April 8, 1961 ~ December 5, 2021

Terry Lynn Clifford, 60, Sioux Falls, died Sunday, December 5, 2021, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Visitation with family will be 10am-2pm, Friday, December 10, 2021, at Heartland Funeral Home.

Terry Lynn Clifford was born on April 8, 1961, in South Dakota, to Eugene, Sr., and Rose Mary (Plenty Holes) Clifford.

Terry shared love for fast cars and rock and roll. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, grandpa, and friend to all of whom were blessed to have been a part of his earthly journey.

He will be loved and missed by all of his family and friends.

Terry is survived by his sister, Roslyn (Lema) Clifford; three brothers, Eugene Clifford, Jr., Werdell Clifford, Sr., and Marvin Clifford, Sr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Clifford, Sr., and Rose Mary (Plenty Holes) Clifford; four brothers, Melvin Clifford, Sr., Johnnie Clifford, Calvin Clifford, and Charles Clifford; and sister, Louann Clifford.

November 8, 1966 ~ December 1, 2021

Steven T. Torpy III, 55, Sioux Falls, passed away December 1, 2021, at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, following an illness. 

A private memorial will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to The Banquet of Sioux Falls, 900 E 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103. 

Steven Todd Torpy III was born November 8, 1966, in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Steven and Janice Torpy. 

Steven liked to work on cars and he spent the majority of his professional career as a crane operator until most recently, owning a tire business in Sioux Falls. 

Steven Todd Torpy III is survived by five daughters: Shera (Lance) Joramo, and children, Kiera, Kinley, and Kambree, of Bismarck, ND; Teasha Torpy (Thomas Baxter), and children, Preston and Christian, of Sioux Falls, SD; Teah Torpy, and children, Talon, Westin, and Reese, of Winner, SD; Tennae (Brad) Feyerisen, of Gregory, SD; Marissa Moulton, of Bozeman, MT; two sisters, Brenda (Mike) Walenta, of Painted Post, NY, and Sandy (William) Conrad, of Sayre, PA; and many nieces and nephews. 

Steven was preceded in death by his father, Steven Torpy II; his mother, Janice Torpy Gleason; his stepmother, Betty Torpy; and stepbrother, Christopher Harding. 

October 7, 1974 ~ November 26, 2021

Brandy R. Kusiek, 47, of Brandon, died Friday, November 26, 2021, at the Helping Hands Assisted Living, after many health issues.

Visitation with family will be 1-3pm, Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Heartland Funeral Home, with Services beginning at 2pm. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Brandy Renee Kusiek was born on October 7, 1974, in Rapid City, SD, to Marv and Becky Kusiek. She received her GED in 1993. Brandy spent the last 20 years living in Sioux Falls with her family. She was very passionate while working at Ward Assistant Living and building relationships with the residents.

Brandy loved to spend time with her family and friends whether it was a vacation or during the holidays. She was always involved in school activities and sports with her children. She enjoyed baking, crafting, hiking, reading, and watching; Lifetime, The Pittsburgh Steelers and Investigation Discovery. While doing any task at hand she was jamming out to Alanis Morissette, Aerosmith, Faith Hill or ABBA. Brandy will be remembered by her contagious laugh and smile that could brighten any room.

Brandy is survived by her sons, Jordan Kusiek, Jayden (Madison) Kusiek-Wolf; and daughter, Nicolette Kusiek-Wolf; granddaughters, Paisley and Phoenix; fiance, Matt Wolf; sister, Kristina Kusiek, and brothers, Brian Kusiek and Ryan (Ashley) Kusiek; and her father; Marv (Lisa) Kusiek.

Brandy was preceded in death by her mother, Becky Kusiek; and sister, Darci Kusiek Griffith.

February 20, 1923 ~ November 22, 2021

Gladys Marie (Albright) Baum, 98, Huron, SD, formerly Brandon, SD, died peacefully at her daughter’s home, Monday, November 22, 2021.

Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial Services will be held at a later date in Wenatchee, Washington. Please check back for updates.

Gladys Marie Albright was born in Degrey, SD, on February 20, 1923, to Jesse and Harriet (Jones) Albright. The family moved to Huron, where she graduated from Huron High School in 1939.  As a student, Gladys worked for Dr. Wollmann, DDS, as his dental assistant. She worked for him until his retirement and her move to Wenatchee, WA.

Gladys was married to Leonard C. Baum. Together, they raised three children; Linda, Leland, and Janette. Gladys was young at heart, living life, and had a wonderful smile. Making her home in Wenatchee, WA, she continued working until retirement as a dental assistant, maintaining her home, traveling with family and friends, and was an avid bingo player.

Gladys moved to Brandon, SD, in 2013, to live with her daughter, and later, they moved to Huron in 2021. She enjoyed being with family, car rides, her game shows, and a 5 o’clock drink. She made many trips to Branson, MO, and always got her picture taken with the celebrities there.

