May 9, 1934 ~ August 21, 2022

Lolita “Lee” Larson, 88, Sioux Falls, passed away on August 21, 2022, after a brief illness, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

At Lolita’s request, there will be no memorial service or funeral. 

Lolita Ruth Johnson was born in Reading, MN, on May 9, 1934, to Henry and Dorothy (Timblin) Johnson. Lolita was the oldest of 3 children.  Her siblings were her brothers, Sheridan and Richard (Rick). The family moved to Sioux Falls when Lolita was a young girl.  She graduated from Washington High School.

Lolita was in bookkeeping for most of her working life.  Lolita enjoyed genealogy, keeping the photo albums current, crossword puzzles, and reading. After living in the Dallas, TX area for several years, she moved back to Sioux Falls in 1994, to be closer to her family.

Lee is survived by her sons Mark (Mishka) Larson, Eden Prairie, MN, and John Larson, McKinney, TX; grandchildren, Justin and Heather; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lolita is preceded in death by her parents and brothers. 

July 23, 1962 ~ July 10, 2022

Rae Ann Forst, 59, Brookings, SD, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022, in Sioux Falls, SD, at the Avera McKennan Hospital.

Rae’s ashes will be spread at Lover’s Point, in Monterey Bay, CA., at a later date.

Rae was an outgoing and free spirit with a strong love of 80’s fashion and Starbucks. When she wasn’t spoiling her granddaughter with toys, she was busy crafting and cooking, always willing to share her many talents with those around her. Rae’s infectious laugh made sure that any stranger she met wouldn’t remain a stranger for long.

Rae is survived by her son, Evan Forst; and her granddaughter, Layla Forst, of Lutz FL.

Rae was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Jo Wilson.  

December 24, 1947 ~ August 7, 2022

Larry E. Lowe, 74, Sioux Falls, passed away on August 7, 2022, from ongoing medical issues, at Sunset Manor in Irene, SD.

Larry Edward Lowe was born in Sioux Falls, SD on December 24, 1947, to Milo Edward Petersen Lowe and Eunice Marie DeVries. He grew up in Hartford, SD, with 4 brothers and 2 sisters. He graduated from Hartford High School in 1966.

On September 15, 1966, Larry joined the Air Force and was stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada, at Nellis Air Force Base, where he then ended up overseas in Vietnam. After four years, Larry was honorably discharged and returned to his hometown of Hartford at the rank of Sergeant E-4.

Larry was united in marriage to Linda Kay Sinning, on April 25, 1973, having two children, Jamie and Amber. During their marriage, he continued his education and received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration on May 15, 1980, through the National College of Business in Sioux Falls, SD. He worked many years at John Morrells, and he eventually left due to a shoulder injury.

Larry enjoyed racing; both dirt tracks and NASCAR. He spent most of his weekends at the race track or fishing with his family. He kept himself busy working on small engines and anything else to do in the garage. As he got older, it was more difficult to move around. Larry started putting together model cars, drawing, and building various things with popsicle sticks.

Larry enjoyed joking with others and making people laugh. He was always trying to find the lighter side of things. As he got older, Larry became more connected to faith. Spending time with his grandsons, “my boys” as he would call them, was his favorite pass time and the highlight of his day.

Larry is survived by his ex-wife, Linda, Sioux Falls; children, Jamie, Sioux Falls, and Amber Gillen, Dell Rapids; grandchildren, Stefan, Trevor, and Chase Gillen, Dell Rapids; mother, Eunice; four brothers, 2 sisters, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Larry is proceeded in death by his father, Milo.

February 14, 1971 ~ July 28, 2022

Darren D. Krumvieda, 51, Flandreau, died Thursday, July 28, 2022, from an unexpected health issue.

Visitation with family present will be 5-7pm, Friday, August 5, 2022, at Heartland Funeral Home, with Funeral Services Saturday, 10:30am, at the Flandreau United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow at the Flandreau Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made for his children’s future. A live stream of the visitation is accessible via this link: https://youtu.be/9uMCt2Ev9XU

Darren Daniel Krumvieda was born on February 14, 1971, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Wayne and Debbie (Webster) Krumvieda. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1989 and graduated college from Southeast Tech.

