September 6, 1960 ~ August 24, 2023

William Eastman, 62, Sioux Falls, passed away on August 24, 2023, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation will be 5-6:30pm, Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a service beginning at 6:30pm. An Inurnment will take place at a later date at Fairview Cemetery, Lane, SD.

William (Bill) Charles Eastman was born on September 6, 1960, to John and Hazel (Dudley) Eastman in Chamberlain, SD. Bill grew up in Chamberlain and the surrounding area. He was placed into the foster care system at a young age as well as his siblings until the age of 18. Bill was in thirteen different foster homes and also was placed in Sky Ranch where he learned farming, ranching, how to fly an airplane, cooking, and baking. He also lived at Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska. Bill graduated high school while at Boys Town.

In February of 1979, he joined the Marine Corps. He was discharged in 1981.

Bill loved two women in his lifetime, Kacey and Kathy. Unfortunately, both have passed away.

Bill has worked as an ariel photographer and sold many pictures that he had taken. This was something he enjoyed very much. Another passion of Bill’s was cooking. He worked at many different places in Sioux Falls as a cook and a chef. He worked at Marlin’s in Sioux Falls until he got sick. He loved making foods from scratch, not from a box.

Bill also had a love for dogs. Over his lifetime, he had about 15 dogs.

Left to cherish his memory are his brother, David Eastman; sister, Cindy (Steve) Groseth; brother, Allan Eastman; one nephew; and four nieces.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John Eastman and Hazel Perry; an infant brother, Larry Eastman; and older brother, Wayne Eastman. If you knew Bill, you know that he could talk your ear off and, oh the stories he had to tell. We are grateful for his life, his stories, and his love for others. He will be greatly missed.

November 16, 1929 ~ August 24, 2023

Orphadel Bruggeman, 93, Sioux Falls, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Visitation with family will be 5 to 7pm, at Heartland Funeral Home, in Brandon, SD, on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, with a Prayer Service at 7pm. Funeral Mass will begin Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 11:30am, at St. Lambert Church in Sioux Falls.  Inurnment will follow at St. Michaels Cemetery.

Orphadel Marie Shubert was born November 16, 1929, in Ruthton, MN, to Emil and Margaret (Peters) Shubert.  She grew up in the Woodstock/Pipestone rural area and graduated from Pipestone High School in 1947.  She was employed in the Pipestone area, moving to Sioux Falls in 1949.  She was employed by Northwest Security Bank until marrying Leonard Bruggeman in November, 1952.  Together they operated the East Soo Tavern, until 1962.  They then purchased an acreage on Six Mile Road and built Len’s Bar, which they operated until August of 1988.  Orpha then worked part-time until retiring, from SPS Payment Systems in 1998.  She and Len were charter members of St. Lambert’s Church, and Orpha volunteered there for many years.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Jeff (Mary Lou) of Joplin, MO, Joe (Patti), Paul (Tammy), Doug, Chris (Ang) Bruggeman, and Anne Arlt, and Barb (Bram) Weidenaar, of Sioux Falls.  Orpha is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. 

Orphadel was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; her parents; two brothers, Alvin Shubert and Don Shubert; her sister, Geraldine Serie; and son-in-law, Jim Berendes.

*Note – The above is the obituary that our beloved mom wrote for herself when she was 86 years old.  We know this because we had to cross out the age that she had written and insert the age at which she actually passed away.  Yes, she even included the times for the prayer service and funeral service.  Only a few family details have been edited.  You will be missed dearly, Mom.

October 10, 1940 ~ August 17, 2023

Lois A. Schroder, 82, Brandon, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls.

Visitation with the family will be 6-8 pm, Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon.  A Celebration of Life will begin at 10:30 on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Heritage Lutheran Church, Brandon. Burial will follow at the Brandon Lutheran Cemetery. A live stream link to view live, click here https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82399282325?pwd=NWtGdjFBOW9FbVFITVFzTXQvc2JiQT09

Lois Arlene Hansen was born on October 10, 1940, to Eldo and Beulah Hansen, in Pipestone, MN. She married the love of her life, Chuck Schroder, on July 6, 1963, in Pipestone, MN. Shortly after that, they moved to Denver, CO, for Chuck’s job. Later, they moved back to Renner.  In 1970, the family moved to Brandon, where they raised their two children, Tina and Jeff.

She worked part-time at multiple businesses while her children were growing up and attending school.

