In Memoriam

Justina June “Gussie” Lewis, 88, died at her home in Sturgis on Monday, August 29, 2022.

Gussie was born July 7, 1934, in Sioux Falls, SD, the middle child of James and Marguerite (Castle) Adams.

She grew up in loving family surrounded by siblings and cousins. Gussie met her future husband and love of her life, Dwane Lewis, at the age of 15 while ice-skating at Drake Springs in Sioux Falls. They were married three years later on August 28, 1952. She was blessed with ten children, thirty-one grandchildren, forty-one great-grandchildren and two great-great- grandchildren.

Early on, Gussie was a homemaker, but her ever growing family caused her to seek employment both at and away from home. She waitressed on and off for the Nickel Plate Restaurant, babysat, worked for South Dakota Department of Agriculture and delivered phone books. After the family moved to Sturgis in 1972, she worked for many years at Sparrow’s Bakery. Gussie also performed the bookkeeping for the family business, Lewis Well Drilling.

Gussie was invited to join the “Coffee Club” by her friend, June in Sioux Falls. There she played Tripoley, drank coffee (of course) and made many life-long friendships. She was active in Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts. In 1965, along with Frank Caffrey, they started the Hilltop Softball League in Sioux Falls. The ball fields are still there at Saint Lambert’s Church. Gussie made many more friends as a member of TOPS in Sturgis. She enjoyed playing cards, watching the Minnesota Twins compete, game shows, and the companionship of family, and friends. Gussie had a loving soul and was always the favorite of small children, and animals. Many of her nieces and nephews considered her a second mom. It is possible that each of her nieces will always think that they were her favorite. She was a member of Saint Francis of Assisi Church for fifty years.

Gussie is survived by nine children, Dwane (Denise) Lewis, Catherine (Dana) Shay, James (Joan) Lewis, David Lewis, Edward (Colleen) Lewis, Mary (Mike) Jensen, Carol (Jim) Hamilton, Robert (Shalae) Lewis, and Julie (Greg) Bernal; Gussie was blessed with thirty-one grandchildren, Rebecca (Scott) Winn, Andrea (Taylor) Kuhl, Adam Clauson, Jesse Riddle, Moriah (Brock) Williams, Samantha (Joel) Greenacre, Heidi Jo (Mike) Uit De Flesch, Tina (Terje) Hansen, Josh (Kathy) Lewis, Heidi Ann Hoffman, Jeremiah (Alicia) Lewis, Shaun (Karen) Lewis, Matthew Lewis, Sarah (Pat) Lewis, Jamie (Stephen) Standen, Adam Lewis, Krista (Austin) Lewis, Daniel Jensen, Kristi Jensen, Elizabeth (Brady) Jensen, Amanda (Kasey) Shoun, Robert Hamilton, Ben Hamilton, Dewey (Amore`) Hamilton, Cassandra (Jeff) Reed, Mary (Danny) Strain, Emily and Mitchell Massey, Megan Bernal, Alyssa Bernal, and Melissa (Jerome) Crouch; forty-one great-grandchildren, Landon, and Thomas Winn, Sophia, and Jackson Kuhl, Terrel, Terrance, Tatum, Tessa, Rhett, and Morgan Williams, Joleen, and Lander Greenacre, Daniel Walter, Ireland Uit De Flesch, Christian, and Olivia Hansen, EJ, and Adalee Lewis, Jace Johnson, Karina (Alex) Causey, Nolan, and Jaden Williams, Addison Wetzler, Abigail, Ashley, and Andrew Standen, Hayden Wipf-Engel, Aubree, Hazeli, and Aurora Engel, Justin Jensen, Gage, Breanna, Gavin, Maddison, and Makayla Shoun, Dwane Hamilton, Jocelyn Reed, Hudson, and Harper Strain, and Maverick Massey; two great-great-grandchildren, Evie, and Ellie Causey; siblings, Mitzi Baustian, Bud Adams, Susie Thomas, Georgia (Harold) Bates, Virgil Lewis, Julie Carr, and Debbie (Terry) Hopkins; special friends, Trish Piechal, Barb and Hugh Wier and family, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and outlaws.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dwane; and son, Mark; son in laws, James Riddle, and Robert Hamilton; sisters, Pauline Hanson, Mona Lewis, Barbara Rodecap, Margie Sumner, Carole Whalen; brothers, Jim Adams, Robbie Castle; and countless loved ones.    

