Robert Joseph Burns Seattle - Robert Burns, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, died at the age of 76 on May 27, 2023 in Quilcene, Washington where he was celebrating Memorial Day weekend with family. Known to his family as "The Fun Master," Bob was a trial lawyer by trade, an excellent conversationalist, a wise and thoughtful advisor, a curious citizen of the world, an encourager extraordinaire, a stylish dresser, a lover of music and live concerts, a big-hearted optimist, and a man who exemplified the art of living well. He delighted in his large network of friends and family and because of them, often declared "I am the richest man in the world."

Robert Joseph Burns was born on September 3, 1946 in Sioux City, IA. Bob was the first born of five children to Robert and LaVerne Burns and the family moved to Yankton and then Sioux Falls following his father's coaching career. He graduated from O'Gorman High School in 1964 and attended the University of South Dakota, where he served as the Rush Chairman for the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He earned his bachelor's degree and then his Juris Doctor in 1973.

He was a member of the South Dakota Bar Association for 50 years and in 1992 was voted "Trial Lawyer of the Year" by his peers. He generously volunteered with Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. Bob served in the South Dakota State Legislature and was always committed to making the world a better place.

On June 7, 1968 Bob married Susan Carmen Markley and they raised four children together during their 43 years of marriage. Active and social in Sioux Falls and St. Mary's Church, Bob was easy to like and highly respected. A member of Rotary West in Sioux Falls for decades, he and Susan hosted many Rotary International exchange students. He was so proud when his children each went on their own Rotary exchange year and he enjoyed visiting Patrick in Australia, Sarah in Turkey, Mary Ellen in Denmark, and Matthew in Belgium. He served on the Bob Burns Dakota Bowl Committee for many years and enjoyed football games, tailgating, and cheering for the O'Gorman Knights. Bob was a founding member of the Monsignor Doyle Book Club running now for 30+ years. He especially loved spending time at Lake Okoboji, his happy place, enjoying sunset cruises and pulling kids on water skis behind his boat named "Afternoon Recess".

Bob met Laurie McDowell in 2012 and they spent 10 years creating happy memories together in Minneapolis and Tulsa, OK.

In 2022, he moved to Seattle to be closer to family and there, in a delightful twist of fate, he met and fell in love with Karen Sprague. Despite the declining health of his lungs, Bob always had a joke to share with friends, questions to ask his grandchildren, a team to cheer, and a positive attitude. He chose to focus on the people and the experiences that brought him happiness.

Grateful to have shared his life are Susan Markley Burns, Laurie McDowell, and Karen Sprague; four children, Patrick Robert Burns (Paula Peterson) of Minneapolis, MN, Sarah Elizabeth Burns (Christian Amott) of Seattle, WA, Mary Ellen Brewick (Andrew Brewick) of Moscow, ID, and Matthew Charles Burns (Rebecca Thom) of Taos, NM; nine grandchildren, Liam Richard Burns, Fiona Mary Burns, Finnian Robert Burns, Xavier Rhys Amott, Georgia Elizabeth Amott, Mabel Markley Brewick, Evelyn Rees Brewick, Anouk Diana Burns, and Ode Arcadia Burns; brothers James Burns, Steven Burns, and sister Kathleen Burns. Robert was proceeded in death by his parents Robert Geering Burns and Alice LaVerne (Drabek) Burns, brother John Burns, and infant son Brian Markley Burns.

Rowley, Charles J. age 74 of Andover passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on May 10, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles G. and Margaret Rowley, sister Beverly Rowley, brother Paul Rowley, brothers-in-law Russell Martinson, Leon Feilmeier and nephew Michael Rowley. Charles is survived by his wife of 51 years Carol (Helseth), daughters Jennifer (David) Hildebranski and Angela (Darcy) Gorall, grandson Matthew Hildebranski, siblings Tom (Loretta) Rowley, Barbara Feilmeier, Helen (Mark) Martinson and Sherry Rowley, many cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews. After graduating from O'Gorman High School Class of 1967 in Sioux Falls he attended St. John's University where he completed his Bachelor's Degree. He then went on to receive his Master's in Information Media at St. Cloud State and an MBA at Winona State. Charle's career as an educator spanned 39 years, starting in Isle and Robbinsdale. He then went on to Stewartville School District as the Library Media Director and administrator where the family enjoyed nearly 20 years. Moving to Andover he was a Dean at Blaine High School for 10 years, finishing the last few years teaching English at the Middle School which he enjoyed. He lived his life always learning and reading, was an avid fly fisherman, enjoyed spending summer time at the family cabin in Sandstone with loved ones and friends. 

