July 5, 1952 ~ April 13, 2023

July 5, 1952 ~ April 13, 2023

Randy Stone, 70, Brandon, SD, passed away in his sleep at his home on April 13^, 2023.

A Celebration of Randy’s life will be 4-6pm on Friday April 21, 2023, at Heartland Funeral home in Brandon, SD, with a time for sharing stories at 6pm. The family requests you please share your thoughts and prayers on the Heartland website and send your cards, gifts, or flowers to Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon.

Randall Lee Stone was born July 5, 1952, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Warren and Donna (Otten) Stone.  He grew up outside of Brandon, SD, with his brothers and sister.  Randy graduated from Brandon Valley High School in 1970 and worked construction in his father’s construction business, Stone & Son’s Construction.  Randy and Laurie (Reiter) were married on June 19, 1971, and had three children. They divorced in 1979.  Randy and his parents moved to Park Rapids, MN, in 1981 and ran Pine Rest Resort on Potato Lake.  A few years later they went back to running the family construction business with Randy’s brothers in the Park Rapids Area.  Randy met Julia Poole at the Red Lantern Restaurant in Park Rapids, MN, in 1983, and they were married on September 11, 1986.  Julia and Randy made Brandon their home in 2004.  He enjoyed fishing for Walleye with his family in Canada, watching hunting and fishing shows, car racing, woodworking, and spending quality time doing all of these things with his family.  Like all good fishermen, his ability to tell a good story was unprecedented. Watch video here: In Loving Memory of Randy Stone

Survivors include his wife, Julia (Poole) Stone; sons, Todd (Sara) Stone, Brandon, SD, Steve Stone (Darienne), Montrose, SD; daughters, Brenda (Tracy) Bennett, Brandon, SD, and Katie Stone, Sioux Falls, SD; step-sons, Adam (Rhonda) Gehrke, Mitchell, SD, and Geoff (Charity) Lindahl, Lake George, MN; grandchildren include Riley Bennett, Brady Bennett, Keegan Bennett, Isabella Stone, Gavin Stone, Abby Felcher, Jacob and Jayden Lottman, Trevor Broshears, Silas and Shelbie Stone, Brody and Bree Gehrke; his older sister, Debbie (Gary) Swenson, Menaga, MN; brothers, Chuck Stone, and Sam Stone, Detroit Lakes, MN; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles throughout the United States who made a lasting impression on Randy and his family. 

Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Donna Stone; brothers, Rick Stone, Rusty Stone, David Stone, and Andrew Stone (still born at birth); niece, Nicole Swenson; and sister-in-law, Darlene Stone.

May 8, 1935 ~ April 10, 2023

Marjorie Ann (West) Blumenauer, age 87, formerly of Huron and Sioux Falls, passed away Monday, April 10, 2023, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 5-7pm at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, with a Prayer Service and then Eastern Star Service beginning at 6:30pm. Her Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30am, Friday, April 14, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, Sioux Falls. Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls. A live stream link to watch live: First United Methodist Church (online.church). Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, in Marjorie’s honor.

Marjorie Ann West was born May 8, 1935, to Lloyd Franklin and Madeleine Mae (Lanning) West, at the McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Marjorie grew up in the Sioux Falls area and attended school there. In 1953, Marjorie graduated from Washington High School. She furthered her education at Dakota Wesleyan University at Mitchell.

On August 28, 1955, Marjorie married George Blumenauer at the First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls. Following their marriage, they lived in Killeen, Texas, while George was stationed at Ft. Hood, until 1958.  They then moved to Macintosh, South Dakota. In 1959, the couple moved to Huron.  Marjorie worked 6 years for the Beadle County Electric Coop, and then as the Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. From 1968 to 1972, the family moved to Wessington Springs while Marjorie was the secretary for the high school principal there. They then returned to Huron, making that their home. Marjorie was the Administrative Assistant for the Beadle County Extension Center for 27 years, until her retirement.  During the last 12 years of her employment there, she also worked nights and weekends at both McDonalds and Kmart.  Marjorie worked as a cashier at Kmart for 26 years, before fully retiring and moving to Sioux Falls in September 2015.