Marjorie Tapken, 87, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, surrounded by her family.

Visitation with the family present will begin at 5 pm with a prayer service followed by a rosary at 6:30 pm on Monday, September 26, 2022, at Miller Funeral Home, 507 South Main Avenue. The prayer service will be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/mk3no9kV5_E

In lieu of flowers, hug your parents. Tell them they did a good job. Be brave. Adventure. Sit in a glider and look at the blue sky and give yourself a perfect day.

Marjorie Helen Smith was born October 18,1934 in Beresford, SD to Elizabeth (Bess) Malloy and Charles Smith. She moved to Sioux Falls July 1, 1942 before starting fourth grade at St. Joseph Cathedral School, where she met many lifelong friends, in particular Leah Hunter. They lived a block away from each other on Duluth Avenue.

During high school, Marjorie worked at the Hollywood theatre, and created a stir at the annual Knights of Columbus Mardi Gras with eleven friends who were all dressed as calendar girls. She was Miss October! After graduation she worked at Manchester Biscuit where she met one of her best friends, Marianne Berendji. Marjorie and Marianne were often mistaken for sisters which they loved. From there she went to work for Braniff Airlines. She met Ronny Tapken during an airport shift, and on their first date they went to see ‘Gone With The Wind’.

On February 27, 1962 Marjorie married Ronny at St. Joseph Cathedral. They enjoyed being involved in theatre and parish life together and were the first married couple honored by the Sioux Falls Community Playhouse with the Bechtold Award for their service both on stage and behind the scenes, building sets and serving on the board. Cast parties at the Tapken home were legendary.

Marjorie was very involved during the kids’ elementary years at St. Joseph Cathedral School. She assisted with many school holiday programs, and through the years never missed a basketball game, baseball game, concert, recital, play or kickball game. She and Ronny wrote and directed a Cathedral Capers show – the annual parish fundraiser at the time – and she would go on to co-direct three more Capers shows, two with dear friend Karen Noonan.

Ronny passed away in 1975, leaving Marjorie to raise four kids age twelve and under, which she did with the grace of God. After a short hiatus, she was back on stage, where she twice had the lead in On Golden Pond, traveled to Ireland with the Community Playhouse’s production of The Diviners and appeared in their award-winning production of Other People’s Money at AACT Fest. 

She spent 20 years at Dayton’s in human resources, where friends and children of friends found a friendly face when they went to apply. She wrote a “Best Friends Cookbook” with Marianne Berendji and had a book signing at Barnes and Noble. Marjorie loved traveling, trips with her Cathedral class of ‘52 friends, seeing her grandson Jonathan follow in her theatre footsteps, and going to her beloved cabin at Brant Lake.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Ronny, her beloved sister and best friend Betty Ann, and her brother Jack. Thankful for sharing her life are her children Andy Tapken, Nancy Tapken, Peter Tapken (Sue Holm) and Sally Tapken, grandson Jonathan Mor and many, many friends and relatives. 

The earthly play has ended, but the heavenly show goes on. Well done good and faithful servant. We love you.

Blaine - Barbara Rose Banbury Montville, age 80, passed away on May 31, 2022 in Blaine, MN. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 16th at Gearhart Funeral Home in Coon Rapids, MN from 11:00 am—2:00 pm with interment at Morningside Memorial Gardens in Coon Rapids at 2:30 pm.