Shelley Annette Burns, age 73, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A committal service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Hills of Rest Cemetery (300 N Chapel Hill Rd., Sioux Falls, SD). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sioux Falls Area Humane Society or the Great Plains Zoo in Shelley’s honor. 

Shelley was born on November 27, 1949 to Burdette and Shirley (Iversen) Burns in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was the youngest child and the only girl after her three older brothers, David, Jeffrey, and Brian. Shelly attended O’Gorman Catholic High School. She attended University of South Dakota, and Mediterranean University in Nice, France. Shelley graduated from University of Sioux Falls with Bachelor of Art degrees in Secondary Education and French. After college, Shelley traveled to Florida to be a French tour guide at Disney World.

Shelley married Scott McCart in 1974. In 1982, she married Ron Hoefert. She was very involved in selling real estate and interior decoration. Shelley worked for South Dakota Furniture Mart and Hom Furniture where she was able to utilize her decorating talent. She was incredibly gifted in interior design as Shelley was very artistic. She created beautiful artwork and crafts. Shelley was also very active in various sports including golf, racquetball, and a new favorite, pickleball. She loved to travel, and had a cute little camper that she would take on road trips with the group, “Sisters on the Fly”, and friends Ed and Debbie Klasi. Shelley was a very outgoing and social person. She greatly enjoyed coffee and lunch, biking and playing cards with special friends. Shelley had a special love for animals, her favorite being dogs. 

Grateful to have shared Shelley’s life with her are her brother, Jeffrey Burns of Aurora, CO; many nephews, nieces, cousins, and close friends. Shelley was preceded in death by her parents, Burdette and Shirley Burns; and her brothers, David and Brian Burns. 

Deborah “Debbie” Ann Dose was born on September 23, 1950, in Yankton, SD, to Michael and Florence (Petrik) Dose. She passed away peacefully with her husband by her side on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls at the age of 72.  Her Memorial Service will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls with family present for Visitation an hour prior to the service.

Debbie grew up in Sioux Falls. She attended Christ the King Elementary School, Edison Middle School, and O’Gorman High School, graduating in 1968. She moved to Yankton and attended Mount Marty College where she eventually earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She taught junior high for several years at West Catholic in Menominee, NE. Later, she earned her Masters Degree in counseling. She worked for many years at Lewis and Clark Behavioral Health Center as a drug and alcohol counselor in Yankton before moving to Sioux Falls where she continued her counseling career at the Carroll Institute until retiring at the age of 62.

Debbie married Edward Klasi on July 21, 1989, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton. They made their home in Yankton until they moved to Sioux Falls in 2002. 

Debbie was happiest when she was around her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved being a Grandma more than anything. She and Ed spent many summers taking their grandkids camping … everywhere from Yogi Bear in Sioux Falls to the annual Black Hills trip. When camping, she always had the best games and fun snacks for the grandkids!

After both Debbie and Ed retired, they spent many harsh SD winters traveling to and camping in sunny Arizona, where they made many friends. Debbie always looked forward to their time in Arizona.

Debbie was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend. We will miss her greatly. Debbie was kind and courteous to everyone she knew and met. She was a fierce animal-lover! She will be remembered for always coming up with unique and creative games, toys, and gifts for the grandkids.  

