January 2, 1934 ~ March 28, 2013

Dolores J. (Battest) Ellis, 79, Sioux Falls, died Thursday, March 28, 2013, at the Bethany Home of Sioux Falls.

Memorial Services are set for 11:00AM, Friday, April 5, 2013, at the Thelen Funeral Chapel in Redfield, with inurnment following at the Frankfort Mt. Hope Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Frankfort Community Hall.

Dolores Joan Battest was born January 2, 1934 in Doland, SD to William and Louise (Meyer) Battest and was the youngest of ten children. She attended and graduated from the South Dakota School for the Deaf. It was there that she met Raymond C. Ellis. They were married in 1955 and had five children; David, Gordon, Sandy, Paula, and Bernie.

Dolores loved to play cards and Bingo. She made many friends and was very active through the SD Association for the Deaf. She enjoyed traveling and socializing with her friends.

Dolores is survived by her five children, David (Joan) Ellis, Sioux Falls, Gordon Ellis, Grandview, MO, Sandy (Bob) Piedmonte, Buckner, MO, Paula (Tom) Couch, Independence, MO, and Bernie Ellis, Blue Springs, MO; thirteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four brothers, Lloyd (Dee) Battest, Harold Battest, Richard (Alice) Battest, and Norman (Janice) Battest.

She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and sisters; Bernell, Robert, Ray, and Denise Battest, Betty Young and Don Carter.

January 7, 1939 ~ March 25, 2013

H. Gerald Bly, 74, Garretson, died Monday, March 25, 2013, at the Avera Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls.

Public visitation will be held Friday, March 29, 2013, from 4:30 to 6:30pm, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, with family present from 4:30 until 5:30pm. Funeral services will begin at 10:30am, Saturday, March 30, 2013, at Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, with Pastors Kirk Flaa and Bill Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow at Swedona Covenant Cemetery, rural Brandon.

H. Gerald Bly was born January 7, 1939, in Luverne, MN, to Helge and Edith (Harvey) Bly. Jerry was the youngest of five boys and grew up on the family farm near Garretson and graduated from Garretson High School in 1957 where he and his brother Marvin, proudly played football for the Blue Dragons. He then attended and graduated from SDSU in 1962 with a degree in Animal Science. He soon took a position with the USDA as a loan officer in the Farm/Home Administration. He also met the love of his life, Bonnie Wehde, whom he married October 24, 1964. Jerry’s position took them all around South Dakota for the next thirty years. In 1981, the family moved back to Garretson, to his grandparents’ farm that he purchased and began farming. In 1994, upon the adoption of computers in the work place, Jerry retired from the Farmer’s Home Administration.

Jerry was known by most as a hard working man. Bonnie described him more as an extremely honest man but in a quiet way! His passion was animals and raising livestock; mostly calves and sheep. Chores and hard work such as pulling weeds came first; then the fun. Some of the fondest memories of his children were the camping and family trips around South Dakota and across the US. They went to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Washington, DC, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks; all in their camper. He also liked being outdoors to hunt pheasants and deer as well as fish. Not on the “River” but rather in Splitrock Creek or someone’s dugout. Nothing special. Just spending time outside with his family. Jerry also loved to spend time with his grandkids, especially coloring.

Jerry was devoted to his Lord and Savior. In 1992, he and Bonnie became members of Abiding Savior Free Lutheran church where he served on the Building Committee, Trustee Committee and as an usher. He was also involved in many Bible studies and small groups.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Bonnie, Garretson; two children, Anthony (Karla) Bly, Garretson and Kristi (Tim) Toennies, Cresbard; and four grandchildren, Hannah & Myra Toennies and Matthew & Katie Bly; and two brothers, Vernon (Arlene) Bly, NC, and Roger (Evelyn) Bly, Centerville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helge and Edith; two brothers and their wives, Maurice (Joyce) Bly and Marvin (Delores) Bly; and one more sister-in-law, Edwarda Bly.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

June 22, 1932 ~ March 4, 2013

Catherine (Darst) Schriver, 80, Valley Springs, died Monday, March 04, 2013, at the Tuft Memorial Nursing Home, in Hills MN, of heart failure.

Visitation and prayer services will begin Friday, March 8, 2013, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, at 6 until 8 PM. Memorial services will begin at 11AM, Saturday, March 9, 2013, at First Lutheran Church of Valley Springs. Pastor Robert Hansen will officiate.

