July 24, 1984 ~ December 21, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 7, 1981 ~ January 10, 2023

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

No services are planned at this time.

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

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

October 16, 1948 ~ December 27, 2022

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

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Pine Lawn Memorial Park, Rapid City.  A gathering to remember Patrick will take place at Canyon Lake Park Shelter #2, from 1:00~3:00 PM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 28, 1953 ~ January 4, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

November 8, 1955 ~ January 1, 2023

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

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

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

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

September 18, 1947 ~ January 3, 2023

Donna E. Sjaarda, 75, of Hills, MN, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills, MN.

Funeral Services will be 10:30am, Monday, January 9, 2023, at the First Christian Reformed Church, Sioux Falls, with visitation at 9:30am. Interment will follow at the United Reformed Cemetery, Hills, MN. A link to view a live stream of the service is https://firstchristianreformed.org/worship/watch-live

Donna Elaine Sjaarda was born September 18, 1947, to Clarence and Mina (Klein) Sjaarda. She entered school at the age of 4 at the Minnesota School for the Deaf in Fairbault, MN, until the fifth grade. She then transferred to South Dakota School for the Deaf in Sioux Falls, SD, from which she graduated in 1967. Donna attended vocational school in Sioux Falls, graduating in 1969. She worked at Shipley’s Laundry for 45 years before retiring.

Donna was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls. Donna was active in the Deaf Club and served as treasurer for several years. She resided at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills, MN, for years where she enjoyed activities like Bingo, Bible study, playing Wi, and thoroughly enjoying the pet visits and trolly rides around town.

Donna is survived by her four siblings, Joan (Bob) Van Engen, Valley Springs, Wanda (Jim) Jansma, Carlsbad, CA, John (Marlys) Sjaarda, Valley Springs, and Norman (Donna Jean) Sjaarda, Hills, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Wilhelmina “Mina”; maternal grandparents, John and Ida Klein, Sioux Center, IA; paternal grandparents, Nicholas and Dirkje Sjaarda, Carnes, IA; and one nephew, Michael Van Engen.

June 3, 1945 ~ December 24, 2022

Ted D. Reynolds, 77, Brandon, originally of Lake Michigan, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 24, 2022, at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center.

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

Theodore (Ted) Dale Reynolds was born June 3, 1945, to Estel and Onnalee Reynolds. Ted recently moved to South Dakota with his long-time girlfriend, Barb, but he spent the majority of his life in Lake Michigan. Ted proudly served his country with the United States Army during Vietnam. Afterward, he spent much of his time working on homes across this community. Ted enjoyed watching Tigers baseball and spending time with his family. Ted was an amazing father, Papa, brother, and friend to all who knew him.

He will be missed deeply by his two children, Orin Reynolds, and Jessica Lange; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Ruth Lint, Beth Reynolds, Denise Fletcher, and Edith Roseburgh.

Ted was preceded in death by his son, Tony Saul; parents, Onnalee Reynolds and Estel Reynolds. 

March 31, 1952 ~ December 26, 2022

Joan A. Murphy, 70, Brandon, died Monday, December 26, 2022, at her home, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Visitation with family present will be 5 -7 pm, Thursday, December 29, 2022, at the Brandon Baptist Church.  Funeral Services will be 1pm, Friday, December 30, also at Brandon Baptist Church.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls. In order to view live, go to YouTube and type in “Brandon Valley Baptist Church” and click to view live. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following in Joan’s honor.

• Warrior 180 Foundation https://warrior180.org
• Alpha Center https://alphacenter.org
• Life 96.5 https://life965.com/donate/
• Building Guate https://www.buildinguate.org
• For the Children Sioux Empire https://www.forthechildrensiouxempire.org
• AWANA https://www.awana.org/donate/

Joan Allon Kerslake was born in Sioux Falls on March 31, 1952, to John and Vivenne (Munson) Kerslake. She grew up in Sioux Falls where she was involved in Central Baptist Church and attended Mark Twain and Patrick Henry public schools, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1970. She also attended and graduated from Augustana College, where she was involved in the athletic department. She began her career as a Physical Education and Health teacher at Axtell Park, and also worked at the YMCA, was an athletic trainer, and was a racquetball pro at Woodlake Racquet Club. She then moved on to the Sioux Falls Gymnastics Club where she was head coach and business manager.

Joan married Dan Murphy in 1980. She worked as a head gymnastics coach at Brandon Valley High School and raised her son, Matthew, retiring from coaching in 1994. She enjoyed racquetball, swimming, travel, reading, biking, going out with friends, working with kids, and being part of various Bible studies. She loved Jesus, the church, her family, and her friends.