Debbie is survived by her husband, Ed Klasi; brother, John Dose; daughter, Jennifer List; sons, Joseph (Kyrsten) Fokken and John Fokken; stepdaughters, Alissa Klasi (Bob Tupper) and Stephanie Klasi (Brett Anderson); grandchildren, Autumn and Aurora List, Miles, Susanna, and Andrew Fokken, step-grandchildren, Ella and Clara Klasi-Anderson; and her beloved dogs, Elsie and Molly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Florence Dose; and mother-in-law, Betty Klasi Kier.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Dougherty Hospice House for showing such love to our Grandma Debbie while she was there. 

January 13, 1951 — May 3, 2023

Thomas Connolly, 72, formerly of Sioux Falls, passed away May 3, 2023, in Las Vegas, NV.  Tom had a wonderful smile and made friends easily.

Born January 13, 1951, in Sioux Falls to Ruth Flanagan Connolly and Emmett Connolly.  Tom attended St. Joseph Cathedral, then graduated from O’Gorman High in 1969.  He was proud to be called a “North ender”.

Tom worked many jobs during his life from being a paper boy with the Argus-Leader to his retirement as a delivery driver for FedEx.  Some of those jobs included John Morrell, Southwest Airlines and Thomas Mangelson Gallery in Las Vegas.  Along with his jobs came many opportunities to transfer to different locations for new adventures and to embrace his love of travel.  Tom was also proud to have served in the U.S. Navy.

No matter where Tom lived it was never far from nature, where he would get out and indulge his passion for photography and captured it with amazing photographs.  He also loved to ski and lived in Summit County Colorado for several years.  When not working, Tom enjoyed traveling the world with family and friends.  Upon his retirement, he fulfilled his dream to travel with an RV around the country, until his advanced Parkinson’s Disease made it challenging for him to travel any longer. 

Tom always lived near to family or longtime friends, and always remembered the special days in their lives with a phone call, no matter where he was at the time.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Emmett and Ruth Connolly and his nephew Adam Connolly.  He is survived by his siblings: three sisters Sr. Patricia Connolly D.C. , Sandy (Carl) Riis, Janie (Greg) Jude. His six brothers Greg (Peggy), Mark, Joe (Pam), Dave (Suzanne), Tony (Marilyn) and Jon; along with many nieces, nephews, and relatives.  Our family wish to extend our deepest appreciation to Tom’s special friends, Robert Megel, Tyler and Sylvia Hyde for their constant support of Tom through his fight with Parkinson’s Disease.

Leo Crawford, Sioux Falls, SD, died Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Sanford Ava’s House. He was 66.

A visitation to celebrate Leo’s life will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 Tuesday evening, October 24, 2023, at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Avenue in Sioux Falls.

Leo John Crawford, III was born July 8, 1957, to Leo and Rosemarie Gay (Geiger) in Minneapolis, MN. He moved to Sioux Falls with his family at the age of three, where he attended school at St. Mary and O’Gorman. In 1973, they moved to Sioux City, IA. Following his graduation from Heelan High School in 1975, Leo attended the University of South Dakota where he played football. He then earned his Bachelor degree. 

Leo returned to Sioux Falls and began a job that took him to a career of over forty years with American Western (Berry Global.)  He was currently employed as a Section Lead at Berry Global.

On May 29, 2004, he was united in marriage to Shelly Arndt. The couple enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas each year in October and spending times at the family cabin at Lake Cochrane, SD. Leo enjoyed fishing and golfing, and playing league softball and darts.

Children adored Leo. He was not only a friend and mentor to them, but he also inspired the younger kids to become better versions of themselves. He was a man of trust, loyalty, and had a very strong work ethic. It was said about Leo that he was the most outstanding person you’d ever meet. 

Diagnosed in 2019 with thyroid cancer, Leo always led the way with courage, hope and strength. 

Grateful for having shared his life with him are his wife, Shelly of Sioux Falls, SD; his step-children, Nikki Anderson of Sioux Falls, SD, Craig Arndt of Hartford, SD, Daryl Winters of Lennox, SD,  Malissa Moyer of Baltic, SD, and Jenni (Jody) Jorgensen of Renner, SD; his siblings, Dan Crawford of Lee's Summit, MO, Mary Jo Crawford of Sioux Falls, SD, Terri Crawford of Sioux Falls, SD, Julie (Rod) King of Centerville, SD, Paul (Theresa) Crawford of Brookings, SD, Peggy (Jeff) Jaeger of Sioux Falls, SD, and Casey Crawford of Sioux Falls, SD; and his eight grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Gay Crawford; and his brother, Tim Crawford. 

