January 12, 2008 ~ January 26, 2012

Visitation will be Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 3pm to 5 pm at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, with a Prayer Service at 5pm. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am Monday, January 30, 2012, at Blessed Redeemer Lutheran Church in Brandon, with Pastor Daniel Deardoff officiating. Burial will follow at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

Luke Alan Melius was born on January 12th, 2008 to Rick and Katie (Skrondahl) Melius. He was brought into the Kingdom of God through Holy Baptism on February 3rd, 2008. His baptismal sponsors were Angela and Jason Johnson.

He enjoyed tractors, making his sister Lydia laugh, spending time on the farm, feeding the cows bales, riding in the “bombine” and being outside. He also loved riding bikes, spending time with his grandparents, and learning Bible stories about Jesus from his parents.

Luke was a member of Blessed Redeemer Lutheran Church where he attended Sunday School and Blessed Redeemer Lutheran Preschool.

Luke was called to his Heavenly home on Thursday, January 26th, 2012, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls. He is now safe in the arms of Jesus.

He was preceded in death by three sets his great-grandparents.

He is survived by his parents, Rick and Katie Melius and his sister Lydia of Brandon, SD, his grandparents Keith and Audrey Skrondahl of Pierre, SD, and Dwight and Denise Melius of Northville, SD, his great-grandparents, Don and Donna Nieses, Oldham, SD, his Uncle Kent Skrondahl of Sioux Falls, SD, Shaun Skrondahl, Trinity and Taleah of Sioux Falls, SD, his Uncle David and Aunt Laura Melius and their children Landen, Nathan, Teresa and Rachel of Cresbard, SD, his Aunt Angela and Uncle Jason Johnson and their children Carter and Lily of Lakefield, MN, his Uncle John and Aunt Jodi Melius and their daughter Avery of Brookings, SD, and other friends and relatives.

We thank God for the tender loving care He showed to Luke and pray the same love sustains us in the days to come.

Memorials may be directed to the Blessed Redeemer Lutheran Preschool in Brandon.

April 27, 1948 ~ January 16, 2012

Ron Faust, 63, of Dell Rapids, SD, died Monday, January 16, 2012, at Avera McKennan Hospital, in Sioux Falls, SD after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Memorial services for Ron will be held on Sunday, April 29th at 2 PM at Palisades State Park in rural Garretson.

Ron was born on April 27, 1948 to Elmer and Lydia (Matchette) Faust in Allentown, PA. He was the youngest of three children and was educated and graduated from Catasauqua High School in 1966. Ron attended Penn State University for three years before he received a notice from Uncle Sam to serve his country in Viet-Nam. Instead, Ron enlisted in the Air Force and became an Electronics Warfare Specialist. Ron also married his sweetheart, JoAnn Ruth, in 1970, in Schoenersville, PA and promptly took her on a trip around the world. During his tenure, Ron served in Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Biloxi, Mississippi, Great Falls, Montana, and Dallas, Texas. Upon leaving the military, their travels took them to Fairbanks, Alaska, England, Omaha, Nebraska, and back to Fairbanks, Alaska.

In 1998, Ron took a position with the USGS Earth Resources Observation & Science (EROS) Center and they relocated to Sioux Falls and then to Dell Rapids, SD.

Ron loved to travel and was a great lover of the out doors and nature. He took time to appreciate it. Gazing at the stars next to a fire pit with a glass of fine wine or scotch and a cigar was one of his passions. He loved the Black Hills of South Dakota and camping or hiking were some of his favorite pastimes. Ron also enjoyed music, photography, reading, writing and philosophizing as well as studying people. He loved his work and the people he worked with. He liked to engage people in deep conversations and find out what they were passionate about. Ron also developed an admiration of the Crazy Horse Memorial and the family involved in its creation. He made connections with the creator and shared in the philosophy behind the Project.

Ron will be deeply missed by his wife and best friend; JoAnn, of Dell Rapids, SD, his brother; Roger (Brenda) Faust, Germansville, PA, his sister; Judy Parsons, Kingman, AZ, nine nieces and nephews, eleven great nieces and nephews, and one great-great niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Max Parsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crazy Horse Memorial, 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD, 57730-8900.