Marjorie enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 States and 10 foreign countries with family and friends.

Marjorie was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Huron.  Marjorie enjoyed serving with the United Methodist Women and visiting shut-in church members with the Sunshine Squad.  Marjorie’s faith in Jesus inspired many, and it fueled her desire to serve others.

Marjorie was also an active member of the Mizpah Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, serving as nearly every officer and star point. She was Worthy Matron in 2004.  Marjorie also served as Grand Officer and Grand Ruth with the South Dakota Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.  She was also honored to serve as Grand Representative to the Missouri Chapter in 2006.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her children, Bonita Blumenauer, St. Paul, MN, and Ken (Jacki) Blumenauer, Sioux Falls; four grandchildren, Ryan, Dylan, Megan, and Andrea; five great-grandchildren, Ava, Marcus, Zayden, Riley, and Brinley; one brother, Tom (Rose) West, Cottage Grove, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, George in 1996; an infant daughter, Colleen; her parents; and siblings, Robert, Lloyd, Beverly, and Victor.

September 23, 1965 ~ March 30, 2023

Jeffrey D. Harder, 57, Sioux Falls, died Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the Sioux Falls, VA Hospital. 

While no services are planned per his wishes, a Committal Service with Military Honors is being planned at the SD State Veteran’s Cemetery, at a later date.  Please check back for updates on the time and date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jeff’s memory, to the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Jeffrey Duane Harder was born on September 23, 1965, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the sixth of seven children to Ellsworth D. and Elizabeth (Matthews) Harder. As a teenager, he joined his mother in Minneapolis and graduated from Southwest High School in 1984. He then enlisted in the United States Navy to follow in his Uncle Paul’s footsteps. He served as a Communication Watch Officer on a frigate in the Pacific Fleet. His service brought him to such places as San Diego, Australia, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Upon being honorably discharged in 1993, he lived in San Francisco for several years before moving back to his family in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Throughout his life, Jeff faced adversity, specifically navigating health-related concerns in the last thirty years. He proved resilient, evading death on a number of occasions. Most recently, he fought a valiant battle against pancreatic cancer, but ultimately succumbed to its hold in the early hours of March 30, 2023, at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Jeff is survived by his siblings, Cathleen (Dwight) Bollinger, Jean (Tom) Bormes, Michael (Linda) Harder, Gail (Jim Lundberg) Spartz, Patrick (Sally) Harder, and Cara (Brent Johnson) Harder; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents.

Jeff’s favorite band, the Go-Go’s, sang, “I wanna be worlds away, apart from the day-to-day. I know I’ll be okay when I get worlds away.” Jeff is now “not quite sleeping but still dreaming,” and memories of him – that cute little red-headed boy – will live on.

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

July 17, 1933 ~ March 29, 2023

Evan Brown, 89, Sioux Falls, SD, went on to Glory on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Good Samaritan Center, in Sioux Falls.

   A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Evan’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Wounded Warriors Project in his honor. A livestream link will be provided to watch the service beginning at 10:30am on April 29^th.  Click the link to watch live https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvElzD5LxPUAj1RI58fngDr1pYTBRkvEl.

    Evan Stanley Brown was born July 17, 1933, in Decatur, IN, to Rev. Arthur and Althea (Stratton) Brown. He grew up in Elgin, IL. He was known to his family and friends as “Bookie.” It was a name given to him as a young man. Evan enjoyed sports in high school; excelling in football. After graduation, he attended Biola College in California. Evan then served in the Navy and Marines in the Korean War.

   On September 20, 1958, Evan married Sally Posson. Two children were born of this marriage; Daniel Evan, and Scott Douglas. The family expanded with six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 

   Evan owned a barber shop in Elgin, IL. He later decided to try farming in Northville, South Dakota. Evan also enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and outdoor life.