Born in Aurora, IL, Barbara grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, graduating from Cathedral High School in 1960. After attending Nettleton Business College, she moved to Minneapolis, worked at an insurance agency, got married, and had a daughter and two sons. Barbara's favored interjection was, "Oh my God," using it to express joy at the birth of her three children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She used it to express sorrow at the death of her parents, her husband, her brother, and sister. She would also utter this frequent refrain at family visitations and vacations, the unwrapping of gifts, the antics of the family's two dogs and three cats, and even upon receiving her Avon products. In one of her last conversations, Barbara said, "I have two wishes. I want to live to be 90, and I want to take my family to Puerto Vallarta one more time." She didn't get her wishes, but on her heavenly 90th birthday, her family will go to Puerto Vallarta, sit on the balcony where she loved to gaze at the Pacific, and hear in the soft ocean breeze the words, "Oh my God," and remember.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Adele and Richard, husband, Jim, and siblings Jim and Annie. She is survived by her daughter Nancy, and son-in-law Bryon Davis of Blaine, MN, with whom she lived, son Richard of Bohemia, NY (life partner Kathleen Sawtelle), and son Robert of Ebenezer, Canada (life partner Aleshia Crozier); her grandchildren: Jennifer Davis Rindsig (Chris) of Sioux Falls, SD, Eric Davis of Blaine, MN, Hailey and Dylan Montville of Shirley NY: the children of her sons' partners, William and Christopher Wiebalck, and Landon, George, and Eve Crozier; two great grandchildren: Carter and Cora Rindsig of Sioux Falls; and two sisters: Mary Banbury of Munich, Germany and Patrice Tunge of North Dakota.

D. Michael (Mike) Lynch, 79, gave the Irish goodbye when he passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Sunday, October 2, 2022, in Charles Town, WV. Mike was born on November 30, 1942, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Gerald and Lillian Lynch. He graduated from Cathedral High School and continued his education at Sioux Falls College where he graduated with a teaching degree in Latin and French. He then taught in Des Moines, Iowa for 3 years before taking a hiatus from teaching. On June 8, 1979, Mike married the love of his life, Racine Joyce Lynch (Holmes). They welcomed their daughter, Emerald Michaeline Lynch on October 14, 1979 and their second daughter, Meghan Raelene Lynch on October 8, 1981. Mike and Racine moved their family to Charles Town, WV in 1983 and he began teaching again in 1986. He spent most of his years teaching Latin in Berkeley County, WV where he split his time between Hedgesville High School and Musselman High School, where he later retired. He continued teaching in Clarke County for two years before finally calling it quits. Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids. He was an avid golfer and bowler. He enjoyed hockey (Go Caps!), doing his daily crosswords puzzles and watching Jeopardy! every evening. Mike was known for his patience and calm demeanor, his impeccable wit and sense of humor, his compassion and kindness and his infectious laugh. He never met a stranger and never passed up a hitchhiker. Mike is survived by his wife Racine (Charles Town), daughters, Emerald (Ranson, WV), Meghan (Winchester, VA) and three grandchildren, Phoenix, Leandro and Javier. Mike was from a very large family and is survived by his siblings, Terry (Diana) Lynch, Chuck (Jackie) Lynch, Dick (Judy) Lynch, Steve (Roxanne) Lynch, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Lillian Lynch and siblings Elaine, Jerry, Patricia, Colleen, Jim and Marilyn. A most loving and dedicated husband, father and friend, Mike will be missed dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com

Linda Atkins Peterson, 78, passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on October 17, 2022. The cliché of being larger than life was no cliché when it came to Linda. She led by example, living a life of kindness, generosity, and fun.

Linda Jane Atkins was born on April 25, 1944 to the late Robert Charles Atkins and Elizabeth Louise Seely Atkins of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Linda graduated from St. Elizabeth’s Academy in St. Louis, Missouri and attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. While at college she met and married her husband of 59 years, Kendall Archie Peterson of Northville SD. Together they had three children and three grandchildren.

Linda was the third of twelve Atkins children. She often spoke of a storied childhood where she developed interests that she would relish even as an adult: the arts, fashion, travel and a love for reading; although nothing compared to Linda’s love of time with her family and friends. Linda was able to truly enjoy a wide range of activities and people. She was equally comfortable in jeans cheering on the home team at a ballgame, leading a children’s sermon in church, driving a truck in a wheat field, or socializing at a gala event. Although her approach may not have always been conventional, she maintained her own brand of style, leaving friends to comment endearingly, “Oh that’s just Linda.”

In 1975 Linda and her husband Kendall relocated to his family farm in Northville, South Dakota and although it was a cultural adjustment, it was here that she would build relationships to last a lifetime. Recently, a neighbor friend commented to Linda “when you and Kendall moved to Northville, he may have brought farming expertise to the community, but you brought the sparkle.” Linda did bring sparkle and it was evidenced in her homemaking, her beautiful flower gardens and her flair for entertaining. She often told her daughters “Where ever you land, make it your home and then bloom where you are planted.”

