels. A bouncing baby boy came soon after.

In 1992, Dennis married Sandy Olinger. Along came two step-children. They moved to South Haven, MN, and enjoyed restoring a home together. During those years he worked as an estimator for Ben’s Tool and Iron in Waite Park, MN, providing bids for steel projects throughout the area. This is where he retired.  He cherished that home for many years and lived there until recently.

Dennis’s hobbies included furniture building, small end tables, lamps, and cedar chests, to name a few.  He also enjoyed fishing on his boats.  Some of his favorite fishing haunts were Lake John, Lake Miltona, and Lake Winnibigoshish. Often, family memories were made in those locations.

Music was another favorite pastime!  Dennis often could be found strumming and singing along with the Beatles, the Eagles, and so many others. He was even known to write and compose a song or two.

In later years, Dennis enjoyed building speaker boxes and selling fishing lures and tools on eBay. He also enjoyed buying guitars, setting them up, and giving them away to his children and grandchildren.

Denny was a man of many talents.  He adored his sisters. He loved seeing his kids and grandkids.  He enjoyed researching dinosaurs and astrology.  He will forever be missed.

Dennis is survived by his children, Theresa (Adam) Aberle, Amy (Matt) East, and Daniel (Fiona) Swanson; grandchildren, Ausin (Anna) Aberle, Devin Swanson, Alex Aberle, Lexi (Josh) Miller, Hunter VanDiepen, Aaron (Kacie) Aberle, Madi Jensen, Carter Jensen, Braeden Jensen, Liam Swanson, Brody Swanson, and Theo Swanson; honorary grandchildren, Chandler Abernathy, LaKeisha Abernathy; great-grandchildren, Emmett, Julia, Asher, Ivy, and Griffin; honorary great-grandchildren, Zeke and Amir; step-children, Sammie Olinger and Brian (Holly) Sampson; six step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Harriet Wolff and Lois Vik; and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; his mother, Doris; his father, Donald; his sister, Sally; his brother, Samuel; and his brother-in-law, Donnie.

May 23, 1964 ~ March 30, 2026

It is with profound sadness and enduring love that we announce the passing of Sara L. Martin, 61, Sioux Falls, SD, who departed this world on March 30, 2026, surrounded by the family she so fiercely loved.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon with a Memorial Service beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Sara Louise Rosenbaum was born on May 23, 1964, in South Dakota to Arnold and Kathryn (Vondrak) Rosenbaum. Sara was raised in Jefferson, SD with her siblings. Sara was a woman of remarkable strength, a tireless work ethic, and the guiding heartbeat of her family.

Sara was a pillar of reliability and integrity. She spent 25 years as a valued member of the Ecolab team, where she was known for her unwavering dedication. She approached her career with the same determination and resilience that defined her character, earning the deep respect of those who worked alongside her.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sara found her greatest happiness in the beauty of the natural world. She lived for the warmth of the sun—whether she was relaxing on the beach, tending to her garden, or embarking on a long-awaited road trip. Her spirit truly shone through the eyes of her grandchildren. Known affectionately as “Grandma Chewy,” she was an adventurer at heart who delighted in hunting for bugs, reptiles, and amphibians with her grandkids. She taught them to find wonder in the small, crawling things and to appreciate the magic in everyday moments. She also enjoyed the Buffalo Bills and riding her Harley Davidson. 

Sara’s greatest masterpiece was the family she nurtured. She is survived by her children, who were her pride and joy, Christopher Martin, Steven Martin, and Tashia (Wes) Pfaff. She remains a cherished light in the lives of her grandchildren, Max and Zoey Pfaff, and Samuel and Isabelle Martin. Sara also leaves behind her fiancé, Tony Tulio, who brought her immense love and companionship, and her two loyal dogs, Chewbacca and Sadie. She is also survived by her siblings, Keith Rosenbaum, Sheri (Dennis) Pitz, Star Dahm, Mike (Kris) Rosenbaum, and Charles (Stacey Chavez) Rosenbaum.

She now joins her parents, Arnold and Kathryn Rosenbaum; and her siblings, Joseph Rosenbaum and Tammy Painter, in eternal rest.

Sara will be remembered for her unwavering strength, her infectious warmth, and the boundless love she gave so freely. While her presence will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in every garden bloom, every beach sunrise, and the many lives she touched.