Lois was adored by her husband, Chuck, who affectionately referred to her as “Ma.” They loved to travel and went on many trips and vacations. Camping was a passion that they both loved to do.

Lois and Chuck also loved going out for dinner together and oftentimes would celebrate holidays and anniversaries at their favorite restaurants. She loved her children and grandchildren with all of her heart and nothing made her happier than when she could attend all of their activities until she was unable to do so. Some of the other things she enjoyed to do was going to the casino and to Las Vegas with her girls. One of Lois’s passions was supporting Chuck in his many years of service in Kiwanis.

She was an active member of Brandon Lutheran Church and later, Heritage Lutheran Church.

Lois will be deeply missed by her daughter, Tina Spielmann, Brandon; her son, Jeff (Larissa) Schroder, Brandon; two granddaughters, Jayde and Gaby, both of Brandon; two brothers, Michael (Dixie) Hansen, Luverne, and Ed (Judy) Hansen, Pipestone; and several nieces and nephews.

Lois is preceded in death by her loving husband, Chuck; her parents, Eldo and Beulah Hansen; and one brother, Richard Hansen.

May 22, 1935 ~ August 15, 2023

Ron L. Swenson, 88, Brandon, died Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Dell Rapids Hospital, after recent health-related issues.

Visitation with family present will be 5-7pm, Monday, August 21, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home. Memorial Services will be 1pm, Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at Swedona Covenant Church.  Burial will follow at the Church Cemetery.

Ronald Leroy Swenson was born May 22, 1935, to Myron & Kathryn (Kennedy) Swenson in Sioux Falls, SD.  He attended Brandon country school and graduated from Brandon Valley High School in 1953.

Ron married Ruthe Archer in 1956.  They had three children; Tim, Penne, and Jill. They moved around for his job with Armour Co. and the Sioux Falls Stock Yards, where he was head hog buyer.  The family settled down in Welcome, MN, in 1971. Ron later moved onto his dad’s farm in Garretson. He retired in 1996 and moved into Brandon. Ron also enjoyed wintering in Apache Junction, AZ.

Ron loved farming, anything to do with John Deer farming equipment, and watching sports; especially the Vikings and the Twins. Visiting with his friends and family was also very dear to Ron.

Ron was a member of Swedona Covenant Church in Brandon and the Brandon AA organization and was very proud of his 30-plus years of sobriety.  His motto was “One day at a Time” which helped him get through his health struggles the last couple of years. Ron had recently moved into Assisted Living in Dell Rapids and then to Palisades Manor in Garretson.

He is survived by his son, Tim; daughter, Penne (Bruce) Swenson; grandson, Timmie; one brother, Bill; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Jill; brother, Lloyd; and sisters, Liz and Deb.

January 8, 1942 ~ August 10, 2023

Jerome “Jim” Jennings, 81, Salem, SD, formerly of Hartford, SD, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at his home. 

Visitation with family will be 5-7pm, Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a Memorial Service beginning at 7pm.  Private burial will be Friday, September 1, at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Humboldt.

Jim Eugene Jennings was born in Richland, CA, on January 8, 1942, to I.B. “Buck” and Gladys (Cheney) Jennings. Jim attended and graduated from Bancroft High School, Bancroft, SD. After graduation, he attended school for the automotive mechanic industry. In 1964, Jim married Audrey Glynn and from this marriage three children were born; Sheri, David and Brian. They were divorced in 1970. In 1970, Jim married Johanna “Joann” Merrill and he gained four stepchildren; Ken, Jerry, Cindy, and Steve. They moved to Flandreau, SD, and lived there from 1970-1975 and they had two additional children together; Dawn and Jerrett. After leaving Flandreau, they moved to Casper, WY, and later Glenrock, WY, where they made their home for over 10 years while Jim worked for Del’s Alignment, in Casper. They moved to Parker, SD, in 1986, for 2 years where Jim worked for the John Morrell Company until layoffs occurred, and then at Wheelco Brake in Sioux Falls, SD. Jim and Joann moved to Hartford, SD, in 1988, where he continued working for Wheelco Brake and then later, Tammen Oil, in Hartford. After retirement, Jim continued working part-time for the West Central School District as a transportation driver. Their home was sold in Hartford, in 2016, and they then moved to their current residence in Salem. 