Linda’s life was certainly not all gardens and parties. She worked hard alongside her husband to build a successful business and farm. While raising her family and working with her husband, she went back to Northern State University to complete a degree in education. She lived by a credo of both being a lady while at the same time maintaining independence.

Linda recently commented to her daughters “when it is my time, I hope people remember me as a kind lady.” Many were the beneficiaries of her kindness and volunteer work. She loved helping people in ways both large and small. Linda and her husband traveled to the Philippines on multiple occasions to help build a women’s Christian college in Manilla. They worked on missions in rural Appalachia to help feed underserved communities; she worked tirelessly on the church Alter Society and provided active leadership to the mission work of the church and the United Methodist Women’s group. As much as the larger undertakings brought her fulfillment, she also loved small gestures of kindness such as hosting an annual trick or treat for the children of the community on Halloween eve, or randomly surprising a stranger by anonymously paying for their meal or groceries. While reminiscing about their grandmother over the past few days, her eldest granddaughter recounted the time Linda came home from Cuba with empty suitcases because she had left all of her belongings with Cuban women whom she believed needed those clothes and personal items.

Services for Linda are as unconventional as she and reflect two of her great passions - theater/arts and religion. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, October 22 at 2:00pm at the Capital Theater on Main Street in Aberdeen, where Linda served as Board President of the Community Theater. Linda always loved the theater and cultivated that love in her daughters and grandchildren. She also deeply valued her faith and her belief that church was not merely a building, but a community of believers that live out the Gospel in their words and actions. The service will be live streamed on the Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home website. Visitation will be held on Friday at 5:00pm at the United Methodist Church in Mellette, with a prayer service following at 7:00pm.

Above all, Linda adored her family, choosing to spend as much time as possible with them.

She is preceded in death by her son Phillip Lee, her husband Kendall Peterson, her parents, grandparents, sisters Judy and Peggy, and brother Mike.

She is survived by her daughters, Angela (Pat) Bernard of New Orleans, LA, and Amber (Jan) Scriver of Milbank, SD; grandchildren: Alexandra Lee Scriver of Minneapolis, MN, Hannah Angela Scriver (Austin Hoflock) of Sioux Falls, SD, Frank Phillip Todaro of New Orleans, LA, Valerie Bernard (Ryan) Griffin of New Orleans, LA, and Braxton Bernard of Washington, DC.; her sisters Roberta Atkins of Green Valley AZ, Susan Atkins (Kevin LaGraff) of Rotunda, FL, Annette Atkins of Minneapolis MN, Mary Atkins (Bob) Boe of Sioux Falls SD, Betsy (Tim) Cartwright of Minneapolis MN, Teresa (Matt) Davidson of Des Moines IA; her brothers Tom (Leila)Atkins of Sioux Falls, SD and Steven Atkins of New Zealand; her nieces, nephews and many special friends.

Robert “Bob” Saalborn passed away peacefully at Saint Joseph Hospital in Brainerd, MN on October 7, 2022. He was 75 years old. Bob was born to Edward and Helen (Newman) Saalborn in Sioux Falls, SD on November 7, 1946. He grew up in Sioux Falls, SD and graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1964. Bob attended Northern State University (Aberdeen, SD) earning a bachelor degree in Business Education in 1969. Bob met Carol in business school and married in 1968 in Sioux Falls, SD. They celebrated 54 years of marriage together and had four children and five grandchildren.

   Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970, and served in South Korea. Bob taught high school and was a foreman for John Morrell in SD. Bob and Carol moved to Eagan, MN in 1975 where he worked for the food industry in the convenience store business. He opened his own convenience store in Castle Rock, MN and ran it for 10 years. Bob was very active in the Rosemount and Longville-Remer MN VFW all his life. He held many different roles and participated in many activities.

   Bob’s life long dream was to won a place at the lake. In 1982 he and Carol bought land on Long Lake in Longville, MN and with the help of some professionals, friends and family the dream came true. Many fun times were shared with family and neighbors working, fishing and much more together. Bob enjoyed music, teaching and sharing his love of hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. All dogs loved Bob and he them.