Gladys is survived by her children, Linda McCoy, Huron, SD, and Janette Cooper. Wenatchee, WA; seven grandkids; two step-grandkids; eleven great-grandkids; and four step-grandkids; and eleven great-great-grandkids.

Gladys will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Gladys was proceeded in death by her parents, Jesse and Harriet (Jones) Albright; husband, Leonard; son, Leland; three sons-in-law; and one great-grandson.

August 23, 1975 ~ November 19, 2021

Chad J. Meinert, 46, Brandon, SD, died Friday, November 19, 2021, at the Sanford USD Medical Center, in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by family and clergy. His sense of humor and love for the Lord, and his family, was witnessed until his last breath was taken. 

Visitation, with family present, will begin at 10:30am, Saturday, November 27, 2021, at New Oak Christian Church, (308 W. 37^th St) Sioux Falls, with Memorial Services beginning at 1:00pm.  A reception is scheduled for Saturday, after the service, at Fernson Brewery (1400 E. Robur Dr.) Sioux Falls, SD, from 3-5pm.

Chad James Meinert was born on August 23, 1975, to James and Rebecca Meinert of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.  Chad grew up on the family farm with his parents and his brother Ryan.  They enjoyed many road trips together including a trip to the World’s Fair in New Orleans. Through school, Chad was a member of many clubs and was in a couple of theatre plays.  Chad loved to sing and show his acting talents. The world was his stage, even in High School.   Chad worked in a grocery store in Sleepy Eye and then worked for Kraft Foods in New Ulm for many years.  Upon graduation, Chad enrolled in college at Southwest State University in Marshall, MN.  His major was Communication Studies- Radio / TV. 

It was while in college, Chad met Jen Ackerman.  While their connection was not instant…it didn’t take long for the two of them to fall in love.  They dated for 2.5 years and then Chad asked her to be his bride.  Chad and Jen were married in June of 1999.  They welcomed their son, Hunter, in September 2001.  Chad, Jen, and Hunter have built their home and their lives in Brandon SD for the past 20 years. 

Chad was employed with Citibank.  He loved to help people.  He strived for excellence and great customer service with every interaction he had.  He built many strong relationships and friendships with coworkers and teammates.  He loved working at home and enjoyed his early morning schedule.  He was dedicated, committed, and truly loved what he did. 

Outside of work, Chad enjoyed life to the fullest.  Chad enjoyed many nights talking about and drinking his favorite Schell’s beer.  He made it a goal to taste many different craft beers from all over the nation.  He went on brewery tours on every family vacation we took and enjoyed comparing them to others. Chad loved cooking, smoking meats, and canning spicy asparagus.  He enjoyed every aspect of cooking.  He decided to turn his love for cooking into a part-time career and became a Pampered Chef Consultant.

Chad also developed a love for bowling as Hunter was on the BV High School Bowling Team.  Chad loved the sport so much that he became one of the coaches for the team and has continued with coaching even after Hunter’s graduation. 

Being a husband and father was a priority for Chad.  He loved to watch movies, play card games, and spend time with Jen and Hunter at every opportunity.  Chad was the driver on many family road trips.  Trips included Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Vegas, and Montana.  Our last family trip was so special as Jim (Chad’s dad) was able to come with us for the week.  Chad commented that this was his favorite trip of all time because he was able to be with his dad.  Chad and Jen renewed their vows on a trip to Antigua in 2019.  This was a trip of a lifetime and helped Chad and Jen to dream of retiring on a beach while operating a beach-front smoked meats stand. 

Chad was a truly incredible man.  He was compassionate, genuine, and put other’s needs in front of his own.  He was a strong, kind, friend who loved his family/friends deeply.  He had a sense of humor and a smile that would brighten everyone’s day.  He was a fun-loving, easy-going, and loveable man. 

Chad will be deeply missed by his wife of 22 years, Jen; son, Hunter, Brandon; his father, James Meinert, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota; one brother, Ryan (Barb) Meinert, Victoria, MN; nieces and nephews, Ethan, Victoria, Caden, and Bella; mother and father-in-law, Steve and Becky Ackerman, Brandon, SD; sister-in-law, Jolene (Adam) Weber, Sioux Falls, SD; aunts, uncles, cousins; and many dear family friends. 

Chad is preceded in death by his mother, Rebecca Meinert; one nephew, Tate; his maternal grandparents, Darlene and Bert Schapekakm, and his paternal grandparents, Violet and Delbert Meinert.

June 19, 1933 ~ November 17, 2021

Dr. Courtney W. Anderson, 88, Sioux Falls, died Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family.