In his younger days, in Flandreau, Jim was a member of a bowling team and played on a softball team. He enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life and was a member of the Crooks Gun Club, where he shot trap for many years. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Joann Jennings; sons, Ken Merrill, Muskegon MI, Steve (Ginny) Merrill, Rapid City, SD, David (Angie) Jennings, Canton, SD, Brian (Steph Schuttloffel) Jennings, Canton, SD, Jerrett (April) Jennings, Sioux Falls, SD; one daughter, Dawn (Todd) Price, Humboldt, SD; one sister-in-law, Mary Jennings, Bancroft, SD; 29 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous other family and friends. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, I.B. and Gladys Jennings; step-mother, Caroline Jennings; brother, Delbert Jennings; twin sister, Sandra Cramer; brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Cramer; daughters, Sheri Gatto, and Cindy Elliott; son-in-law, Stephen Elliott; son, Jerry Merrill; grandson, Jordan; and great-grandson, Jordan David.

April 25, 1947 ~ July 31, 2023

Ronald A. Reyelts, 76, Sioux Falls, died on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family.

Visitation with the family present will be 4pm – 6pm, Monday, August 7, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon. A time of sharing memories will begin at 5:30, followed by Military Honors. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Ronald Allen Reyelts was born on April 25, 1947, to Albert and Ruby (Walker) Reyelts in Sioux Falls. Ron received his education in Sioux Falls. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was a decorated soldier who proudly served as a Marine in the Vietnam War, before being Honorably Discharged in August 1970. Ron married Audrey Mielitz in 1981. She had two daughters, Kimberly and Lori. Later, they had Tiffany and Tonya.

Ron was employed at Overhead Doors. He went on to complete classes at MCT, to become a semi-truck driver. He was an over-the-road driver for Willards and Metz Bakery before retiring from Metz Bakery. He returned to work part-time at First Rate Excavating before retiring for good.  Ron loved fishing at Lake Thompson with his family and friends who became family, hunting, camping, his pets, Brownie and Holly, and spending time with his grandkids.

Ron is survived by his two daughters, Tiffany Flannery, Sioux Falls and Tonya Reyelts-Doese, Sioux Falls; two step-daughters, Kimberly (Oliver) Narum, Sioux Falls and Lori Anderson, Sioux Falls; five grandchildren, Nick (Val), Lindsey, Meghan, Rachel (Wesley), and Cody; six great-grandchildren, Leondre, Octayviah, Dauhrio, Avianna, Anneiva, and Joseph.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey; his parents, Albert and Rudy (Walker); brothers, Lawrence and Darrell; and sisters, Donna and Dorothy. 

September 24, 1976 – June 29, 2023

   Autumn L. Van Buskirk, 46, Sioux Falls, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023, in the care of Dougherty Hospice, with her husband and family by her side.

   Autumn’s memory was honored in her hometown of Farmington, NM, on July 20, 2023, with many loving family and friends in attendance.  For now, and ever, we love you and will miss you.

   Autumn was known to be loving and light-hearted; always bringing laughter to those she knew and, at only two days old, she gave her first smile. Autumn found her passion early and excelled at both school and softball, dedicating countless hours and effort. As a successful fastpitch softball pitcher, her skills and dedication earned her a full-ride scholarship at MS State, and right on through her Master’s Degree, at the University of Mississippi for Women, in 2001.  Along the way, Autumn established many Division 1 Fastpitch pitching records that still hold today.  Autumn was awarded the MVP of the entire SEC fastpitch program in 1998 and was inducted into Farmington High School’s Hall of Fame in 2013.

   Always adventurous, in 2003, she and Chad were married in Key West, FL, amidst a month-long sailing trip down the Florida Coast.  Autumn worked for the American Cancer Society during the years of 2006-2012. She then became a stay-at-home mom after giving birth to her first son, Miller Keane, in 2012.  Two years later, her second son, Colin Hayes, was born.  Autumn was a dedicated, caring, and very attentive mother.  As a daughter, sister, wife, and friend, she remains fun-loving and bright in the memories of us all.

   Autumn is survived by her husband, Chad Van Buskirk; their two sons, Miller and Colin, and a step-son, Joseph Van Buskirk; her parents, Larry and Lynda Anderson; grandparents, Gerald and Jean Anderson; and three siblings and a step-brother, Gerrod (Jessica), Jamie, Dennis, and Ted (Lindsey) Triplett, remain in her hometown of Farmington, NM, and Wellington, CO. 