Daniel Joseph Beacom, age 67, passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at his home in Sioux Falls, SD.  Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 AM on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, SD with burial at St. Michael Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.  His family will be present to greet friends for visitation on Tuesday at the church beginning at 5:00 PM. A Liturgical Wake Service followed by the Holy Rosary will begin at 7:30 PM. For both services, in celebration of Dan's life, please wear something that reminds you of Dan or his fun personality.  

Daniel Joseph Beacom was born on February 26, 1956 in Sioux City, Iowa to Bartholomew and Joanne (Beaubien) Beacom.  Dan was raised in the Hilltop neighborhood of Sioux Falls and attended St. Lambert Catholic School, graduating from O’Gorman High School in 1974.  While in high school, Dan excelled in athletics, running cross country and track.  Following high school, Dan continued his education at Sioux Empire Community College in Hawarden, IA where he received his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice.  Dan then continued his education and running career at Dakota State University in Madison, SD, earning his Bachelors Degree in Sociology. While at DSU, he had the great honor of running with his favorite teammate – his brother, Miles Kelly.

Dan was united in marriage to his forever love, Ann Roemen, on October 3, 1987 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, SD.  The couple made their home in Sioux Falls and were blessed with three children – Jordan, Jonah, and Hannah, and one granddaughter, Kristi.

Dan worked for over 30 years as a home detention officer at the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center. He took great pride in not only helping troubled kids learn from their mistakes, but also teaching them, and their families, how to pave a path for a successful future.  Following his retirement, Dan worked as a security guard at Carsforsale.com – a job that he looked forward to every day. He often said he never knew work could be so much fun. He always looked forward to seeing and getting to know his co-workers and hearing the compliments he was sure to get on his trademark style. 

Dan had a great sense of humor, was a gifted storyteller, and loved having fun – whether it was costume parties, game nights with his family, or traveling the world.  When describing Dan, common themes are kindness, authenticity, and graciousness. He enjoyed running in numerous races, usually with his brother or children, and frequently said that he still had one more half marathon in him. In recent years, you could find him playing pickleball (nothing could get in the way of Thursday night pickleball) and softball on the Holy Spirit Church team, in which he was so proud to be teammates with his son. An avid sports fan, he rooted for the Green Bay Packers, Boston Red Sox, and his children’s and granddaughter’s teams.  Above all, Dan loved and supported his family. Dan was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, cousin, and friend who will be deeply missed.   

Grateful for having shared his life, with an additional 9 years, are his wife, Ann Roemen, Sioux Falls, SD; three children, Jordan Beacom, Sioux Falls, SD, Jonah Beacom, Omaha, NE, and Hannah Beacom (fiancé, Jake Rice), Omaha, NE; one granddaughter, and most beloved, Kristi Beacom, Sioux Falls, SD; his mother, Joanne Beacom, Sioux Falls, SD; siblings, Jeannie (Charlie) Schneider, Brandon, SD, Connie (Jim) Ross, Whitewood, SD, Miles Kelly (Lisa) Beacom, Sioux Falls, SD, Susan (Thomas) Underberg, Sioux Falls, SD, and Stephen (Stacey) Beacom, Sioux Falls, SD; Ann’s siblings, Paul (Carol) Roemen, Trent, SD, Donna Roemen, Minneapolis, MN, Tom (Roseann) Roemen, Littleton, CO, Bobbi (Jay Sittig) Roemen-Sittig, Dell Rapids, SD, Susan (Greg) Ricks, Savannah, GA, Mike Roemen, Dell Rapids, SD,  Alan (Ronda) Roemen, Sioux Falls, SD,  Jeanne (Steve) Farner, Omaha, NE, Mark (Christy) Roemen, Dell Rapids, SD, Dan (Renee) Roemen, Madison, SD, and Dianne (Mark) Lamb, Sioux Falls, SD; 53 nieces and nephews, many more great-nieces and great-nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.  