   Bob is preceded in death by his parents: Edward and Helen Saalborn and brother: Ronald Saalborn. Left behind are his wife Carol; children: Philip Saalborn, John Saalborn, Thomas Saalborn and Renee Gast (Duane); grandchildren: Taylor Saalborn, Devin Gast, Harley Saalborn, Katie Gast and Jacob Jorgenson. Services and visitation were held Monday, October 24, 2022 at Salem Lutheran Church in Longville.

Michael Leroy Atkins, loving father, lover of golf and books, peacefully passed away on August 12, 2022, in North Augusta, SC, after a 14-month journey with cancer. He was with his daughter and granddaughter as he took his last breath. Mike was 75 years old. Mike is survived by his daughter, Erin Esser of North Augusta, SC and son, Eric (Carissa) Atkins of Chamblee, GA, and their mother, Connie Carrigan Atkins Manderscheid of Canton, GA; grandchildren, Ireland, Christian, and Phinehas Esser, Graham and Sloane Atkins; siblings, Roberta Atkins of Green Valley, AZ, Linda Peterson of Northville, SD, Susan (Kevin LaGraff) Atkins of Rotonda West, FL, Annette Atkins of Minneapolis, MN, Thomas (Leila) Atkins of Sioux Falls, Mary (Bob Boe) Atkins Boe of Sioux Falls, Betsy (Tim) Cartwright of Crystal, MN, Teresa (Matt) of Des Moines, IA, and Steve Atkins of New Zealand; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Betty Atkins; sisters, Judy and Peggy; and his grandparents. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations or contributions be made to First Tee – South Dakota.

Richard was born on September 3, 1948 in Madison, South Dakota, the son of Martin and Eilene (Carmody) Nelson. He graduated from O'Gorman high school in the class of 1967. He served in the US Coastal Guard for 4 years and took great pride in serving during the Vietnam War. Most of his service time was on ice breakers in the Arctic. He was president of Nelson Construction and later worked for Kingsberry rural water.

Richard married Mary Nelson with whom he had three children, Ryan, and twins Aaron and Robin, who he loved very much and took exceptional pride in. Later on they were divorced.

He was loved for his easy going sense of humor. When his children were growing up he would poke fun at his own pot belly, saying he used to have a battle ship tattooed in his stomach, but then it sunk. Rich employed this sense of humor in his insatiable flirt campaigns, bringing smiles (and perhaps some blushes) to most women who spent more than a moment within verbal range.

His deep sense of justice and attention to local and world affairs spurred him to run for mayor in 1994 with a campaign that focused on the common person and re-building people's trust in government.

Rich was 74 years old when he passed away on October 9, 2022 at Avantara Norton Nursing Home in Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls - Joanne E. Lindstrom, 69, passed away Monday, May 31. 2022 surrounded by her loving family.

A Celebration of life service will be held 11:00am Monday, June 6, 2022 at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Visitation will be held Sunday, 3:00-5:00pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church with a prayer service at 5:00pm.

Survivors include her husband, Terry Lindstrom; children, Craig Lindstrom (Patti) Brandon SD, Dawn Thie (Chris) Sioux Falls SD, Kelly Lindstrom (Steve Petersen) Valley Springs SD; 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; siblings, Richard Nickel (Betty) Fallbrook CA, Steve Nickel Austin TX, Fred Nickel Sioux Falls SD, Holly Grasee (Darell) Sioux Falls SD, Kathy Reilly (Pete) Sioux Falls SD, Jane Foster (Ed) Chino Hills CA; many special nieces and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by parents Richard E Nickel, Lucena "Cindy" Nickel, and son Jonathan Lindstrom. www.heritagesfsd.com

Thomas R. Loveland, age 69, of Sioux Falls, passed away at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls on May 13, 2022.

Tom was born June 22, 1952 to Jack and Rosalie Loveland in Saint Paul, MN. After graduating from O’Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, SD, he attended South Dakota State University where he earned a degree in geography. He went on to earn an MS in geography at SDSU, and a Ph.D. in geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Cam, in 1974, eventually sharing their lives with their two children, Shannon and Bill.