September 28, 1960 ~ January 12, 2012

Mark Allen Van Liere, 51, of Brandon, SD, died Thursday, January 12, 2012, at the Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation will begin at 5pm, Sunday, January 15, 2012, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, with a sharing time from 7 until 8pm. Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 16, at 3pm, with visitation one hour prior, at Heartland Funeral Home with Pastor Lee Green officiating.

Mark Allen Van Liere was born September 28, 1960 to Roy and Elaine (Van Dyk) Van Liere in Dell Rapids, SD. He was raised in Colton on the farm. He attended school at Tri-Valley High School. In 1978, Mark started working for Curt Rentschler in the plumbing trade and he eventually received his Journeyman’s license. During the year of 1982, Mark met and married Lori Anderson in Coleman, SD. They had two children, Jocelyn and Marcus. Eventually, Mark moved about the country working in Houston, TX, Rapid City, and back to Sioux Falls before he settled back in the Brandon area in 1993. Mark worked with Bob Horsley for ten years removing asbestos in construction. After that, he worked as a plumbing foreman for Midwestern Mechanical at the USD-Sanford Medical campus and later with Krier and Blain.

Mark was a fun-loving, adventurous and charismatic person who loved life, loved helping people, and loved to make people laugh. Hunting, fishing, and golf tourneys were only a few of his passions. People who really knew Mark, knew that he loved to cook, bake and grill. He was a perfectionist at ribs, pork loin and pecan pies. Mark even had his own recipe for BBQ sauce that remains under lock and key! Mark also regarded a couple of his favorite meals to be “late night hot dogs” and “refrigerator trash night.”

Mark was a member of the “Brandon Contractors and Friends” and could be found helping anyone with a need, anytime, anywhere. Giving back was his passion. Mark also was an honorary member of the Brandon VFW where he was notorious for his BBQ Rib Night specialties.

Mark will be greatly missed by his two children; Jocelyn (Sam) Burtnett, Sioux Falls and Marcus Van Liere of Apple Valley, MN, one granddaughter; Amery Burtnett, his parents; Roy and Elaine Van Liere, two brothers; Doug (Bridgett) Van Liere, Madison, SD and Mike (Wendy) Van Liere, Whitehouse, TN, four nieces and 1 nephew, and special friend and companion; Tina Ferguson, Sioux Falls, and Justine Ferguson, Vermillion, and Amos (Ashlee) Ferguson, Sioux Falls and Ezzie Ferguson.

Mark was preceded in death by one brother; Terry Van Liere

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mark Van Liere Memorial fund.

July 15, 1924 ~ December 4, 2011

Memorial services for Eunice M. Rupprecht will be held at 1pm, Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Heartland Funeral Home, in Brandon, SD. Randy Lahammer will officiate.

Eunice M. Olson was born July 15, 1924, in Fourtown, MN, to John and Petra (Wiseth) Olson. Early on, her parents moved a lot, especially throughout Pennington and Marshall Counties. They finally settled in the Thief River Falls area. She was raised and educated here through the 7th grade and Eunice did go on to attain her GED in 1971. After leaving school and home, she worked for various employers to support herself, including Otto Rupprecht, where she met that someone special, Edmund.

On April 4th, 1947, Eunice married Edmund H. Rupprecht in Thief River Falls, MN. There they resided on a farm in Marshall Co. where they raised their five children. Eventually, she moved to town with the children, where Eunice began working as a Nurses’ Aid. She worked in nursing homes and at the hospital for over twenty years in geriatric unit. Eunice had to retire early due to her poor health and moved to South Dakota in 2006 to be near her children.

Eunice had many interests and hobbies in her life but the most important and special interest she had was her faith in Jehovah. She was baptized in the late 1950’s as a Jehovah’s Witness and remained faithful throughout her life ministering to everyone who would listen. Eunice also enjoyed needle work such as quilting and knitting. She loved flowers and loved to watch gardens progress through a year. Another favorite pastime of hers was reading. First was her Bible and second were murder mysteries and spy thrillers.