Darren was united in marriage to Ann Marie Thompson on March 12, 1994, and had two children, Shelby and Jordan. Ann Marie passed away in February of 2004. He later met and married Tonia Schoenfelder, on December 31, 2009, in Las Vegas, gaining three more children, Dillon, Connor, and Brooklyn, becoming a blended family of five children. Darren and Tonia also had two children together, Landon and Rylan.

Darren worked at Gateway from 1993-2008, Wells Fargo as a credit risk analyst for 12 years, and Avera IT as a systems analyst, as well as working in various roles at UPS part-time since 2013.

Darren was a NASCAR fan and an avid gun collector who enjoyed working on and restoring vehicles.  His children were the most important to him and he loved to spend time with his family on holidays and birthdays. He loved sitting around the fire and roasting s’mores, as well as bowling with his kids on Sundays. He participated in Iron Butt rides, multiple Blazin’ Wing Challenges at Buffalo Wild Wings, and was a loyal supporter and volunteer of Hot Harley Nights.

Darren will be deeply missed by his wife, Tonia; children, Shelby (Chris), Yankton, Jordan, Sioux Falls, Dillon, of Bruce, Connor (Alyeese), Brookings, Brooklyn (Gavin), Landon, and Rylan, Flandreau; granddaughter, Zora; parents, Wayne and Debbie Krumvieda, Brandon; brother and sister, Jason (Sasha), and Valerie (Andy) Eggebratten, Pierre; parents-in-law, Bob and Crystal Thompson, Flandreau; brother-in-law, Scott (Kirsten) Thompson, Flandreau; sister-in-law, Christine Flemming, Sioux Falls; parents-in-law, Dennis and Shirley Schoenfelder, Mitchell; sister-in-law, Darla Schoenfelder, Mitchell; nieces and nephews, Max, Miles, Marcus, Nick, Isaac, Emmy, Alyssa, Lily, Mason, Elle, Grace, Lyla, Keagen and Kenley; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Darren is preceded in death by his wife, Ann Marie, brother-in-law Rob Loe; nephew, Collin Thompson; cousin, Josh; and maternal aunt, Dawn Munns.

A live stream of the visitation is accessible via this link: https://youtu.be/9uMCt2Ev9XU

June 5 1961 ~ July 13, 2022

Marcus K. Perry, 61, Flandreau, died Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Memorial Services were held at 1pm, Friday, July 15, 2022, at the Flandreau First Presbyterian Church.

Marcus Keith Perry was born at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas on June 5, 1961. His parents were the late Marcus “Rocky” Perry of Houston, Texas and June Elizabeth (Ree) Perry of Wagner, South Dakota. Marcus started this career in the oil drilling rig industry alongside his father and older brothers at the age of 13. It was there that’s her gained his knowledge of hard work and commitment to excel in all his projects. Marcus also served as an altar boy at the Church of the Good Shepard in Houston from the age of 11 to 15.   Marcus married Belinda Jenkins in 1981 and to this union was born a daughter, Heather Renee in 1981 and two sons, Zachary Keith in 1985 and Nicholas Kyle in 1988. Marcus eventually moved his family to South Dakota and started working in the concrete business as a finisher and later started his own business remodeling and doing masonry work including work done on the Corn Palace in Mitchell.

Marcus also served as a foster parent to children in need of a home. Marcus enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his greatest joy was fishing. One of his proudest moments was when he had the opportunity to take this visiting father-in-law pheasant hunting. He also loved “road hunting” with his brother David. There are many memories of Marcus that each of his family members hold dear to their hearts. He always had a way of making us laugh and have a great time whenever he was around. To lose him so soon has been a tremendous loss to his entire family but especially to his children and grandchildren.  They will miss their Poppa Marcus greatly. Their sorrow and despair can only be comforted by the knowledge that he is now at peace with our lord and savior. We can now look back and remember Marcus with happiness and fond memories knowing heaven has truly gained an angel.