Catherine Nancy Darst was born June 22, 1932, in Sioux Falls, SD to Wheatley and Rosella (Burger) Darst, where she was raised and educated through the eighth grade. She began working in various restaurants doing dishes and serving tables. At the age of 17, Cathy was diagnosed with cancer, which she was not assumed to survive. She beat it though and went on to marry Frank Hayne in 1950. She also took on a position with Ma Bell, as a telephone operator. Frank was in the military and they eventually moved to Colorado for his position. In 1951, Cathy’s first child was born. A short time later, Frank was transferred to Alaska and Cathy returned to Sioux Falls. Sadly, in 1963, Frank passed away leaving Cathy with three children. Later in 1964, she met and married her shining knight, Charles Schriver II. They moved their family to an acreage near Valley Springs. Soon after, Charles III was born.

Catherine will always be remembered as a great caretaker. Charles ran a trucking operation and Cathy ran the home and family. She took in everyone who needed a hand up. If you were sick, she had remedies for everything and if you were at her home, eating in the living room in front of the television, comic books, and being pampered was on the agenda. She also loved to watch TV (especially old western movies), roller-skating, and walking the railroad tracks with the grandkids where they could find all sorts of adventures like turtles.

Cathy will be missed by her husband, Charles Schriver II, Valley Springs; her five children, Frank Hayne, Alexandria, SD, Robert (Connie) Hayne, Rapid City, Trinda (Tim) Knebel, Sioux Falls, Charles Schriver III, Steen MN, and Charla (Rodney) Wendell, Sioux Falls; ten grandchildren, Becky (Scott) Kinney, Jarrod Hayne, Matthew (Tanya) Hayne, Alex Feiock, Justin (Macrina) Hayne, Heidi (Carlos) Moore, Chanda (Troy) Graham, Katrina (Chris) Narum, Sean Baney, and Tara (Andy) Berg; and thirteen great-grandchildren; Cydni Foster, & Caden Quintanilla, Keegan Hayne, McKenzie & Cole Hayne, Allina, Sahvana & Rianna Hayne, Bryce Moore, Thane & Thea Graham, Taylar Erickson & Ashlan Berg; two brothers, Joe Darst, Chester, and John Williams, CA.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Julia Woodruff, and her first husband, Frank Hayne.

February 20, 2013

Kinsley Margreté Erickson entered the world, and then returned to Jesus’ arms on February 20, 2013, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Kinsley will be deeply missed but never forgotten by her parents, Cody and Abbey (Goldammer) Erickson, Sioux Falls; Grandparents, Mark and Lynne Erickson, Valley Springs, and Rod and Connie Goldammer, Ethan; Great-grandparents, Ray and Phyllis Erickson, Valley Springs, Jim and Darlene Petersen, Brandon, and Frances Vogel, Sioux Falls; Aunts and Uncles, Nathan Erickson, Denver, Co, Megan (Jon) Knutson, Sioux Falls, Eric (Sarah) Goldammer, Pierre, and Izaak (Tasha) Goldammer, Ethan; and her cousins, Eli & Emma Goldammer and Jakoby & Tallie Goldammer.

Cody and Abbey would like to thank everyone for their prayers, comfort, and support during this very difficult time.

Kinsley was welcomed into Heaven by her Great-grandparents, Rudy Vogel and Albert & Erna Goldammer; Great-great-grandmother, Rosina Thielsen, and godmother, Karen Kettering.

A memorial has been established and Cody and Abbey request that all memorials be directed to Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church in Kinsley’s honor.

October 13, 1951 ~ February 20, 2013

William Boyd Pitchford, 61, Sioux Falls, SD, formerly Athens, GA and Charleston, WV, died Wednesday, February 20, 2013, at the Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls.

Private family services will take place at a later date in Georgia.

Bill was born October 13, 1951, to Boyd and Janet (Fink) Pitchford , in Charleston, WV. Bill’s father was in the military so the family lived in many places throughout his youth. Upon graduation from high school in 1 969, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the US Air Force. Bill served our country in the Vietnam conflict. Shortly after his honorable discharge, Bill married his bride Marilyn Cox. The couple settled in South Georgia, eventually moving up to Athens where Bill was an electronics engineer for many years.

Bill was a great admirer of poetry and music. He enjoyed a range of genres in both. When the family gathered he taught, entertained, and inspired. He masterfully wove tales steeped in ancient Celtic lore and often recounted his childhood in Appalachia with lyric, song, and banjo.

Bill will be deeply missed by his children, Kin (Ashley) Pitchford, Sioux Falls, SD and Elizabeth (Erik Zakis) Pitchford of St. Paul, MN; one step-daughter, Stephanie (Tim) Sanders, Statham, GA; two grandchildren, Roain Pitchford McCormick and Soren Pitchford; his mother, Janet Pitchford, Hoboken, GA; two brothers, Thom (Brenda) Pitchford, Jenkinsburg, GA, and Preston (Robin) Pitchford, Elizabeth City, NC; two sisters, Jeanie (Robert) Boland, Hoboken, GA , and Coranna Young of Waycross, GA; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by wife, Marilyn Pitchford, and his father, Boyd L Pitchford.