Tom was a pioneer in geographic remote sensing. He led a distinguished career with the U.S. Geological Society in the study of land use and land change, with projects spanning the globe and guiding the management of economic security, environmental health, and natural resources. He was the recipient of numerous awards, most notably the Pecora Award in 2019 for outstanding contributions to earth science as a leading scientist for the USGS and as chief scientist at the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science Center (EROS), and his 2018 induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

Tom was passionate about many things in life; his work, his family, traveling, cooking, and Twins baseball, among others.

Ever grateful for having shared his life are his devoted wife Cam, daughter Shannon (Nick) Gustafson, Harrisburg, SD; son Bill (Leslie), Tahoe City, CA; two grandchildren, Declan and Reagan; sister, Jane (Jim) Wirth, Colorado Springs, CO; brothers, Dan (Kathy), Sioux Falls, SD, Paul, Rosemount, MN, Jim (special friend Jennifer Logan), Sioux Falls, SD, and Joe (Jodi) Lakewood, MN; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

David Michael McMahon, age 64, passed away June 4, 2022, at St. Joseph Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, due to complications after surgery.

Memorial service will take place at 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at St. George Catholic Church in Hartford, SD.  Burial will follow at the St. George Catholic Cemetery in Hartford.

He was born September 24, 1957, to Duane and Darlene (Mitchell) McMahon.  He attended O’Gorman High School where he was involved in all things musical and graduated in 1975.  He then attended Mt. Marty College and SDSU.  After college, he worked at The Flower Shop in Sioux Falls, designing countless beautiful flower arrangements.  He moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1994 where he worked at the Biltmore Hotel and most recently for Corporate U-Haul for the past 25 years. 

David was best known for his tremendous musical talent, his gourmet cooking, and his infectious laugh. He was an organist and vocalist at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD and at St. Mary’s Basilica in Phoenix, AZ.

He is survived by his mother, Darlene McMahon; brother, Mark (Janelle) McMahon; brother, Tom (Renae) McMahon; nieces, Lacey (Matt) Hayes, Kendal McMahon, Alison McMahon; nephews, Connor McMahon, grandnephews, William and Theodore, and grandniece, Avonell; along with his partner of 25 years, Carl Veit.  He was preceded in death by his father, Duane McMahon. 

To all of us that knew and loved David, his memory will always live on in our hearts.

Linda M. Rogers, age 65 of Sioux City, IA passed away in her sleep at home on Monday, October 4, 2021.  She passed after a long journey through a cancer related illness. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Saturday, October 9, 2021 at St Therese Catholic Church in Sioux Falls.  

Linda Marie Rogers was born April 15th 1956 in Sioux Falls, SD to Ronald and Elaine (Varns) Wingert.  Having graduated from Pipestone Tech in Pipestone, MN, Linda became a talented tailor, building Linda’s Tailoring Service into a pinnacle of the industry in Sioux City, IA. Along with her staff, she made a wonderful impact on people around the city, from teens needing things from homecoming to prom making and altering dozens of dresses every year to making costumes for theaters in schools across Sioux Land and the Sioux City Community theater.

She and her husband loved to play music, going to their frequent “jam sessions” in Sioux City, Lemars, and even Texas, playing guitar and singing with their friends. Linda and Deral were excellent together and would steal the spotlight wherever they sang.

Linda was a fantastic mother and loving wife, always finding a way to bring a smile to her loved ones' faces. She will always be loved, and she will never be forgotten.

Linda is survived by her husband, Deral Rogers; children, James (Jenn) Graves, Carrie (Drew) Valenta, and Robert (Keo) Graves; her four grandchildren; Matthew, Emily, William, and Thomas; her parents; Ron and Elaine Wingert; two brothers; eight sisters; and a host of many other relatives and friends.

Linda was preceded in death by one brother, John Wingert.

George James “Jim” Thompson, 64, passed away June 13, 2022 at his home in Sioux Falls after a long illness. He was born on November 15, 1957 in Sioux Falls to George T. and Jane (Budget) Thompson. Jim attended Christ the King Elementary, Edison Jr. High, Washington High School, and graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1976. He served in the US Army. He held employment at the Stockyards, Morrell’s, Hander Plumbing and the VA Hospital. Jim was united in marriage to Renee Bertrand on August 2, 1982 and raised two children: Luke and Amber Jim enjoyed snow and water skiing, hunting, spending time at the lake, trimming trees, wood carving, making stained glass and candles. Jim is survived by his wife and two children; two grandchildren; mother: Jane Thompson; sisters: Nancy (Paul) Putz, Nevis, MN; Julie (Pedro) Tombaga, Roseville, MN; Karen (Ernie) Jones, Eagan, MN; and Lisa Thompson-Blaine (Mark Blaine), Omaha, NE. He was preceded in death by his father: George T. Thompson, and grandparents. 