Visitation, with family present, will begin at 4:30pm, Monday, November 22, 2021, at Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, (112 E. Annabelle St.) Brandon, SD.  Memorial Services will begin at 6:00pm.  A private burial is planned at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery, Valley Springs, SD.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, in Courtney’s honor.

Courtney William Anderson was born on June 19, 1933, to Arthur and Eunice Anderson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Courtney grew up and graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls. He graduated from the University of South Dakota and he attended USD School of Medicine. In 1956, he married Myrna Ardis Olson, Omaha, Nebraska, and they moved to Chicago, Illinois to attend Northwestern University Medical School. While at Northwestern, he was awarded a Fellowship at Oxford University. After returning from England, he graduated from Northwestern with a Doctorate in Medicine and they moved to Canton, South Dakota where he was in private practice as a Family Physician.

   In 1963, the family moved to Sioux Falls and Courtney joined a Family Practice Group: Kittleson, Frost, and Anderson. Several years later, he began his own private practice and also served 20 years in the South Dakota Air National Guard.

   While living in Sioux Falls, he and his wife Myrna kept very busy. They opened five bookstores in South Dakota, for the sole purpose of reading for free. His entrepreneurial desires led to building projects, rental property, developments, and many small businesses.

   In 1975, he decided to make a career move and went Active Duty in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base as the Medical Liaison for the Vice President and accompanied many congressional delegations around the world. His next assignment was Hospital Administrator at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama and he concluded his Active-Duty assignment at Warner Robbins AFB in Warner Robbins, Georgia. He returned to Sioux Falls in 1981 and served in the Air Force Reserve at SAC Headquarters at Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1986, he retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Brigadier General with many awards and commendations.

   After retiring from the Air Force Reserve, he became an Associate Dean of the USD School of Medicine in Sioux Falls. He also opened a practice in Aviation Medicine.

   Over the years, Courtney had the opportunity to travel to all parts of the world during his military career and also for pleasure. His sense of humor and creative imagination was always at the ready and made for a healthy dose of laughter at home and at work. For 25 years, he and Myrna would spend several months every year in Sun City, Arizona. Courtney was an avid storyteller and endless encourager. For all of the places he traveled, people he met, or experiences he had, the family was his treasured possession. He was a perpetual optimist and was immediately on board with any undertaking a family member would be pursuing, with the indomitable “you can do it” spirit. Upon hearing what everyone was up to, he would immediately begin promoting it, sometimes embellishing the facts, just a little, out of a deep sense of love and pride for each one.

Courtney was well-grounded in his faith. From an early age, he knew and loved Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. As he grew older, he spent more and more time studying the Word. His faith deepened even as life presented him with the most painful journeys.

   Courtney will be deeply missed by his children, Alison (Scott) Ecklund, Ardie (Steve) Halvorsen, Court (Kathy) Anderson, and Andrea Anderson; 10 grandchildren, Ashleigh (Jeremy) Roemen, Erika (Mike) Boen, Scott (Kelli) Ecklund, Courtney (Sarah) Ecklund, Brittany (Joey) Latsha, Brooke (Kyle) Cosand, Kate Anderson, Anna Anderson, Tommy Anderson, and Court Anderson; and 16 great-grandchildren, Brekken, Seyler, Della, Izzy, Monroe, Scotlund, Ridley, Quinn, Benaiah, Collins, Jordy, Zachary, Charlie, Easton, Callie, and Chase; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Karen Gensler, and seven nieces and nephews as well as many other loving family members.

   Courtney was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Eunice; his wife, Myrna; his sister, Catherine; his son, Clay; and his grandson, Alex.

March 16, 1941 ~ October 25, 2021

Linda Turner, 80, Sioux Falls, died Monday, October 25, 2021, at the Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls.

Memorial Services will be 11:00AM, Monday, November 1, 2021, at First Evangelical Free Church (2601 W 69th St.) in Sioux Falls, with a Visitation beginning at 10AM.  Inurnment will follow at the SD State Veteran’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls.  Live Stream link is https://youtu.be/1NPArDIRfPA

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local CMA chapter, Empire Riders c/o Donna Swank, 910 S 4th Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, 57104

Linda Ruth Swartz was born on March 16, 1941, to Glen and Ruth Swartz in Fairbury, NE in her grandmother’s home.  At the age of 13, Linda and her family moved to Lincoln, NE where she graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1958.  On February 4, 1961, Linda married the love of her life, Jord Turner. After their union, Linda and Jord moved to Sioux Falls, SD.

Linda had a willing heart to try anything. One year she took up archery and became the women’s state champion. Linda joined the Air National Guard from June 1979- April 1987. She became a traditional guardsman while raising her four children. Linda worked as a parachute rigger that packed parachutes for the Air National Guard. Then from 1987-2000, Linda worked for Ravens in different divisions, applying her various sewing and manufacturing skills. After retiring, Linda and her husband moved to Wellton, AZ, where they spent time enjoying their remaining years together.