June 16, 1927 ~ February 20, 2013

Edward Katasabek, 85, formerly of the Sioux City, IA, and S.Sioux City, NE, areas passed away at the Royal C. Johnson Memorial Veteran’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, after a brief illness.

The family had a very moving and special private ceremony at the Veteran’s Hospital.

Edward L. Katasabek was born June 16, 1927, in Sioux City, IA, to Edward F. Katasabek and Lillian Miller, but grew up on a farm near Climbing Hill and the Anthon-Otto areas of IA. He had an older sister, Betty Ann, who passed away at the young age of 7 years old from appendicitis, so he grew up basically as an only child after that. Post high school, he entered the Army in Sept. of 1945 and was honorably discharged from the military in Jan. of 1947. He always joked that he got to Okinawa, Japan, and the Japanese actually did surrender not many months after that……so, he said they heard he was coming and got scared…this also earned him one of his nicknames: “Kamakazi Ed!” He married Marilee (Lee) Wells in December of 1949 and they had their one and only child, Kathy Lee, in Nov. 1952. Shortly after that he began his career in lifetime insurance sales. From that point thereafter, he was always #1 or #2 in top sales month after month for the nearly 40 years he sold insurance. He had an extraordinary mind for numbers, names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. and he could tell you his client’s complete information, including their children’s names, birth dates, what kind of insurance they had and so on…..being very kind-hearted, he paid many people’s premiums for them, in order to be able to keep their insurance, and he allowed them to pay him what & when they could…all the while, never writing down or keeping track of it. He could almost tell you within $5.00 at any given time what he had in the bank, but never kept a checkbook record. This affinity and gift of remembering numbers would occasionally get himself in trouble with playing cards. He was however; so adept at the game of poker, that many major casinos in Las Vegas wanted to hire him as their dealer…They felt it better to pay him as an employee and a terrific dealer, rather than having him come out a winner so often! That earned him yet another nickname: “Fast Eddie!”

He was an excellent baseball player and played for a couple of years for a semi-pro team in Sioux City, until a slide into third base blew out his ankle and kneecap. He never lost his love for the game and either attending or watching baseball games remained a favorite past time for his entire life. He did enjoy most other sports, as well, but baseball was always the favored one! The last time he attended a game was with Kathy, Dale and Mitch, in Sioux Falls, SD. He went to visit Kathy & Dale for his 80th birthday and the 4 of them were able to attend a Sioux Falls Canaries (semi-pro league) game on his birthday…Sunday, June 16, 2007. He also was a great golfer and bowler. He enjoyed fishing and the family took many fishing trips up to the Brainerd, MN, area in the summers. He introduced Kathy to ice hockey, bowling and golfing , fishing, wrestling matches (ie: Vern Gagne, The Mad Russian and other colorfully named wrestlers!) and took her to many circuses and carnivals. The family always took summer vacations and the most memorable (and longest one!) was in 1960. Family activities, including this vacation, also included his wonderful mother-in-law, Lauretta Wells, and so for almost 6 weeks he spent many hours of driving in the heat of the western and southern U.S. in a Buick with no air conditioning and he was the only one that drove, although there were three females in the car with him, so he received plenty of “suggestions and directions” from all of them! At that point in his life, he had the patience of a saint!!

In his later years, he endured health issues that would lead to several hospitalizations and eventually force him to retire from insurance sales earlier than he had planned or wanted to. He spent several years in Las Vegas and eventually did come back to the Sioux City area. A few years later, he met a lovely lady, Terry Rhynsburger, and they would end up spending many years together…..with Terry passing away about 8 years ago. The past 18 years, he was living in South Sioux City, NE, and he had some wonderful neighbors that kind of “took him under their wings” (Angel wings)….these sisters, Sherry and Sandy, would make Ed a big, delicious Sunday dinner meal every week and they would also bake him a cake once a week, so he was very fortunate to have had them in his life!!