Mark Aron Stevens, 61, passed away at Dougherty Hospice on Monday August 15, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

Mark was born on October 23, 1960, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Marvin (Jim) and Alice Stevens, as a child Mark dreamed of working on the railroad and began his career with Burlington Northern Railroad as a young man until he retired in 2020. Mark also served in the South Dakota National Guard for 10 or so years where he traveled the world before starting a family. Mark enjoyed working on cars and took pride in his Shelby GT 500 Mustang which he often entered in to mustang car contests in Sturgis. He often spent time camping and fishing with his boat and friends on the Missouri River. Mark shared his love of motorcycles with his two children. He was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life.

Mark is survived by his two children Kristen Rise and Aaron Stevens, his mother Alice Stevens, and two sisters Rosemarie Sand and Desiree Thul. He has four grandchildren Abel, Elizabeth, Amelia, and Lachlan.

Paul Francis Soukup was born in Wagner, South Dakota on December 8, 1960, the son of Frank and Marla (Payer) Soukup. He died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, SD. 

Paul graduated from O’Gorman High School in Sioux Falls in 1979 and earned his BA in Accounting from Briar Cliff in Sioux City, IA.

Paul married Mary Kelly in 1988. Four children were born to their union. 

Paul worked as the CFO at the hospitals in Armour and Platte, SD and has worked as the CFO at St. Luke’s Hospital in Ronan, MT since August of 2005. He also served on the Finance Committee for the Montana Hospital Association.

Paul will be remembered for his love of hunting, fishing, nature, the mountains of Montana, and running. Paul ran in many marathons. He loved his family very much. Paul was a free spirit who did it his way.

Thankful for having shared his life are his four children: April (Andrew) Buller of Aberdeen, SD, Maura (Austin) Cole of Emmetsburg, IA, Donald Soukup of Mitchell, SD, and Shalaki Soukup of Emmetsburg, IA; two grandchildren: Caitlin and Todd Cole; his mother, Marla Soukup of Wagner, SD; siblings: Mark (Kim) Soukup of Wagner, SD, Colin (Dawn) Soukup of Wagner, SD, Chris (Mary) Soukup of Sioux Falls, SD, Sharon Wiebenga of Tyndall, SD, and Lynn (Kim) Soukup of Wagner, SD; significant other, Kim McMillie of Polson, MT; aunts, uncles, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Paul was preceded in death by his father Frank, and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Patrick W. Ament age 54, passed away on August 6, 2022 at Avera McKennan Hospital.

Patrick W Ament was born on April 22, 1968 in Sioux Falls SD to Bill and Gen Ament.  He graduated from O’Gorman High School in Sioux Falls and from the University of South Dakota with a degree in Mass Communications.

After graduation he worked for Conlin’s Furniture and for The South Dakota Furniture Mart Group in Sioux Falls where he was currently the Store Manager for their Furniture USA location. Many friends and family members relied on Pat to help pick out the perfect furniture for their needs and he never let them down.

Pat was a kind soul whom would do anything he could to help his family and friends, always putting others first. He loved spending time with his family, and he really enjoyed a good concert. Pat also treasured his many friendships throughout his life and considered them all his family. 

Above all else Pat’s faith was a cornerstone in his life and he led his life as an example to all of us.

One of Pat’s best qualities was his sense of humor. He loved telling a good joke and his laugh was infectious. Our memories of all our fun times together as a family will be forever in our hearts.

Grateful and blessed for having shared his life are his sister and brother-in-law Lori and Terry Hilmoe, nephews Taylor Hilmoe and Blake Hilmoe, his niece and her husband Katie and Korey Stephens and their daughters Karalina and Kenzie. Pat was proceeded in death by his parents and his nephew Chase Hilmoe.