   Autumn was also loved by her surviving parents-in-law, Myron (Joan) Van Buskirk; brothers-in-laws, Mike (Karna) Van Buskirk, and Steve (Shannon) Van Buskirk, of Sioux Falls, SD; and sister-in-law, Karen Van Buskirk; nieces and nephews, Bjorn (Kirby) Sellner, Sophia, Kyle, Hunter, Jacob, and Simon Van Buskirk, Sioux Falls, along with Witten and Harper Anderson, and Jaeden and Savannah Triplett, in CO and NM.  

May 13, 1976 ~ July 31, 2023

Teresa A. Sheldon, 47, Brandon, gained her wings on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls.  She had a courageous fight with cancer and was surrounded by love. 

Visitation with family will be 5-7pm, Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Brandon Valley Assembly of God Church, with a short time of Sharing at 7pm.  Memorial Services will begin at 11am, on Friday, August 4, 2023, at Brandon Valley Assembly of God Church. Click here to watch live brandonvalley.online.church In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (givenow.iis.org). 

Teresa Ann Sheldon was born May 13, 1976, to Wayne and JoAnn (Schnabel) Sheldon. Teresa was a daughter, loving mother, sister, friend, and aunt.  Teresa had an infectious funny spirit and a strong will to fight and kick cancer’s butt.  She enjoyed most spending time with family and friends. She surrounded herself with God’s love and faith and enjoyed her fellowship time at the church.  If talking was a sport, Teresa had it mastered!  She loved all things gardening and taking care of her lawn and flowers. 

Teresa’s greatest accomplishment was raising her beautiful daughter, Olivia.  She loved watching Olivia’s Color Guard performances with the Brandon Valley Band. Teresa was even able to join a special performance with Olivia’s Color Guard. 

Teresa last worked at PAI and had many friends in her workforce.

She sincerely appreciated the love and support of the many nurses, doctors, and techs at Mayo Clinic, Sanford Hospital, and Ava’s House that cared so lovingly for her during her two years fighting cancer.  She would like to extend a special thank you to each of these amazing people she considered family.   

Teresa is survived by her (daughter) Oliva Green, (sister) Katie Meeker (husband Kelly Meeker), (niece and nephew) Kellen and Kora Meeker, (parents) Wayne and JoAnn Sheldon, and uncles and aunts. 

Teresa is preceded in death by her grandparents, Roy and Glorena Schnabel, Ralph and Beverly Sheldon, and her uncle Dennis Schnabel

September 8, 1943 ~ July 24, 2023

Donna R. Gullickson, 79, Sioux Falls, SD, died Monday, July 24, 2023, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Celebration of Life will be 2 to 4 pm, Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, South Dakota.

Donna Rae Redmond was born September 8, 1943, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Lacey and Goldie (Conn) Redmond. She attended Washington High School and studied at Nettleton Business College. She married Gerald Nagel in 1961, and together they had five children. She was united in marriage to Donald Gullickson on June 12, 1970. Together they added two more children to the family.  They made their home in Dell Rapids, South Dakota.

Donna was a stay-at-home mom until they moved to Sioux Falls in 1979. She then started working outside the home as a waitress at The Red Lantern for several years, and then went to work manufacturing jobs at Balance Systems and Hutchinson Technology, until she retired. Throughout her years she also helped her husband, Don, with his garage door business and catering business. Following her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She would take the grandkids all the time to the park, the movies, and to McDonald’s playland; basically, anything that was fun. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She also enjoyed going to her daughters’ homes and just hanging out and visiting. She loved traveling to Florida, Missouri, and Minneapolis to visit family and friends.

Donna is survived by five of her children, Jeff (Judy) Nagel, Coca, Florida, Kevin Nagel, Port St. John, Florida, Kristy (Russel) Lofswold, Hartford, South Dakota, Dawn (Alicia) Meyen, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Don (Ellen) Gullickson Jr., Merritt Island, Florida; grandchildren, Travis Cunningham, Dean Nagel, Christy Nagel, Tonya Mahlum, Nichole Castle, Riley Nagel, Matthew Chytka, Mason Skari, Shantel Skari, Levi Moeller, and Makayla Gullickson; and her brother, Bob (Shirley) Redmond.

Donna is preceded in death by two sons, Gerald “Jerry” Nagel, and Tracy “Chuck” Nagel; her parents, Lacey and Goldie Redmond; and siblings, Linda Krogmann, Beverly Dibben, Dennis Redmond, and Michael Redmond.