Linda pursued Jesus. In addition, although she spoke fewer words, the words she did speak were often filled with immeasurable wisdom. She had a deep desire for every single one of her kids, friends, and strangers to not only hear and know but ultimately experience God’s love and truth. For over 25 years, Linda and her husband would travel on their motorcycles around the country with their Christian Motorcyclists Association friends to share the gospel. Linda had done many different ministries over the years.

Linda’s kids and grandkids would tell you she had lavished the kids on camping trips or vacations and made every family event as unforgettable as the last one.  At all of the holidays, Linda had a passion and gift for cooking, baking pies, and decorating for the family and church family to enjoy. Over those same years, Linda had taken care of more than 40 foster children along with her own children. Linda’s family and friends will remember her as one who lived generously and graciously to many.

Linda is lovingly remembered by her children, Jord (Gwendolyn) Turner Jr., Hutchinson, MN, Robert Turner, Custer, SD, Kathy Turner-Flanagan, Sioux Falls, SD, and Jay Turner, Sioux Falls, SD, Tori (Craig) Wittrock, Hartford SD, Jason Smith, Sioux Falls, SD, Nichole(Chad) DeVries, Sioux Falls, SD, and Cindy (Chad) Egeberg, Brookings, SD; Linda was blessed with 26 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; sister, Gwenth Swartz, Lincoln, NE; brother, Daniel (Caroline) Swartz, Green Valley, AZ; and Special friends, Joann Baker, Stan and Dee Hayes, Ron Dykstra, Sioux Falls, SD, and several other special friends and family members. 

October 21, 1960 ~ October 25, 2021

Carol Ann Schol, 61, Sioux Falls, died Monday, October 25, 2021, at the Centennial Cottage in Sioux Falls, after a short battle with Cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Shenanigan’s Pub in Sioux Falls, from 6~8pm.

Carol Ann Wittrock was born on October 21, 1960, to Donald and Bertha (Mock) Wittrock, in Beresford, SD, where she also grew up and attended school. She married Brian Schol in 1981, in Sioux Falls, and to this union, three children were born. She began working at Carlisle Plastics in 1979 and worked there right up to the present time.

Carol loved to watch her children and grandchildren play sports, shopping with her daughters, and going out to eat. Spending time with her family was the most important thing to her. 

Carol will be deeply missed by her three daughters, Brooke (Kelly Banghart) Kroeger, Sioux Falls, Samantha Allen, Sioux Falls and Shanna (Kevin) Marlow, Tea; seven grandchildren, Dade, Holden, Audryna, Jaylynn, Aysia, Jersey and Lexie; two brothers, Bill (Maryann) Wittrock, Sioux Falls, and Bob Wittrock, Nunda, SD; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Maddox; and her brother, John Wittrock.

October 23, 1930 ~ October 19, 2021

Mary Lou Paulson, 90, George Iowa, was called to her Heavenly Home, to be with her Lord and Savior, on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.

Funeral plans include a time of visitation with the family present on Friday, October 22, 2021,

at 10:00 am with a service celebrating Mary Lou’s life to follow at 11:00 am, held at the

Tabernacle Baptist Church, 206 East Indiana Avenue, George, IA. tbc@mtcnet.net Livestreaming link.

Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.

Mary Lou Synhorst was born October 23, 1930, to Gerrit and Bertha (Buesen) Synhorst, of rural Larchwood, Iowa. Their home was on a farm near the small town of Granite, IA. Later, they moved nearby to the “home place” overlooking the Sioux River on the Iowa, South Dakota border where Mary Lou spent most of her growing up years. She attended country school, and two years of high school in Larchwood before graduating from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, and later from the Christian Workers Institute, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Mary Lou married Leland Paulson of Sioux Falls, on July 27, 1953, celebrating their 68^th wedding anniversary this year.

Mary Lou was a versatile musician playing the piano or organ in churches and related gatherings wherever they served. She devoted herself to the Word of God, and prayer for the work of God, and especially for her children and grandchildren.

Mary Lou entered the Good Samaritan Home, in George, on May 28, 2019, a move arranged by her home health care nurse. Mary Lou had been talking about going to the home for some time, possibly thinking more of Leland, than of herself. After she became unable to walk without falling, they agreed that it was time. Leland admired the positive way and courage with which she accepted the change.

Mary Lou will be deeply missed by her husband, Leland; three children, Orlan (Rosa) Paulson, Haltom City, TX, LeAnn Riveness, Mt. Prospect, IL, and John Paulson, Superior, WI; brother-in-law, Larry (Judy) Paulson, Edgerton, MN; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many dear friends.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Gerrit and Bertha Synhorst; one brother and sister-in-law, Gordon and Elaine Synhorst; two aunts, Em Iverson and Nora Kvale; along with other extended family members.