April 22, 1938 ~ March 20, 2026

Robert “Bob” L. Johnson, 87, of Marshall, MN, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, March 20, 2026, while in the care of his daughter, Marissa, and son-in-law, Matthew, at their home in Sioux Falls, SD, after a quiet battle with liver cancer.

In accordance with Bob’s wishes, he chose cremation and no formal funeral service. His daughters will honor him with an intimate gathering at a later date in Marshall, MN. A portion of his ashes will be laid to rest at Marshall Cemetery in Marshall, next to his beloved wife. His remaining ashes will be scattered in locations that were meaningful to Bob, Marlene, Heather, and Marissa.

Robert “Bob” LeRoy Johnson was born on April 22, 1938, in Jasper, MN, to Lester and Hildur (Kellgren) Johnson, the youngest of four children. He was baptized and confirmed at Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church and graduated from Jasper High School, Class of 1956. Following graduation, he remained active on the family farm while attending Nettleton Commercial College and Augustana College before enlisting in the military.

In 1960, he joined the United States Air Force, attending basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He later returned to Sioux Falls, where he served in the South Dakota Air National Guard while continuing to farm with his family. During his time in the guard, he learned to fly a T-33 trainer jet and was honorably discharged in 1966.

In 1978, Bob met the love of his life, Marlene Weets, at the Glass House in Ihlen, MN. They were united in marriage on September 21, 1983, in Las Vegas, NV. After their marriage, they resided in Sioux Falls, SD; Pipestone, Moorhead, and Balaton, MN, before making their final home in Marshall, MN, where they raised their two daughters, Heather and Marissa.

Bob farmed in Pipestone County for 44 years and also worked in the trucking industry for 5 years, along with holding various other jobs throughout his life in construction, hospitality, and maintenance. In later years, he devoted himself to being a stay-at-home parent, raising his daughters with steady care and dedication.

In his later years, Bob enjoyed simple, quiet routines, including daily trips to the Marshall-Lyon County Library and Market Grille at Hy-Vee. He also regularly visited the YMCA and the cafeteria at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. He had a gift for conversation and could make friends anywhere he went. He was known for his consistency, his dependable presence, and his deep commitment to his family.

Bob enjoyed Western and military shows, reminiscing about the “good ol’ days,” NASCAR, oldies music, farming, and animals. He loved telling his wife and daughters stories about his childhood, life on the farm, and his parents and siblings. He lovingly called his daughters Myrtle and Lulu—so it’s a good thing his wife was the one who named them. He enjoyed teasing his daughters and had a playful sense of humor, reminding them each Christmas that it was going to be a “Selmer Christmas,” a long-running family joke that came from a Christmas where his cousin, Selmer, once went without receiving a gift.

Bob wasn’t tech-savvy in the slightest—so don’t even try explaining how a computer worked or how to text—but ask him about a car and he lit up, able to tell you anything you wanted to know. He loved his old cars, including his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air; 1960 and 1965 Pontiac Catalina; 1967 Pontiac Bonneville; 1976 Pontiac Trans Am; and 1977 Ford Thunderbird.

Bob will be remembered for his witty remarks and sarcasm, his ability to talk to anyone and everyone, and the deep love he had for his family.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Heather (Johnson) Griffin and her husband, John, of Lubbock, TX, and Marissa (Johnson) Breyfogle and her husband, Matthew, of Sioux Falls, SD; his grandchildren, Gavin, Lilah, and Avery; and grandpuppies, Tucker and Oliver.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene (Weets) Johnson; his parents, Lester and Hildur (Kellgren) Johnson; his siblings, Lester Johnson Jr., Doris (Johnson) Laackmann, and Donald Johnson; his family’s beloved dog, Casper; his grandpuppies, Vinnie and Jasper; and many other beloved pets he cared for throughout his lifetime, especially Goldie the Golden Retriever.

October 8, 1987 ~ March 23, 2026

Thomas P. Dubs, 38, Brandon, SD, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 23, 2026, in Brandon.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon, with family visitation at 9:00 am, and the Rosary starting at 9:30 am. To honor Thomas’s love of all things sports, we are asking everyone attending to wear their favorite sports jersey or apparel.