Ed was never one to go to a doctor for “regular” checkups, so when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December of 2012, it was quite advanced and he was also found to have congestive heart failure. His final 3-4 months of his life were very peaceful and pain-free. His family was able to have him remain at the Veteran’s Hospital for the duration and they were able to visit him often. He was always quite a colorful character and full of stories, so he soon quickly became one of the doctor’s, nurse’s and social worker’s “favorite” patients. He could be quite a “pill” at times, but always entertaining. They all knew he meant well, so they put up with him and eventually “learned to love him!” His family wishes to thank all of you that at one time or another played an important part in Ed’s life and befriended him and took care of him, especially in his later years. The family wishes to say a special thank you to the entire staff at the Sioux Falls Veteran’s Hospital for their extraordinary care, compassion and love shown to our entire family over the past three months.

He is survived by his only child/daughter, Kathy (Dale) Peterson, one grandson, Mitchell Peterson, and one great-granddaughter, Molly Kate Peterson, all of Sioux Falls, SD. He is also survived by his ex-wife, Lee (Ken) Adams of Sioux City, IA, 2 brothers-in-laws, 2 sisters-in-laws, several nieces and nephews, cousins and other extended family and many good friends. Ed was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, his mother and father, stepfather, sister, and special friend, Terry Rhysnburger.

The family requests that any forms of sympathy be a donation in Ed’s name to any one of the many military organizations.

June 13, 1970 ~ February 9, 2013

Memorial services will begin at 4 pm, Thursday, February 14, 2013, at Heartland Funeral Home, in Brandon, with Pastor Jason Mueller officiating. Visitation will begin at 2 pm with family present.

Heath Earl Tople was born June 13, 1970, in Aberdeen, SD, to Jack and Penny (Grey) Tople. Shortly after, the family moved to Pierre where Heath was raised and educated. While in high school, he was very active in Boy’s State, music programs, politics, paper routes, and of course, radio at KCCR and Fred Smith. Heath was recognized by the Pierre mayor with “Heath Tople Day” for his attention to detail and assistance in stopping a burglary at a home he was delivering papers to. Heath was a passionate and caring person. Once, while riding his bike along the highway, Heath found a wallet and returned it to a vacationing couple. He also organized a successful strike of the local Pierre paper carriers against the Capital Journal. He later did lose his paper job but everyone got a raise. Heath graduated from Pierre Riggs High School in 1988.

He then attended and graduated from SDSU in 1993 with degrees in Communications, History, and Political Science. Heath again found work in radio at Brookings as well as managed the State Theater.

In 1991, Heath met and married Sabra Richardt. To this union, his two wonderful boys, Jon and Rob, were born. He proved he was a very proud father by showing up at the hospital in a tuxedo and bearing roses for his sons’ birth. Heath raised his sons to be Viking’s fans to the end. Jon and Rob will always treasure the trips to the Minnesota Twins or Vikings with their dad. Sunday’s were spent on the couch as “Viking Men” or playing PS II in all-out gaming wars until they couldn’t see any more. Heath loved to attend all of the boys’ events in school and sports.

Eventually, Heath and the family relocated in Brandon after he took a position at Results Radio in Sioux Falls on KIKN Hosting the popular morning show as Scotty Collins of Collins and Company and the Big Breakfast. He also became deeply involved in the community by holding positions as a Brandon City Councilman (where he was instrumental in establishing Robert Bennis Elementary, the new Brandon Community Library, and expanding/updating the Brandon Country Club and Golf Course), running for mayor, President of the Brandon Lutheran Church, member of the El Riad Shrine, and announcer for the Sioux Falls Stampede.

Tragically, Heath, 42, died Saturday, February 9, 2013, at his home in Sioux Falls.

August 18, 1938 ~ January 24, 2013

Janice L. (Peck) Pollmann, 74 of Brookings and formerly Brandon, died Thursday, January 24, 2013, at the Avera Dougherty Hospice Home, in Sioux Falls.

Visitation will be 3 to 5pm, Sunday, January 27, 2013, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD. A short prayer service will begin at 5pm. Memorial services will be held at 11am, Monday, January 28, 2013, at Heritage Lutheran Church in Brandon, with Pastor Jerry Merkouris officiating.

Janice L. Peck was born August 18, 1938, in Madison, SD to Earl and Regene (Alberts) Peck. Her family moved to Sioux Falls and she attended school and graduated from Washington High School in 1956. She went directly to work for Western Surety as a secretary. On June 30, 1962, Janice married the love of her life, Robert Pollmann at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. The couple resided in Brandon and Janice stayed home with her five children. When the kids started school, she went to work part-time for the Abbott Law firm although she was always home to greet the children when they returned from school. Eventually, Bob took a position with SDSU, and they moved to Brookings where Janice finished her working career with Sokota/AgriPro Seed Co.