Jimmy Schneider, Class of ’87, passed away May 18, 2022.  Jimmy leaves a legacy of kindness and service to family and friends, blessed with his time here on earth and now in Heaven.  Grateful for having shared Jimmy’s life are his wife, Iryna Schneider, three sons Liam, Nolan and Vaughn, and stepdaughter Mila Vercellino.  Jimmy is also survived by his four sisters, Laurie McNamara (Class of ’70), Jean Murphy (Class of ’71), Sandy Wirth (Class of ’75), and Maureen Deutscher (Class of ’80).  Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Mary “Mickey” and Jim (Cathedral HS Class of ’47) Schneider.

Joseph N. Josten, Jr., of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away at home with his family by his side on Sunday, October 2, 2022. Joe was 53.

Joseph Nicholas Josten, Jr. was born December 16, 1968 to Joseph Nicholas and Barbara Ann (Liesinger) Josten in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Joe graduated from O’Gorman High School.

Following graduation, Joe worked at Gage Brothers and Gracco. He then began his lifelong career with Myrl & Roy’s Paving Inc. as a heavy equipment machine operator for 20 + years. Joe prided himself on his perfect attendance. After becoming disabled, Joe retired in 2019.

Joe was known for coming up with amusing little ditties and funny little nicknames and riddles. He was quick at math and had a mind full of information. Joe loved to hang out with good friends and his loving family. Joe also had a great love for dogs.

Joe enjoyed reading, traveling, drinking beer, playing games, and occasional video lottery at his favorite pub. He loved his significant other, Carrie Block, and loved spending time with her and her family on their family farm. He enjoyed watching Football and NASCAR on the television, and always looked forward to going to the NASCAR race in Las Vegas.

Grateful for having shared his life are his significant other, Carrie Block of Sioux Falls (and her son, Nicholas Bergseth of Sioux Falls); sisters, Julianne (Joe) Perez of Sioux Falls and Donna (David) Widman of Sioux Falls; nephews Nicholas Widman of Sioux Falls, Timothy (Francque) Pierce of Springfield, MO, and Christopher (Sydney) Widman of Sioux Falls; niece, Julia Nyberg; and great-nephew, Oliver Pierce.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Barbara Josten.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the family.

Michael's funeral will be available to view via livestream on St. Michael Parish's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelsfsd/

Michael Francis Smith, 53, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on June 18, 2022, after a courageous, battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer.  

Michael was born on October 14, 1968, to Gerri (Zweber) and James Smith in Yanton, SD. He attended O’Gorman High School (Class of 1987) and was active in marching, concert, and jazz bands. Mike went on to study at the University of South Dakota and receive his Bachelor of Music Education. Mike followed in his father’s footsteps as a high school band director, most recently at Alcester/Hudson and Beresford. Mike ended his career working at Wells Fargo.

Michael’s adventurous spirit resulted in many camping trips with friends and family and road trips across the United States. Despite his best effort, Mike fell just short of visiting all 50 states; Alaska and Louisiana were the only two remaining. He attended many rock concerts, with favorites being the Police and Rush. He captured moments in pictures and videos to share with others and to enjoy himself later. He enjoyed hiking, biking, tennis, playing drums, and sitting by the fire pit.  

Michael was preceded in death by his father, James Smith, and his grandparents, Frank and Elizabeth (Ellwein) Smith, and Ray F. Zweber. He is survived by his wife, Robin Rastani, Sioux Falls, SD; mother, Gerri (Zweber) Smith, Sioux Falls, SD; grandmother, Alma Zweber, Yankton, SD; brothers Brian (Joni), Dell Rapids, SD, and Matthew (Katie), Tea, SD; 2 nephews, Carson (Brian and Joni) and Miles (Matthew and Katie); 1 niece, Grace (Matthew and Katie).

Services will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Wednesday June 22, 2022, at 10:30 AM. The family will be available for visitation at 9:30 AM. A luncheon will follow the service. Memorial donations in Michael F. Smith’s name may be made to either Sanford Hospice via mail 2710 W 12^th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 in appreciation of the wonderful care he received or to the American Brain Tumor Association online at bit.ly/DonateABTA or via mail 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. #550, Chicago, IL 60631 for further research.