Daniel was preceded in death by his father, Bartholomew Beacom; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marie and Ervin Roemen; two brothers-in-laws, Tommy Francis Roemen and Francis Roemen; and one nephew, Samuel Farner. 

Michael “Mike” Joseph Bolger, 65, was diagnosed with cancer in August of this year. He passed away at the Dougherty Hospice House on Sunday, October 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Family will greet friends from 5:00-7:00pm with a scripture service to follow at 7:00pm on Thursday evening, October 26, 2023, at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Avenue in Sioux Falls, SD. At 8:00pm, a celebration of life will be held at Icon Event Hall, 400 N. Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD (400 door).

Mike was born on October 29, 1957, to Brian and Darlene (Pinard) Bolger. Born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, he was the eldest brother to Barb (Richard) Mayer, Steve (Shelia) and Ryan (Kristen), along with step-siblings Matthew (Trudy) Billion, Suzy (Jerry) Schrier, John (Katy) Billion, Jane Sejnoha, and Jim (Xiomara) Billion.  

After graduating from O’Gorman High School in 1975, Mike attended Dakota State College from 1975-1976, transferred to Augustana College and graduated in 1979. Mike spent 12 years in the meatpacking business and 26 years as an Independent Insurance Agent. In retirement, Mike found a second calling of substitute teaching. He especially found gratitude in working with the students and staff at Hawthorne Elementary School.

Mike met his “Sugar Magnolia”, Allison Berry in February 1992 and married on August 27, 1993. They were not only blessed to join their lives, but they were blessed to blend their families with sons Rob (Ali) Bolger, Joseph (Michelle) Bolger, and Mikhail Fredrickson. Their daughter, Mckenna, arrived in July 1995. Mike became a grandfather in 2011 and now has five grandchildren: Sullivan, Collyns, Josephine, and twins Isaac and Isabel.

In addition to his family, Mike loved the Philadelphia Eagles and The Grateful Dead. At six years old, he became a die-hard Eagles fan. As challenging as those 60 years may have been, his trips to The Linc and watching the Birds play (and win!) with his friends and family have been some of his best memories. In high school, Mike hopped on the bus and began his Long Strange Trip with the Grateful Dead. He has travelled the world to attend countless shows and has never stopped listening to the music play.

Mike was preceded in death by his father Brian Bolger, his mother Darlene Bolger, a cousin, and several aunts and uncles.

Honorary pallbearers are Keith Severson, Greg Dehnert, Dan Wallner, Dan Costello, Bill O’Connor, Gerry Elpert, Mike Kaplow, and Doug Haslip.

Lyons-Hegdahl, Teresa Life is less bright with the loss of St. Paul theater professor and director Teresa Lyons-Hegdahl, 65, on May 16, 2023, after fighting cancer privately and gracefully for 1 1/2 years. Not to confuse grace and hospitality. Lung cancer was an unwelcome diagnosis for someone busy planning a post-retirement third act of family, friends and - fingers crossed - future grandkids. It was also unexpected - Teresa's vices ran more toward Twin Bing candy bars. Over three decades as a master teacher, Teresa helped students from college first-years to Fortune 100 executives to communicate with impact. Over the course of her career, she performed (brilliantly) in, directed, produced, and provided dialect coaching for film, television, and dozens of stage productions. Always center-stage and center of the universe for Teresa were her husband, Craig, and son, Patrick. Three peas in a pod. Their loss is profound, and Teresa directly asked for all who loved her to help them keep going. That she is always and forever in their hearts is the silver lining to that loss that Teresa would be the first to point out. Teresa is preceded in death by her parents Dan Lyons and Helen Lyons of Sioux Falls, SD, and her brother Mike. She is also survived by siblings: Tom, Colleen, Mary, Patty, Tim, and Katherine, dear nieces, nephews, friends, and students everywhere who will always carry her in their hearts.