Thomas Paul Dubs, the son of Darryl Dubs and Tracy Thorpe, was born in Sioux Falls, SD at Sioux Valley Hospital on October 8, 1987. He was baptized on November 22, 1987, at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon.

Thomas spent his childhood living in Hudson, SD with his mother Tracy and older sister Marinn. He and Marinn would also spend their summers in Brandon with their father Darryl where they would participate in summer recreation programs, such as T-ball, swimming, and tennis. Growing up in a small town, Thomas enjoyed spending time with friends and doing small town activities like riding bikes, playing backyard baseball, and going to the local gravel pit. During his grade school and high school years, Thomas’s love of sports was evident by his participation in football, baseball, and wrestling. Beginning from early grade school and continuing throughout high school, he wrestled in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) where he competed at the state level. However, Thomas’s favorite pastime was playing baseball, where he was a talented pitcher. He also competed at the state level as a high schooler. Following his graduation from Alcester-Hudson High School in 2006, Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Army, continuing the familial tradition of service to our country.

After his Army service, Thomas returned to Sioux Falls, where he worked at Dakota Beverage and enjoyed his 20’s spending quality time with friends and family. On March 16, 2018, Thomas was united in marriage to Karren Iron Heart in Sioux Falls. Shortly after moving to Yukon, Oklahoma in 2019 to be closer to his parents and sister, Thomas received the two greatest gifts of his life. On February 10, 2020, his son Ashton Elijah Dale Dubs was born, and on October 7, 2021, his daughter Autumn “Mimi” Tracy Dubs was born. Thomas’s greatest role as a father was to show his children unconditional love. In raising his children, he wanted them to experience a close cousin relationship like he had with his. He also passed along his devotion and loyalty to the University of Oklahoma Sooners to his wife and children. Eventually, Thomas and his family, along with their beloved cats, returned to his original home state of South Dakota where he began working as a third-party driver for Amazon. Thomas will be greatly missed, but we all find comfort in the fact that he has been reunited with his mother and unborn son Elijah.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Karren; son, Ashton; daughter, Autumn; father, Darryl Dubs; sister, Marinn Byers; niece, Ella Byers; nephew, Jameson Byers; grandmother, Sylvia Mendel-Dubs; and several loved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Thomas was preceded in death by his unborn son, Elijah Paul Dubs; mother, Tracy Thorpe; paternal grandfather, Glendon Dubs; and maternal grandparents, Dale and Luanne (Scott) Thorpe.

March 23, 1948 ~ February 21, 2026

Edward A. Raventon, 77, Garretson, SD, died peacefully at home on Saturday, February 21, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

No service is planned at this time.

Edward Anthony Raventon was born on March 23, 1948, in St. Louis, MO, the first of nine children to Edward William Kuntscher and Magdalena (Kulschar) Kuntscher. He grew up in Florissant, MO, spending as much time outdoors as possible with his best friend Lloyd. Edward loved the Missouri River. He was a Boy Scout and even achieved his Eagle Scout rank as a young teenager. He was invited and attended Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Edward’s family moved to Apple Valley, MN when he was 16 years old. He graduated from Rosemount High School in 1966. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Secondary Education from St. Thomas College in St. Paul, MN. After teaching high school English, he began working with Minnesota State Parks as an Interpretive Naturalist at several parks, including Blue Mounds State Park and Pipestone National Monument.

Edward traveled to New Mexico and was offered positions with New Mexico State Parks and State Historical Monuments where he designed and managed Visitor Services and at several other parks and monuments. On moving to New Mexico, he took the name of a ghost town from the 1800’s in Lincoln County known as Raventon. He also loves ravens.

In 1981, Edward moved his family to South Dakota where he worked for South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks. He designed several state parks, including the original signage at Palisades State Park and was the state’s first Park Naturalist. Early on, he trained local seasonal Naturalists to work at all the parks. In 2012, he planned, designed, and was the first Naturalist at Good Earth State Park at Blood Run.

Edward loved to travel around the U.S. while working at National Parks and Monuments. A few being Agate Fossil Bed, The Great Sand Dunes, George Washington’s Birthplace and Scottsbluff Monument. He was an active, engaging man, even helping and teaching students with their creative writing. He was a published author of three books-“Island in the Plains”, “A Piece of Paradise-A Story of Custer State Park” and “Buffalo Country”. He finished his fourth book about his travels in western states. The manuscript is headed to a publisher. His love of the outdoors was fierce. In one of his books, he describes how the land was formed, chronicles the fantastic prehistoric animals that came and went, and tells stories of the humans-natives and settlers alike-who lived on this land. He was an amazing lobbyist, geographer, historian, freelance writer and outdoor photographer. He worked as a planner, exhibit designer, nature center/museum director, monument ranger and park superintendent.