   Evan is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sally; two sons, Daniel (Karla) Brown, Sioux Falls, and Scott (Pam) Brown, Harrisburg; six grandchildren, Sarah (Kevin) Varilek, Harrisburg, Ryan (Jamie) Brown, Sioux Falls, Eric (Maria) Brown, Harrisburg, Marshall (Giezelle) Brown, Pierre, Kallie (Joe) Kroeger, Mankato, MN, and Hazen Brown, Sioux Falls; nine great-grandchildren, Claire and Adam Varilek, Evan, Nora, and Micah Brown, June and Gretta Brown, and Evelyn and Camille Kroeger; and one brother, Rev Arthur Brown, Western Springs, IL; and niece and nephew, Becky (Dan) Misslitz, Aberdeen, SD, and Gary Gould, Chaska, MN.

   Evan was preceded in death by an infant son; parents, Rev. Arthur and Althea Brown; brother, Palmer Brown; sister, Alice (Bud) Schaefer; and sister-in-law, Susan Brown.

December 23, 1953 ~ March 21, 2023

Rolyn Ludens, 69, Davis, SD, passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, after a brief battle with liver cancer.

A small Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 10:00am, at Bethel Reformed Church (45957 281st St., Davis SD, 57021). All are welcome to attend and share their memories and stories about Rolyn. In lieu of flowers, his family encourages you to donate financially to Ava’s House, 1320 W 17th St Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (checks can be made out to Ava’s House) where he received loving and thoughtful care in his final days.

Rolyn John Ludens was born December 23, 1953, to John and Ronelle (Poppinga) Ludens, the eldest of four children (Charlotte Lounsbery, Deb Jorgensen, and Lynden). He first attended country school and later enrolled in Centerville Public School. Rolyn loved his cows and showed them during 4-H events. While in high school, he played football and participated in track; shot put, discus, and relays (not his favorite part).

After graduating high school in 1972, Rolyn enrolled in Mitchell Area Vocational Technical School and completed the Agricultural Marketing and Management course. He then returned to the family farm near Davis, where he worked for the next 20+ years. While farming, he also worked part-time as a police officer for Hurley, SD. After moving away from the farm, he owned a landscaping business, helped develop Somerset, SD, worked security for Rapid City Regional and Keystone Treatment Center, and worked as a pumper in the oil fields in Gillette, WY.

In 1984, he began dating the mother of his children, Cathy (Larsen) Thomas. Rolyn and Cathy grew up only about a mile apart, but went to different high schools; never spending much time together. Rolyn instantly became a loving stepfather to her two children, Nicholas Larson (Rogers, MN) and Leslie (Larson) Huber (Irene, SD). A few years after getting married, Rolyn and Cathy welcomed their first daughter together, Katie (Ludens) Moser (Aurora, CO), and a few years after her birth, they welcomed their second daughter, Hannah (Chicago, IL). 

Rolyn loved many things in life like sci-fi and western movies, classic cars, bird watching, classic rock, sweets, and card games; but very high on that list was hunting. He would hunt anything from badgers to black bears. Although most of his hunting was done in South Dakota, some of his more memorable trips were to Montana and Colorado. He enjoyed fishing and later in life “hunting” agates. 

June 10, 1940 ~ March 21, 2023

   Leona J. Veldkamp, Brandon, SD, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, while under hospice care at the Dow Rummel Village, of Sioux Falls., Lee went to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 82 years, 9 months, and 11 days.

   Funeral Services will begin at 3:00pm, Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Brandon Valley Baptist Church, with a time of fellowship following at the church.  Interment will be 10:30am, Monday, March 27, 2023, at the Hills of Rest Mausoleum, Sioux Falls. A livestream link to watch the service is https://www.youtube.com/@brandonvalleybaptistchurch9818/streams  Memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice or Union Gospel Mission in Sioux Falls.