Joan loved to volunteer, especially with kids and in church, and touched many lives while involved with Girls Club, VBS, Sunday School, AWANA (serving as the Commander for many years at BV Baptist Church), and various church ministry teams. Joan was someone people found easy to talk to and a good listener. She put those skills to work as a Dawson McAllister Hopeline Counselor, Billy Graham Crusade Counselor, MOPS, and Teen MOPS Mentor, and she mentored several girls in the Brandon Valley School District over the years. She also worked as a Red Cross Health & Safety Instructor, chiropractic assistant, and tutoring several great kids. A few years ago, Joan welcomed Maddie, one of the girls she had been tutoring, into her home for several months. Joan also had a heart for those who were serving or had served in the military and enjoyed being involved with Warrior 180. She especially enjoyed handing out stars and listening to the stories of the soldiers she met both locally and while traveling.

Joan had a deep Christian faith. She was deeply involved in church ministry. She was part of many Bible Studies, small groups, and prayer ministries.  Recently, she was thrilled to be a part of Central Church’s frontline prayer ministry on Saturday evenings. Many of her friends described her as the most significant prayer warrior they knew. Her deepest desire would be that each and every one of you would put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. After many years of fighting cancer, Joan was taken into the arms of her Heavenly Father, passing peacefully in her sleep on December 26, 2022.

Joan is survived by her son, Matthew Murphy; brother, Wayne Kerslake; sister-in-law, Patty Hollenbeck; nephews and nieces, Shawn (Mardee) Hollenbeck, Jay (Jody) Hollenbeck, and Christopher (Jessica) Kerslake, and Katie (Andy) Abernethy; grandnieces and grandnephews, Brandi (Ethan) McDowell, Jaydn (JD) Kirwan, Blaire Hollenbeck, Aluxyn Hollenbeck, Anna Abernethy, Elise Kerslake, Bethany Abernethy, Sammy Kerslake, and Ollie Abernethy.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Dan; her parents, John and Vivenne (Munson) Kerslake; grandparents, Ed and Jenny Munson, and William and Rose Parent; sister-in-law, Gayle Kerslake; and nephew, Andrew Kerslake.

July 7, 1923 ~ December 20, 2022

Myrtle G. Alsgaard, 99, originally Montrose, formerly Brandon, died Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Luther Manor in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral Services will be 11am, Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at the Montrose United Methodist Church, with visitation at 10am. Interment will follow at the Montrose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church. (If you still feel the need to send flowers, Bella Rosa Floral in Sioux Falls is the families contact. ~ 605-271-2637)

Myrtle Genevieve Johnson was born July 7, 1923, in Sioux Falls, SD, the daughter of James Henry and Lillie Patrina (Krogh) Johnson. She grew up and attended school in Humboldt, SD, and was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Humboldt.

Myrtle married Ernest Raymond Alsgaard on June 4, 1944. They made their home on a farm near Montrose. Myrtle was a long-time member of the Montrose United Methodist Church. She did a lot of volunteering by sewing school bags filled with school supplies and sending them overseas. She was the only one sewing the bags, she never kept count, but she made many, many of them. After the last of her 9 children graduated high school, she went to work at Jim Walter Window Components for 10 years. At that point, she was eligible for retirement but continued working, doing light housekeeping for elder friends and working at a daycare, and finally retiring at the age of 77 years.

Myrtle was a member of TOPS and she was proud of the fact that she was a KOPS for 25 years.  She met and enjoyed many friends through that group. She enjoyed reading, baking (she made many loaves of bread and cinnamon rolls), and gardening. She canned many jars of vegetables and fruits. Myrtle enjoyed sewing. She made many quilts for her family and for her church. Traveling – many times she went to Washington State to visit her cousin, Norma Parker, and to Westbrook, MN, to visit her cousin, Howard Nelson. At the age of 83, she traveled to Norway, to visit relatives with four of her children.

Myrtle is survived by her nine children, Martha McDonald, Ray (Nancy) Alsgaard, Diane Rollag, Don Alsgaard, John (Melissa) Alsgaard, Marlene (Jim) Gerber, Arlene Alsgaard, Robert Alsgaard, and Doris (Gary) Peters; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; plus, many nieces and nephews.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; her parents; sister, Dorothy Bocker; brother, Alfred Johnson; one son-in-law, three sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and one great-granddaughter.

July 13, 1953 ~ December 5, 2022

Tom F. Pierce, 69, Brandon, died Monday, December 5, 2022, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls after a gallant battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022, 5-7pm, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a short time of sharing at 7pm.

Tom Franklin Pierce was born July 13, 1953, in Indiana to Lovic and Virginia Pierce.

He met his wife, Carole, in 1984 and they trained to become licensed barbers at Moler Barber College in Sacramento, CA. They opened a barber shop/coffee shop/florist in Meadow Vista, CA in 1988. After 14 years in business, they closed the shop and moved to Brandon, SD in 2002 where Tom was employed at Allegiant Air in Sioux Falls.

During their time in Brandon, Tom also worked at the Brandon School District as a bus driver and janitor and the driver of the Sioux Falls Trolley.

Tom is survived by his wife, Carole; his sister, Ann (Bill) Lineberry, daughters, Kelly Conn, Christyanna (Corey) Arnold, and Andrea (John) Rogers. He enjoyed 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and a close relationship with Jesus Christ.