Edward is survived by his son, Miles, of CO; loving daughter, Mariah Eve Douglass, son-in-law Brad, and grandchildren, Brock and Phoebe of AZ; his sweet sisters, Magdalena Nelson and Monica Maixner, of MN; and five other siblings; as well as his dear friend, VKB, of SD. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Magdalena; and brother, Michael Joseph.

December 7, 1960 ~ March 25, 2026

Tammy S. DenHerder, 65, Valley Springs, SD, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, after a short battle with lung cancer.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD, with a Memorial Service beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Tammy Sue DenHerder was born on December 7, 1960, at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, the daughter of Kenneth (Skeeter) and Jean (Swenson) DenHerder. She grew up in Valley Springs, SD, and graduated from Brandon Valley High School in 1979. She was married three times and out of the last marriages came two beautiful daughters. She lived in Sioux Falls and Valley Springs with the majority being in Valley Springs. She had many jobs and enjoyed interacting with her customers.

Tammy enjoyed spending time with her family, especially with her daughters and granddaughters. She loved going to the lake and on vacations all over the country. Family get-togethers were her favorite and brought joy when everyone was together. She loved watching her granddaughters play sports and was their biggest support.

Tammy is survived by her two daughters, Loraea (Randy) Krull, Beaver Creek, MN, and Larissa (Jordan) Walker, Sioux Falls, SD; five granddaughters, Alyssa, Tamie Kay, Rilynn, and Gracie Krull, and Aurora Walker; two brothers, Tim and Troy DenHerder, both of Valley Springs; two nieces, Sadie DenHerder Elsberry and Sony Swanson, both of Garretson. She is also survived by many other friends and family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Jean; and nephew, Nathan DenHerder.

June 18, 1934 ~ March 15, 2026

Janet R. Sunde, 91, Brandon, passed away, Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Sanford Centennial Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, surrounded by her family.

Visitation with Family will be 5-7pm, Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Francis House in Sioux Falls in Janet’s honor.

Janet Rae Westby was born on June 18, 1934, in Madison, SD, to Ernest and Ruth (Allen) Westby. Her lineage comes from the Mayflower. She was a direct descendant of William White, one of the pilgrims who came to America aboard the Mayflower.

After graduation, Janet worked as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell. She married Richard Sunde on June 13, 1955. They moved to Sioux Falls in 1976 when the telephone company office in Madison closed. She worked for Northwestern Bell until she retired in 1988.

In retirement, Janet enjoyed reading, playing Mahjong with friends and going for long walks. She spent winters in Arizona until the passing of her husband, Richard, in 2014. They loved spending time in Arizona with their son, Steve, and his wife, Deborah.

The last three years of her life she was well taken care of and loved dearly by the staff at Bethany Meadows in Brandon, and the phenomenal care given at the Sanford Hospice Centennial Cottage during her last week.

Janet will be dearly missed by her five children, Steven (Deborah) Sunde, Phoenix, AZ, Laurel (Michael) Eicher, Madison, WI, Joan (Jim) Clarke, Sioux Falls, SD, David (Julie) Sunde, Sioux Falls, SD, and Paul (Christie) Sunde, Sioux Falls, SD; six grandchildren, Marissa (Zac) Cool, Chelsea (Landon) Greenfield, Nicholas (Brianna) Clarke, Erica Sunde, Caleb (Sonia) Sunde, and Jules Eicher; twelve great-grandchildren, Avery and Zayden Cool, Carter and Cambree Stein, Beckett and Kyler Greenfield, Leyton, Layla, Bridger and Bowyn Clarke, Sloane Napier, and Neva Sunde; brother, Dr. Allen Westby, Brookings, SD; sisters-in-law, Marian Sunde Wiese, Madison, SD, Marley Sunde Wright Smith, San Lorenzo, CA, and Midge Sunde Kloster, Fargo, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; parents, Ernest and Ruth; and brother, Max.