   Leona June Hoff was born near Steen, MN, on June 10, 1940, to Gerrit and Willemina (Juffer) Hoff.  The youngest of five children, Lee was raised with her brother and three sisters on farms near Steen and Luverne, Minnesota.  Lee graduated from Beaver Creek High School in 1957.   It was at church, that she met Marvin Veldkamp.  On June 10, 1958, Lee’s 18^th birthday, Lee married Marv in Luverne, MN.  The couple lived near Luverne, where they had their first daughter, Lori.  Marv and Lee then moved to Baltic, SD, where their second daughter, Ladelle, was born.  In November of 1963, Marv and Lee moved to Garretson, SD, and resided there for six years before settling in Brandon, SD, in 1970.  In early 1971, they purchased a garbage route in Sioux Falls, SD.  In true teamwork fashion, Lee managed all the bookkeeping for Marv’s Sanitary Service while Marv was working the routes. 

   After the girls were grown, Marv and Lee enjoyed travelling to Gospel Concerts.  A highlight of their travels each year was attending the National Quartet Convention held in Louisville, KY, (and later moved to a location in Pigeon Forge, TN) each September where they would see many friends and spend the week listening to the music they enjoyed.

   Lee will be deeply missed by her husband of 64 years, Marv; her two children, Lori (Tom) Wilford, Brandon, SD, and Ladelle (Jim) Dwyer, Windermere, FL; grandchildren, Rebekah Larson, Orlando, FL, Gerrit (fiancé Melissa Brausch) Wilford, Chicago, IL, Micah (Peyton) Larson, Grace Wilford, Brandon, SD, (Halie) Larson; great-grandchildren, Avery, Orlando, FL, Noah, Elliot, and Hollis, Orlando, FL; two step-grandchildren, Brady Dwyer and Brock Dwyer, both of Orlando, FL; one sister, Alvina (Don) Christoffels, Luverne, MN; sisters-in-law, Caroline Veldkamp, Sioux Falls, SD, Frances Veldkamp, Luverne, MN, Hendrene Van Wyhe, Edgerton, MN, Grace (Lou) Charette, Sioux Falls, SD, Arlene (Norman) Haak, Oaks, ND; and one brother-in-law, Alvin (Shirley) Veldkamp, Sioux Falls, SD.

   Lee was preceded in death by her parents, Gerrit and Minnie Hoff; son-in-law, Scott Larson; grandson, Jared Larson; brother, Arthur Hoff; two sisters, Grace (Chris) Van Wyhe, and Geraldine (John) Gorter; mother-in-law, Angie Veldkamp; sisters-in-law; Alice (Al) Van Hill, and Clazina (Hank) Van Wyhe; brothers-in-law, Bert (Joyce) Veldkamp, Mike Veldkamp, Jim Veldkamp, and Arnie Veldkamp.

March 7, 1953 ~ March 14, 2023

Albert Ihnen, Jr., “Junior”, 70, Sioux Falls, passed away on March 14, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Albert was born on March 7, 1953, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, to Albert Ihnen, Sr., and Violet (Reiners) Ihnen. He graduated from Tea, SD, and then enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany where his first son Robbie was born. Throughout his life, he was a man of many skills; working as a maintenance man, electrician, machinist, welder, truck driver, and boom truck operator for his nephew, Scott Javers. Junior eventually retired and moved to Deltona, FL, to be closer to his sister and her husband, Connie and Duane Nelson. In the last year, a combination of health issues caused him to move back home to South Dakota to be closer to family.

Junior loved fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family during the holidays. He found so much joy in being an avid drag racer. He was proud of his ’66 Ford Fairlane, which his son, Brandon, now cherishes. He spent most of his free time having fun at Thunder Valley Dragway. He was a jokester and always knew how to make people laugh but mostly enjoyed every minute he could with his family.

Junior is survived by his wife, Keinwin “Kiney”; his children, Kari Ihnen, Tracy (Justin) Miller, and Brandon (fiancée Haley) Ihnen; his grandchildren, Drea Ihnen, Maddy Ihnen, Carson Ihnen, Avrie Ihnen, Ellison Miller, Jensen Miller, and Oliver Ihnen; his siblings, Allen (Sue) Ihnen, Alden Ihnen, and Connie (Duane) Nelson; brother-in-law, Gene Javers; sister-in-law, Deb Hines; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his son, Robbie; his parents; and his sisters, Pat and Jean; and brother-in-law, Denny.