Bibiana Marie Whitwam, 65, of Sioux Falls passed away unexpectedly at her home. Bibiana, daughter of Evalyn and William Whitwam was born May 6, 1958 in Sioux Falls, SD. She grew up in Sioux Falls where she attended St Mary's Catholic School and graduated from O'Gorman High School in 1976. Bib worked with her father and her brother, Grant, at Park Grant Inc., a wholesale restaurant supplier. Following the passing of their father, Grant and Bib sold the business to Union Gospel Mission in 1996. Her mother, Evie, passed away in 1987, and her father, Bill, in 1993. Bib and Grant spent many weekends at the family lake home at Lake Kampeska, Watertown, SD. Bib enjoyed crocheting, painting, and reading books. She had a spot in the backyard full of day lilies and tiger lilies that she thoroughly enjoyed. She enjoyed fishing and bon files at the lake with her neighbors. Grateful for having shared her life is an aunt, Elissa Whitwam, three cousins Wayne, Bryce, and Elise Whitwam, and their children, and her neighbors at Lake Kampeska along with friends in Sioux Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Evalyn, and her brother, Grant, and an uncle Ward Whitwam. 

Jane Marie Norberg, was the sixth of seven children born to Sherwood and Dolores (Fischer) Norberg in Sioux Falls, SD on December 19, 1959. Beloved younger sister to Jeff, John, Joe, Mary and Nancy, and big sister to Jim. She died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, July 8, 2023.

Jane attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and O’Gorman High School, graduating in 1978. In school Jane was tall and athletic and a fierce competitor on the basketball court.

Jane attended LPN nursing school and then married the love of her life Donald J. (Don) Wingert on August 3, 1979 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sioux Falls. She was a devoted wife, supporting Don tirelessly through the early years of medical training and as he later became a surgeon. The couple moved several times before settling back in Sioux Falls. Jane was a devoted mother to her two sons, Anthony and Joe Wingert. She loved, nurtured and cared for them selflessly through the ups and downs of life. Her abiding love and support for all her family never wavered.

She derived great pleasure from showering thoughtful gifts and kindnesses on those she loved including her friends and large extended family. Her mother, Dolores Norberg, preceded her in death by only 10 days and Jane was a constant companion and dear friend to her. We are all devastated by the loss of Jane’s life. The memories of her beautiful smile and pure heart will be in our hearts and minds forever.

Jane was a warrior. She lived with a rare and debilitating condition, and other than when it was impossible to ignore the limitations it placed on her, she continued to fully embrace the outdoors and nature that she loved so much. She found tremendous joy in being out in the great open spaces of South Dakota. And she travelled widely until it was no longer possible to do so.

Surviving Jane and blessed for sharing her life are her husband Dr. Donald Wingert and sons, Anthony and Joe Wingert of Sioux Falls and her siblings: Jeff (Terry Ann) Norberg, Sequim, WA, John (Sue) Norberg, Sioux Falls, SD, Joe (Anne) Norberg, Gig Harbor, WA, Mary (John) Bingham, Yukon, OK, Nancy (Dick) Gustaf, Sioux Falls, SD, and Jim (Nancy) Norberg, St. Louis, MO; and many beloved nieces and nephews and even more great nieces and nephews and extended family.

Kathleen Ann Lastine (Ronan) was born on June 5th, 1962 in Sioux Falls, SD to Neil Ronan and Roberta Atkins. She was raised in Minnesota (Slayton, Pipestone and Mahtomedi) and Maryland (Riverdale and Bowie) before returning to Sioux Falls her senior year to graduate from O’Gorman High School in 1980. After graduating from high school, she studied at several universities, ultimately graduating in 1984 with a degree in Social Work from St. Catherine University, or “St. Kate’s”, in St. Paul, MN.