Janice’s main focus and joy in life was her family. Her kids and grandkids came first to everything else, including Bob (or so he says). She attended all of their sporting or school events, and never missed a birthday. Janice was also an avid bowler. Her best game was 270+. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, word jumbles, and taking walks. Her cooking, baking, and canning skills were enjoyed by both family and friends. Even after the kids were grown and gone, Jan always made a point of calling weekly to stay in touch and keep the family connected. With all five children graduating with college degrees is testament to Jan’s encouragement and support.

Janice will be deeply missed by her husband, Robert, of Brookings; her five children, Bob (Cassandra), Boise, ID, Daniel (Amina), Scottsdale, AZ, Becky (Brett) Sadler, Brandon, Steven, Dakota Dunes, and Cindi (Quinn) Ginaven, Lenexa, KS; five grandchildren, Austin and Jessica Sadler, Tayte Pollmann, and Zain and Zara Pollmann; one brother, Richard (Theresa) Peck, Boerne, TX; and one sister, Carol Newell, Boise, ID.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Regene Peck, and one brother, Frank Peck.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Avera Dougherty Hospice for their wonderful care of Janice.

April 6, 1922 ~ January 5, 2013

Leonard Finck, 90, of Brandon, formerly of Tyndall, SD, died Saturday, January 5, 2013, at the Southridge Health Care Center, in Sioux Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 10, 2013, at the Tyndall United Methodist Church in Tyndall, SD. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Public viewing will also take place Wednesday, January 9, 2013, from 3 to 7 PM, at Heartland Funeral Home, in Brandon, SD.

Leonard Finck was born April 6, 1922, to Fred and Lydia (Vilahauer) Finck on the farm near Tyndall, SD. He attended school through the 8th grade when he quit to farm with his father. On June 18, 1944, he married Vivian Britton in Tyndall. They resided on the farm and raised their family. He was a very skilled builder and constructed several of the outbuildings on the farm. In 1978, Leonard retired and the couple moved to town where he went to work for the Cenex driving truck. He also served many years on the Tyndall United Methodist Church board.

Leonard was a very competitive sportsman and he loved to win! One of his favorites pastimes was softball; to the point that the family had their own diamond on the farm. Everyone would come over on Sunday afternoons and they would all play ball. Leonard, a great first baseman, even played on a league, in Avon, for several years.

Baseball was another love for Leonard. The Cardinal’s were his team. Family vacations where spent packed into the car, traveling to Kansas City or St. Louis for ball games. They would drive straight through after leaving home at 4am because “it was cooler.” Leonard spent over twenty years going to Omaha to the College World Series. Another one of his favorite pastimes was bowling. He even became a part owner in the local bowling alley which turned out to be the home of his “all lefties only” bowling team.

Leonard is survived by his children, Sharon (Les) Larson, Duluth, MN, Peggy Patterson, Brandon, Betty (Gary) Schuster, Youngsville, NC, and Penny (Dan) Martz, Omaha, NE.; one son Terry (Brad), Seattle, WA; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Neil (Jean), Tripp, SD, Edward, Phoenix, AZ, and one sister, Linda (Julius) Schmidt, Mesa, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian; his parents, Fred and Lydia; four brothers, Leo, Paul, Reuben, and Herb; and one sister, Meta Hisek.

February 23, 1964 ~ January 3, 2013

Troy Arthur Smykle, 48, Brandon, died at his home Thursday, January 3, 2013.

Visitation will be 4 to 6 pm, Saturday, January 5, 2013, at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 1:30pm, Sunday, January 6, 2013, at Heartland Funeral Home, with Pastor Robert Hansen officiating. A private interment will follow.

Troy Arthur Smykle was born February 23, 1964, to Kenneth and Joyce (Schnackenberg) Smykle in Sioux Falls. He was raised and educated in Brandon and graduated 1983 from Brandon Valley High School. Troy was truly an outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, and go boating. He always looked forward every year to going to Chamberlain, deer hunting, with his brothers and son. He also had a strong passion to be on the lake, no matter if there was ice, or not. It really gave him a sense of peace. Troy always cherished his family; especially his kids.

Troy will be extremely missed by his children; Trace, Ariel, Talynn, and Derrek, his parents; Kenneth and Joyce, his siblings; Greg (Yvonne), Sioux Falls, Mark (Mindy), Akron, IA, Clay (Michele), Brandon, Linda (Joel) Hanson, Valley Springs, and Debbie (Cort) Jasper, Oak Grove, MN, nieces and nephews; Matt, Kristopher, Cole, Trinity, Paula, Maci, Shauna, and Kylie, and one aunt; Donna Smelser, Sioux Falls, and his very special friend, Stacy Tott, Brandon.

Troy was preceded in death by two infant siblings; Michael and Kimberley.