February 17, 1987 ~ March 8, 2023

Eran McGraw, 36, Sioux Falls, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on March 8, 2023. 

Memorial Services will be held Friday, March 24, 2023, at 4:00 PM at Peace Lutheran Church (5509 W. 41^st Street, Sioux Falls, SD)

Eran Frank McGraw was born in Sioux Falls, SD, on February 17, 1987, to Elmer “Bud” and Sheryl (Houska) McGraw.  He attended Horace Mann Elementary, Patrick Henry Middle School, and Lincoln High. Eran grew up in Sioux Falls along with his two brothers.

Eran worked in a number of different fields from carpentry, construction, and recently at Chesterman Coca Cola.

Grateful for having shared in his short life are is mother, Sheryl; his brothers, Michael and Sean (Andrea); nephews, Daymian (Chelcie), Jordan, Jared, and Jackson; nieces, Ireland and Bella; and three grandnieces.

Eran was preceded in death by his father, Elmer; both paternal and maternal grandparents, and his dear friend, Welby Gliszinski.

September 9, 1958 ~ March 6, 2023

Alba Marina Diaz, 64, Sioux Falls, died on Monday, March 6, 2023, unexpectedly, at her home.

Visitation with family present will begin at 1pm, Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Brandon Cemetery. A live stream link to watch live is https://www.youtube.com/live/5ouAAmR6k94?feature=share The live video will start about 12:45pm.

Alba “Mama” was born in Guatemala on September 9, 1958. She was married to Baltazar Saravia, and was the mother of two boys, Wilfredo and Aaron. Alba was a hard-working super mom who always had the energy to cook up an amazing meal even after a full day of work. She was always putting others first. Thank you so much for loving so much Mama!

August 13, 1938 ~ March 3, 2023

Vaino “Bill” William Wesala, 84, passed away on March 3, 2023, at the Avantara Norton Nursing home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

   Bill will be returning to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where a service will be held with his family in the spring. In lieu of flowers, his family requests stories and pictures of him, which can be sent to his daughter at 105 E. 4^th Street, Egan SD 57024, or emailed to Wesalae@aol.com.

    Bill was born in St. Louis County, Minnesota, to Kalle and Aili Wesala, on August 13, 1938. He graduated from Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School in Aurora, MN. He went to Virginia Junior College, in Virginia, MN, and received his Associate of Science.  He enlisted in the Army in 1958 and served as an electronics technician until his discharge in 1961.  He then worked as an electrician, with experience with various motors and large mining equipment. He also supervised journeyman electricians, finally leaving Schuff Steel, Phoenix, AZ, in 2002, after a serious accident with a horse. 

   Bill married Shirley Ann Sanderson in August 1964, in Minneapolis, MN, and was married to her for over 55 years. He lived with his wife, in Aurora, MN, where their two daughters were born. They then moved to St. Louis, MS, and then to Tucson, AZ.  Bill also lived and worked in other places, such as Ajo, AZ, and Tyrone, NM, but let his family stay in Tucson so as not to interrupt his daughter’s schooling. He moved to Sioux Falls SD, in December 2019, after his wife passed away.

   Bill loved his family deeply and was the rock they all depended on.  He had a great sense of humor that you were always surprised by, as he was a typical Finnish man who spoke only when needed. He was an intelligent man who quietly supported his wife with all her various projects and activities. He read a lot, enjoying western and science fiction books.  Bill enjoyed woodworking, and whittling; he was a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism along with his wife. He did much more, but he never talked about himself, preferring to let his wife do the talking for him.

   Bill is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Wesala, and Katja Paule; one son, William Paule; and his granddaughter, Kirstyn Fink-Wesala. He will be missed by them and many other family members and friends.

   Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann “Vana” Sanderson; his parents, Kalle and Aili Wesala; one daughter, Tamara Susan Wesala; granddaughter, Tamara Mychelle Lupo; his sisters, Enid, Esther, Ellen, Hilja, and Ida; and his brothers, Arnie, Oscar, Oiva, and Kalle.