In 1986, Kathleen’s love of new experiences and serving others led her to join the United States Peace Corps in Yaoundé, Cameroon where she promoted women’s health and advocacy and helped local women develop a safe water system. After returning from Cameroon, she moved to San Francisco, CA where she worked as an international student advisor and later met her first husband, Randy Perkins. She and Randy were married in 1993 and moved to Mississippi for a short time until their love of traveling and adventure led them abroad to live and raise their three children, Maggie, Klara, and Sam, in Egypt, Nepal, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Kathleen and family moved back to the United States in 2002, at which point she and Randy took over ownership of Great Plains Coffee Roasting Company in Sioux Falls, SD (a family business started by her mother, Roberta). 

Kathleen met her husband, Dr. Michael Lastine, through mutual friends in 2005 and they married June 16th, 2007 in Pipestone, MN where they resided. Kathleen adored Mike, and they created a full, bright, happy life filled with shared hobbies and faith, family, travels and jokes. Mike reminisces that they went to bed laughing almost every night, and had one rule in their marriage: to make the other happy.

Kathleen was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pipestone, MN where she led health seminars and was active in Bible studies. She enjoyed running (including two marathons), tennis, gardening, playing flute, puzzles and card games, calligraphy, and watching the Minnesota Twins (and was guilty of occasionally taking her kids out of school to go see a game - why not!). Her Grandma Ronan taught high school French, which sparked Kathleen’s interest; she studied French in high school and college and later spoke it fluently after using French in the Peace Corps. Her passion for life and openness to new people and experiences was apparent throughout her entire life. 

Kathleen and those who knew her would say her greatest honor in life was being a mother. As a child, she was devoted to looking after her younger siblings and as she grew up, she made it clear she couldn’t wait to have kids of her own. Her siblings lovingly teased her about this, calling her “baby trainer”. To no one’s surprise, Kathleen was an outstanding mom, always patient, understanding, compassionate, nurturing, and encouraging. She loved attending her kids’ school events and helping in any way possible (including dancing on stage at after-prom and leading the wave at high school volleyball games). She led by example for her children and others; her kids remember her calling store managers to tell them how amazing the cashier that helped them that day was. As she started to lose her memory, one of her concerns was telling everyone around her how wonderful and beautiful they were. Her kids will always remember their mom telling them “KIT” (keep in touch) and “I love you” every time they headed out the door.

In 2012, Kathleen was diagnosed with dementia due to cerebral malaria contracted during her time in Cameroon. From that point forward, Mike devoted his life to taking excellent care of Kathleen every second of every day. His actions have been nothing short of heroic, a true display of love, loyalty, and partnership. Kathleen died peacefully at home, with family, on June 5th, 2023, her 61st birthday.

She is lovingly and forever remembered by her husband, Dr. Michael Lastine of Pipestone, MN; children, Maggie Perkins of San Francisco, CA, Klara Perkins of San Luis Obispo, CA and Sam Perkins of Duluth, MN; her mother, Roberta Atkins of Green Valley, AZ; siblings, Carolyn “Cary” Ronan of San Francisco, CA, Patrick “Pat” Ronan and Sarah Flynn and their children Grace and James of Sioux Falls, SD, and Sasha Ronan of Green Valley, AZ and Sister-in-law Isabel Puertas-Ronan and children Emily Ronan and Kaitlin Ronan of Brisbane, Australia and Melbourne, Australia ; Uncle Jack Ronan of Green Valley, AZ; step-children, Angel Lastine of Minneapolis, MN, Jody and Dusty Klein and their children of Fort Calhoun, NE, Katie and Trevor Gates and their children of Erie, CO, Wendy Lastine and Marcio Bousada and their baby on the way of Denver, CO and Leif and Holly Lastine of Fridley, MN; and her spectacular caregivers, to whom her family is forever grateful. She was preceded in death by her father, Neil Ronan; brothers, Kevin and Michael Ronan; nephew, Christopher Ronan; grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Jane Evelyn Barnett, 56, passed away unexpectedly at her home on July 27, 2023 from a cardiac event.

Donald J. and Marilyn J. (Forrette) Barnett welcomed their fourth child and second daughter on July 27, 1967.  They mutually expressed their joy by saying “We have another girl!”