On December 4, 2011, Eunice, 87, died at home with her family around her.

She is survived by her children; Kathleen Rupprecht, Suzanne Rupprecht, Lee Rupprecht, all of Garretson, SD, Pauline Kaiser, Concord, CA, and Bryan Rupprecht of Garretson, three grandchildren; Kellea, Brandon, and Nicole, eight great-grandchildren; Brittany Nathanial, Ashlyn, Jordan, Shantel, Chase, Emma and Elizabeth, one special nephew; Carl Olson, and two sisters; Theresa Wayne, Milwaukee, WI, and Donna Maye Anderson, Inver Grove Heights, MN as well as many nieces and nephews.

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents; John and Petra and her husband; Edmund, one brother; James Olson and three sisters; Phyllis Olson, Joyce Iverson, and Peggy Castor.

January 30, 1970 ~ December 22, 2011

Monica S. Krenz, 41, of Sioux Falls, died at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, December 22, 2011.

Visitation will begin at 2 pm, Thursday, December 29, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD, with the family present from 5 to 8. A prayer service will begin at 7 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, December 30, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls with Pastor Randy Hogarth officiating.

Monica Sue Bultsma was born to Edwin and Leanne Bultsma on January 30, 1970 in Platte SD. Monica graduated from Platte High School in 1988 and furthered her education at Mitchell Technical Institute. She met the love of her life, Ronald Krenz while attending Mitchell Tech. On June 15, 1990, she married Ronald and they lived an amazing and wonderful life together. They enjoyed motorcycle riding, cooking, vacationing to many places and especially spending time with her family. Monica and Ronald were blessed with one child, Brittany.

Sadly, Monica was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. It then returned to the lungs in 2010. Monica fought bravely through the whole cancer journey and is an inspiration to all who knew her. She was surrounded by family, faith and an abundance of love as she left her Earthly place to be with Jesus in Heaven.

Monica had many journeys with her family, some harder than others, but they were always together. Monica was a hard working woman and tried not to let anything get her down. She was amazing mother, wife, daughter, and friend. She was an inspiration to all. She would always give to someone else before herself. Monica worked as a day care provider at Apple Tree Day Care for 10 years. She then went to Wells Fargo for 10 years where she made several great friends. She was a very well liked person and drew a lot of her strength through her friends. She was a member of Time to Heal support group and New Day Church.

Grateful for sharing her life are her husband Ronald of Sioux Falls; daughter Brittany and her boyfriend of 3 years, Nathan Bandstra, Sioux Falls; her mother; Leanne Bultsma, Platte, 2 sisters; Darla (Bradlee) Girton, and Leah Bultsma, both of Platte, and many nieces and nephews.

Monica was preceded in death by her father Edwin.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.

September 10, 1945 ~ December 6, 2011

Memorial Services will be held at 3pm, on Friday, December 23, 2011, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD with visitation beginning one hour prior. Deacon Henry Knapp will officiate. Inurnment will take place at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Ft. Yates, ND, later next year.

James Wayne Fast Horse was born October 10, 1945, in Bullhead, SD to Joseph Fast Horse and Lizzie Swift Bear. He grew up there and was educated in Bullhead through the eighth grade when he began working on the farm. As James grew up, he enjoyed horse back riding on his parents’ farm. Eventually, he met Wanda Jean Uses Arrow and they married on August 18, 1971, in Little Eagle, SD. James and Wanda had five children. The family moved to Bismarck, ND, in 1991 where he loved working as a mechanic on vehicles. James and the family moved to Sioux Falls in 2002 where they have lived ever since.

James enjoyed being outdoors, cooking, working with animals and especially loved being around his family, grandchildren, and his friends.

James, 66, died Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

James will be missed by his five children; Paulette Fast Horse, Sioux Falls, Lynette (Steve Carrier) Fast Horse, North Reading, MA, James Fast Horse Jr., Elizabeth Fast Horse, and Leaha (Justin) Lee-Fast Horse, all of Sioux Falls, SD, 5 grand children; Saba, Solomom, Deker, and Hailey Fast Horse, and Konnar Lee, and 1 sister; Mavis (Robert) LaCompt, Pine Ridge, SD.