Having the great joy of sharing his life are his daughter, Heather of Summerset, SD, sons, Zachary and Nicholas of Rapid City, SD, his brothers Robert of Manhattan Beach, California, Gale of Flandreau, SD, Mark of Alvin, TX, David of Flandreau, SD, Tracy of Fargo, ND, sisters Elizabeth of Wagner, and Katherine of Albuquerque, NM, and several grandchildren; Morgan, Olivia, Christian, Madden, Aniah, Nash and Lawton; Braelynn & Ryah (from a foster child he cared for).

Marcus is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his father and mother, Marcus and June Perry; his brother, Kenneth; two grandsons, Kason Keith and Blaize Mason.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.

August 30, 1956 ~ July 6, 2022

John J. Jean, 65, Brookings, SD, passed away July 6, 2022, peacefully in his home in Brookings, SD, after a battle with cancer. 

John’s life will be celebrated with family on July 6, 2023, at Taft Pioneer Cemetery in Lincoln City, Oregon.

John Joseph Jean was born in Ukiah, California on August 30, 1956, to Raymond Adrien Jean and Mary Patricia Jean.  He was the eighth of eleven children.  He loved his four older brothers and tried to be one of the big brothers but would end up the test subject, like being put in a large tractor tire and rolled down the hill.  He had many fond memories of growing up on a small farm in Ukiah.  His family moved to Oregon when he was 10. He graduated from West Albany High School in 1975.  

John pursued his career in sales and risk management.  He worked with the state of Oregon insurance fund (SAIF) as a safety consultant for many years ending his career with AGC Oregon Chapter servicing all of Southern Oregon. He was a team player and loved by all members of his team.  He worked hard to go the extra mile and volunteer to set up and clean up whenever his company sponsored special events.  Because of declining health, he retired in June of 2021, earlier than he had planned.

John married the love of his life, Leslie Marie Mason in 1991.  They enjoyed the years of raising their combined family of three boys and three girls and had so many happy memories with their children.  John always loved children and while working hard to support a large family he always found time to play with the kids. The family was always his number one priority.  He was engaging and playful, coming up with games, stories, or songs to help all the children in the blended family feel included.  His children fondly remember the long bike rides, walks, hikes, exploring new places, including moving to new places, nighttime commando games, trips to the ocean, and playing games including their favorite, Dungeon and Dragons. Car rides on long trips were happily spent inventing new characters for their D & D game.

Leslie and John enjoyed their time as empty nesters playing with and babysitting many of their seventeen grandchildren.  John loved to hold new grandbabies and all the toddlers always preferred to sit on “Pepe’s” lap.  Whenever gathered at family reunions you would always find John playing with the little ones.

John was always the favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews and always kept everyone laughing with his keen sense of humor.  The family was always his priority, and he will always be remembered by his children and grandchildren for all the times he played with them.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Leslie; his children, Nicole (Victor) Navarrete, and Zachary (Rayanna) Jean; his stepchildren, David (Flory) Evans, Emily (Jae) Sheele, Alisa (Sunrise) Ocean, and Nathan (Aja) Evans; also, his siblings, Ray (Joy) Jean, Jim (Stacey) Jean, Ted (Amy) Jean, Patty (Scott) Adams, Mike (Anita) Jean, Julie (David) Davenport, and Ed (Lisa) Jean; and seventeen grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Pat Jean; a brother, Paul Jean; and two sisters, Mary Super, and Annette Hobbs.

July 6, 1961 ~ July 3, 2022

Darwin J. Odegard, 60, Sioux Falls, died Sunday, July 3, 2022, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, July 7, 2022.

Darwin John Odegard was born in Pierre, SD, July 6, 1961.  The family moved to Sioux Falls, in 1969 and called it their home.

Darwin graduated from Baltic High School in 1979. He spent many years doing siding application and enjoying his own crews. The last several years he did scrapping as his main source of business.

Darwin loved his Vikings (SKOL!), golfing, fishing, camping and purposely irritating people!