Jane grew up in Sioux Falls, SD and attended St. Mary School and graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1985.  She received a degree in Business Management from the University of South Dakota in 1989.  In her younger days she enjoyed gymnastics and ballet; she was a cheerleader in high school.  She spent many summers with her siblings at Westward Ho Pool.

Immediately after college graduation Jane partnered with her father helping him manage his businesses.  She moved out to California in 1991 where she began to build her expertise in business finance focusing specifically on SBA loans.  Her next move was to Illinois where her proficiency in the SBA program was renowned and she was requested to share her knowledge to large audiences on several occasions.  Throughout her career she held several Executive positions in the finance and banking industry.  Fiercely independent she ran her own consulting company and helped many businesses turn around their finances and become successful.   Most recently, Jane served as CFO for a manufacturing company in Sioux Falls.

Jane was a loving and giving soul.  She will be dearly missed.  Her infectious laugh lit up every room.  She never left the house without being completely put together.  She loved bling and always had something sparkly to wear.  Jane’s generosity to her family and friends knew no bounds.  She would shower everyone with thoughtful gifts to celebrate holidays and birthdays.  Doting on her nieces and nephews was her favorite sport.  She even tolerated camping with them on occasion!!

Jane never married and was preceded in death by Greg Rayman.  Greg was her soul mate and the love of her life.  The grief felt by all who knew them is assuaged by knowing they are now together.

Forever grateful for having shared her life are her parents, Donald J. and Marilyn J. (Forrette) Barnett, her siblings David P. Barnett (Cindy Elia), Donald G. Barnett (Kim), Jeanne M. Vold (Gene) and Douglas P. Barnett (Jodie), her nieces and nephews Jesse Soma, Jamie (Devon) Reinke, Anika Vold, Grace Barnett, Patrick Barnett and her great niece and nephew Charlette Reinke and Ace Soma.

Sara Marie Wilcox, age 52, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, September 2, 2023 from Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Sara Marie Tyson was born on August 3, 1971 in Marshall, MN to Robert and Marlene (Stassen) Tyson.  While Bob was serving in the Army, Sara lived in Kentucky, Texas and Germany before making her home in Sioux Falls, SD in junior high.  She received her high school education at O’Gorman High School class of 1988.  

Sara was united in marriage with Richard Wilcox on October 23, 1989 in Sioux Falls, SD.  The couple made their home on the East side of town and were blessed with four children, Jordan, Lacey, Colin and Aric.  

From an early age, Sara developed a love of caring for people. From her working with her mother for over 20 years at Bethany Lutheran Home as a CNA and then spending several more at Active Generations to being blessed in caring for her grandchildren at least three days a week for the last six years, Sara always was willing to put the needs of others before her own.  Sara’s warm smile quick wit, and intelligence left a positive impact on anyone lucky enough to know her.   

Also at an early age, Sara developed a passion for music, especially Rock, and passed this passion on to her own children. She was looking forward to seeing Queen this fall in St. Paul, MN.   Additionally, Sara was an avid reader and had amassed a collection of books that rivals those of some small libraries. She also greatly enjoyed decorating her home, especially for Halloween and Christmas.  Above all, however, she loved and cherished her family. She loved the annual trips to the Black Hills with her husband and loving on and spoiling her grandchildren.  Sara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend who will be dearly missed. 

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Richard Wilcox, Sioux Falls, SD; four children, Jordan Wilcox and his wife, Ashley, Lacey Wilcox, Colin Wilcox and his wife, Cristin and Aric Wilcox and his partner, Mary Jane Serck; honorary son, Dominique Kubik; three grandchildren, David, Elizabeth and Jessie; step-grandchildren, Natalie and Grayson; her parents, Bob and Marlene Tyson; two brothers, Todd Tyson and his wife, Toni of Denver, CO and Kevin Tyson and his wife, Erika of Columbia, MD; one sister, Amanda Driesen and her husband, Joshua of St. Paul, MN; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Hubert and Blanche Stassen; and her in-laws, Derald and Shirley Wilcox.