James was preceded in death by his wife; Wanda, his parents; Joseph and Elizabeth, 1 sister; Jean Marie Larson, and 7 brothers; Paul and John Fast Horse, and 5 other boys who died at birth.

6/25/1933 ~ 12/08/2011

Diane Elizabeth Orht was born on June 25, 1933, in Reinbeck Iowa to Alfred and Ethel Orht. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to California where she was raised and educated. Upon graduation from high school, Diane attended cosmetology school and received her beautician’s license.

Diane soon met and married the love of her life, A. M. Scott, who was a military man and Diane loved the service. They first resided in Colorado Springs, CO. They had 2 daughters, Susan and Kathy. They soon moved to the San Fernando Valley, California, where they raised their children. Diane was a beautician and homemaker. When A. M. retired, they moved to Couer D’ Alene, Idaho.

After her husband had passed away in 2002, Diane lived with her daughter Kathy in Laguna Hills, CA. She later moved near her daughter, Susan, in Centerville, SD.

Diane, 78, died Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, following surgery for a fall. She will be greatly missed!

A private family service is planned for a later date.

Dianne is survived by her daughters, Kathy (Michael) Bergstrom, Hutto, TX & Susan (Mike) Balison, Centerville, SD; six grandchildren, Matthew, Scott, Megan, Bryan, Dianna, and Andrea; 3 great-grand children, Jacob, Alexander, and Bradley.

February 5, 1943 – November 30, 2011

Alfred J. Johnson, 68, of Harrisburg, SD, died Wednesday, November 30, 2011, at home after a short battle with cancer.

Visitation will begin at 3 pm, Friday, December 2, 2011 with family present from 5pm to 7 pm at Heartland Funeral Home of Brandon, SD. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 3, at Prairie Hills Covenant Church of Sioux Falls, SD, Pastor Andrew Burnett officiating. Another visitation will be held 2 pm until 5 pm, Sunday, December 4, at the Ralph Wittich Funeral Home in Muscatine, IA. Interment will be 11am Monday, December 5, at the New Boston Cemetery, New Boston, IL.

Alfred Joseph Johnson was born on February 5, 1943, to Paul and Irene (Saunders) Johnson, in Las Angles, CA. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Muscatine, IA where Al went to school and grew up with his 12 siblings. He met his high school sweetheart, Roberta A. Bailey, in study hall and they were married on April 6, 1962. They couple moved to Illinois where Al went to college and started their family. Al worked in the home construction business. Eventually they moved back to Muscatine where Al developed a sub division called Rolling Acres. He preformed different occupations including excavating and building spec. homes. He then worked for Hon Manufacturing and the Corp. of Engineers in the tool and die manufacturing trade. In 1985, Al and Roberta moved to Hutchinson, MN to work as the Tool and Die Manager for Hutchinson Technology and then on to the plant in Sioux Falls in 1988. While in Sioux Falls, Al continued his education and received a management degree. He eventually became at instructor for National College to train Tool and Die apprentices because it was difficult to find local candidates for employment.

Al had many hobbies. He loved to hunt and fish and was forever going fishing up until the very end. Al loved a challenge and his was to fly. In 1986, Al got his private operators pilot license and bought his first of three planes. His idea of fun was a cold, clear day flying.

Al was a member of Prairie Hills Covenant Church and a Senior Member and Chairman of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

Alfred is survived by his wife, Roberta, his children; JoAnn (James) Vanderburg, Valley Springs, SD, and Paul Johnson, Jackson, KY, 9 grandchildren; Paul Vanderburg, Alicia Vanderburg, Joel Vanderburg, Renee Gadbois, Rebecka Reatherford, Andrea Buchanan, Bryan Buchanan, Jacob Springman, and Isaiah Johnson, 5 great-grandchildren; Tate, Hadley, Olivia, Trinley, and Owen, 3 brothers; Tom (Korlie) Johnson, Muscatine, IA, Don (Leslie) Johnson, Lake of the Ozarks, MO, and Dick Johnson, Muscatine, IA, and 3 sisters; Lois (Frank) Horn, Des Moines, IA, Jackie Brase, Muscatine, IA, and Jennifer Johnson, Muscatine, IA.