Darwin is survived by his son, John Darwin Odegard; his older sister, Dawn (Mike Madsen) O’Neal; two younger brothers, Douglas (Laurie) Odegard and David (Terry) Odegard; younger sister, Delila (Gene); oldest niece, Jolene (Travis); and many nieces and nephews.

Darwin was preceded in death by his father, John Odegard; and his mother, Arlowene Odegard.

October 27, 1955 ~ July 12, 2022

Stanley L. Padgett Jr, 66, Brandon, died Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Sunset Manor Nursing Home following a long battle with Dementia.

Visitation with family present will be 5-7pm, Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a Memorial service beginning at 7pm. A private burial will take place at Hills of Rest Cemetery.

Stanley Laurel Padgett Jr. was born October 27, 1955, in Sioux Falls, to Stanley Sr. and Ardis (Bakke) Padgett.  He grew up with one brother, Steven.  Stan attended Lincoln High School and in his later years attended the University of South Dakota for Psychology. Out of high school, he married Connie Eidy, and later Debra Walz.

Over the course of his life, Stan worked at several different jobs. He moved to Phoenix AZ and helped his dad in a glass installation business.  He worked at various locations of Sunshine Foods in and around the Sioux Falls area. He also enjoyed doing carpentry work with his brother, Steve. He assisted in the building of the Helping Hands Assisted Living in Brandon, where he later lived for a short time, during his battle with dementia. Stan worked in maintenance at Children’s Care Hospital and School for 13 years and there wasn’t a thing he couldn’t figure out how to fix.  He really enjoyed working around all the kids at the hospital and the kids absolutely loved him!

Stan loved baseball. He played baseball growing up and then softball as he got older. He enjoyed teaching his son all he knew about the game.  Stan also enjoyed gardening, riding his motorcycle, bowling on a league team, hunting, fishing, camping, and his and his kids’ dogs. Stan always enjoyed being able to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Stan will be deeply missed by his three children, Dawn Noel, Sioux Falls, Jake (Janet Oleson) Padgett, Sioux Falls, and Jessie (Matt) Finn, Brandon; twelve grandchildren, Caleb, Maddie, Jacob, Maranda, Thomas, Tanner, Morgan, Malinda, Madyson, Chris, Joseph, and Olivia; eight great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Julie (Joneson) Padgett; one niece and one nephew, Sheri (Duane Klay) Padgett, and Chad (Alisha) Padgett. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley L., Sr., and Ardis B. (Bakke) Padgett, and his brother, Steven Padgett.

A Livestream of the service will be available at https://youtu.be/GapkRSXMJ6E

November 12, 1946 ~ July 3, 2022

Pamela J, Kuchta, 75, Sioux Falls, died Sunday, July 3, 2022, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, surrounded by her family.

Visitation with family will be 5-7pm, Monday, July 11, 2022, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a Rosary Service at 7pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am, Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, Sioux Falls.  Interment will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Sioux Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to St. Katharine’s in her memory.

Pamela Jean Kirschenmann was born November 12, 1946, in Yankton, SD, to Vernon and Fern (Muckey) Kirschenmann. She was raised in and graduated from Yankton High School in 1964.  She then attended Nettleton Business School in Omaha, Nebraska. Pam returned to Yankton to work in the office of Bauer Electric. Eventually, she moved to Sioux Falls in 1971. On November 9, 1972, she married Terry L. Kuchta, in Sioux City, IA.  Terry worked in the flooring business while Pam started raising their seven children. The couple started their own business of Falls Tile in 1983, where Pam ran the office and the business. Terry did the installations. Together, they operated this business for 39 years.

Pamela adored her family very much.  She enjoyed family gatherings at home playing cards or games at the kitchen table with her family.  The celebration of the Fourth of July was her favorite holiday with everyone around her. Pam and Terry enjoyed hanging out with friends on the deck playing cards, and going out for dinner together with friends.  Many family vacations and family reunions will also be a great memory her family shared with her. Pam was a hugger. Whether it was a first-time meeting or a long-time friend, when you meet her, she hugged you.  When you left again, Pam needed to hug you. Pamela also got excited to hear Elvis Presley or the California Raisins!