Alfred was preceded in death by one son; Stephen Johnson, one grand-daughter; Sara Johnson, his parents, and six brothers; Lyle Rethford, Paul Rethford, Ronald Houseman, Raymond Johnson, Marvin Johnson, and Robert Johnson.

December 3, 1956 – November 2, 2011

Scott William was born December 3, 1956, in Sioux Falls, SD to David and Dorothy (Fagerhaug) Petersen. Scott was the eldest of his two brothers. He grew up and attended school in Sioux Falls where he graduated from Sioux Falls Washington High in 1975. Scott then attended college at USD in Vermillion, SD. He returned to Sioux Falls to begin working for the Sunshine Grocery. Scott worked his way up into management. He accepted a management position with Albertson’s and moved to Rapid City where he resided for 15 years. Scott eventually worked his way back to Sioux Falls to complete his career, with Randall Foods.

Unfortunately, about this time, Scott’s struggle with MS began to dominate his life and he was no longer able to continue working. He did manage to reside independently in his west side apartment and was able to devote more time to his hobby of learning about other cultures, reading, collecting books and listening to jazz and other genres of music.
Scott also continued to spend time with his brothers’ families and his pets.

From camping excursions with his many cousins and his family as kids, to hiking and fishing with his brothers, Scott was completely in love with the Black Hills of South Dakota. He had many fond memories of his time spent in the Northern Hills.

Scott, 54, died Tuesday, November 2, 2011, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, after fighting courageous battles with MS and cancer.

Scott is survived by two brothers; Todd (Victoria) Petersen, Sioux Falls and Mitchell (Margaret) Petersen of Spearfish, SD, nieces and nephew; Shelby, Sarah, and Zachary Petersen.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, David and Dorothy.

A private family service will be held for Scott at a later date. He will be inurned at Woodlawn Cemetery of Sioux Falls.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Dougherty Hospice House for Scott.

September 3, 1929 – October 31, 2011

Memorial services will begin at 3 pm, Sunday, November 6, 2011, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD, with Pastor Jeff Hayes officiating. Family visitation will follow until 6 pm. A private inurnment will be held at the Hills of Rest Memorial Park of Sioux Falls at a later time.

Joyce Annette Plummer was born September 3, 1929, to Rex and Frances Plummer in Oto, IA. She grew up and attended school in the Climbing Hill, IA area. Her early years were fondly spent with her grandparents, Amos and Dottie Plummer. At the age of 16, she married Glen E. Cooper. Together they raised their children, Charles and Linda in Iowa. In the early 70’s the couple moved to the Tea area where they lived for over 60 years. In her later years, Joyce worked at the Bishop’s restaurant as a hostess. She loved visiting and meeting new people as she poured coffee and mingled throughout the restaurant. She made friends easily and could visit with anyone.

Joyce really liked to have fun and spend time with people. She especially loved spending time with her daughter and grandchildren. It was a tradition for Joyce, Linda, Roselyn and Danielle to go shopping every Saturday. Also, Roselyn, Danielle, and Desiree had many sleepovers at their grandparents’ home where they would be treated to just about anything they could ask for. Joyce had many other loves including reading and animals. She had many dogs throughout her life that provided her with loving companionship. Most important to Joyce was her faith in God which carried her through life.

Joyce, 82, died Monday, October 31, 2011, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

She will be missed by her son, Charles (Patty) Cooper, OR; daughter, Linda (James) Jacobson, Sioux Falls; 4 grandchildren, Scott Cooper, AZ, Roselyn (Tim) Schillerstrom, Sioux Falls, Danielle (Scott) Nelson, Sioux Falls, and Desiree Cooper, London, UK; and 4 great-grandchildren; Jacob and Morgan Schillerstrom and Samantha and Baby Girl/Boy Nelson.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Cooper.