Pamela will be deeply missed by her husband of almost 50 years, Terry; seven children, David (Rhonda) Kuchta, Hartford, Daniel (Lynette) Kuchta, Tea, Troy (Dawn) Kuchta, Sioux Falls, Taniea Kuchta, Sioux Falls, Terrence Kuchta, Sioux Falls, Travis (Abby) Kuchta, Sioux Falls, Kaila (Cory) Julson, Sioux Falls; eighteen grandchildren, Melissa (Brett) Gripentrog, Shayla (Jeevan Mueller) Kuchta, Lee Kuchta, Kirstin (Chad Kuca) Kuchta, Kaiden Kuchta, Kiana Kuchta, Kennedy Kuchta, Keagan Kuchta, Alexis (Taryn) Kohler, Alissa Hall, Terrence Kuchta Jr., Echo Kuchta, Marlie Kuchta, McKenzie Kuchta, Beckett Kuchta, Jayden Julson, Braxten Julson, Finnlee Julson; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Cheryl Hoffman; and one sister-in-law, Irene McDonald.

Pamela was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Fern Kirschenmann; grandson, Tazze Kuchta; sister, Linda (Curt) Christensen; and one brother, Barry Kirchenmann.

January 17, 1947 ~ June 30, 2022

JoAnne Lee Kruse, 75, Brookings, died on June 30, 2022, after a short illness, at the United Living Center, Brookings, SD.  

Memorial Services for JoAnne and Milan will be 2pm, Saturday, September 17, 2022, at First Lutheran Church, in Volga, SD.

A Livestream of the service is accessible by the following link: https://fb.watch/fFIANrIfMZ/

JoAnne was born to William E. and Alvina D. (Tieszen) Green on January 17, 1947, in Wyanet, IL, and was soon joined by her sisters Katherine (Kathie) and Barbara (Barbie).

Following the accidental death of her father at age 7, the family moved to Marion, SD, where Jo continued through the sixth grade. 

Her mother Alvina was married to Leonard Knutson in 1959, and the family moved to Volga, SD, where Jo Anne graduated from Sioux Valley HS in 1965 as an honor student.  She continued her education in a two-year Secretarial Science program at South Dakota State University.

For the next several years she made her home in Sioux Falls working a number of secretarial jobs.  Her favorite was working for KISD, a popular rock and roll radio station.

JoAnne met and married James Burns and had her daughter Danielle Marie.  When Jim left his family, Jo was a single mother and moved to Volga, SD, to be closer to family.

Jo met Milan James Kruse, the love of her life, and they married at First Lutheran, Volga, SD, on May 22, 1982.  The couple lived in Toronto, and Danielle graduated from Deubrook HS.  A few years later, Jo and Milan moved to Brookings, SD, where Jo continued as an employee at SDSU working in a number of departments, including the Student Union. Jo retired from the Horticulture Department, with her longtime friend and colleague, Lynda Peterson, after 36 years as an SDSU employee.  For a time following “retirement”, Jo enjoyed working part-time at Sonny’s Trends & Traditions in downtown Brookings.  She also enjoyed working the ticket booth at SDSU sporting events and working state and local elections.

Jo typically only met a person once before they became friends.  She loved dining out and attending jazz concerts with Milan, as well as hanging out weekly for pizza and beer with Milan’s bicycling group.  Because Jo loved shoes, clothing, and jewelry, she was always dressed impeccably for every occasion.

Jo is survived by her daughter, Danielle (Kruse) Karber and son-in-law, Brett Karber, Brandon, SD; grandsons, Nicholas (Jenna) Karber, Haw River, NC; Corey (Cara) Karber, Garretson, SD, Nathan (Danielle) Karber, Sioux Falls; her sisters, Katherine (Fred) Prahl, Lake Poinsett, and Barbara (Richard) Tarp, Sioux Falls; many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and her very best friend, Lynda (Lum) Peterson.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Milan; her parents, William Green, Alvina and Leonard Knutson; and niece, Erika (Prahl) Cromwell.

For more information, please go to kruse.notice@gmail.com for updates..