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Margaret Jorgensen

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Margaret Mary Jorgensen died on May 10, 2020 at her home in Dell Rapids, SD. A private family Mass of Christian Burial  will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the St. Mary Cemetery, Dell Rapids. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Margaret was born on January 5, 1927 to Nicholas and Margaret (Schwebach) Zeig in Flandreau, SD. At an early age she moved to Dell Rapids. She attended St. Mary’s School and graduated in 1945. She worked at a cafe and bakery. She married Wendell Jorgensen on April 3, 1950. In 1969, the couple owned and operated the Park Service for nine years. She then worked at Avera Mckennan Hospital as a housekeeper until retiring in 1989. Her husband died on June 11, 1989.

Margaret was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and altar society.

She loved music, playing piano and keyboard and playing cards with family and friends, but mostly her grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons, Ron of Madison, SD, Tom (Crystal) of Madison, NE, Dan and Dennis both of Dell Rapids; her daughters, Joanne Weelborg of Dell Rapids, Janet (Bill) Weber and Karen (Steve) Tramp of Sioux Falls, SD; her 22 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 6 step great-grandchildren, her two great-great-grandchildren, her 6 step great-great-grandchildren and her extended family.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter, Connie Lindholm, her parents, her four brothers, five sisters, her daughter-in-law, Barb Jorgensen and step great-granddaughter, Maggie.

Arlys Hill

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Arlys Hill, 81, of Dell Rapids, SD went home to be with Jesus on May 10, 2020. A private funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 in the River Community Church, Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the Apostolic Lutheran Cemetery, Lake Norden. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Arlys Elaine Drovdal was born on May 4, 1939 to Arthur and Evelyn (Mitchell) Drovdal in Summit, SD. On July 6, 1961 she married Silas M. Hill. They lived in Chicago, IL, Watertown, SD, Albertville, MN and Monticello, MN. In 1972 they moved to Howard, SD. Arlys worked various jobs including waitressing, nursing assistant and her most enjoyable job of being a Senior Companion. In 1993 Arlys and Si moved to Elbow Lake, MN to retire. Arlys moved to Madison, SD in 2005 after Si passed away to be closer to family.

Arlys enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Some of her fondest memories were summers spent at Pelican Lake in Ashby, MN. She also loved crafting and working with the elderly.

Grateful for having shared her life are her three daughters, Vicki Everett of Duluth, MN, Kathy (Bart) Blake of Dell Rapids, SD and Heidi Hill of Rapid City, SD; her grandchildren, Chris (Sandy) Drovdal, Jenny Everett of Duluth, MN, Zach (Laura) Hill of Green Bay, WI, Kayla (Jarrod) Brower, Kendall (Jesse) Olson and Nick (Merry) Hill of Sioux Falls, SD, Aaron (Kelsy) Blake of Harrisburg, SD, Brittani (Kylie) Walters of Fleetwood, PA, Eric Asbury of Feasterville, PA and Elizabeth Asbury of Rapid City, SD; her great-grandchildren, Emma, Addyson, Jordan, Baylee, Calvin and Baby Girl Olson to be born in September 2020, Mackenzie, Kylie, Brooke, Kane and Jonathon and her brother, Ken (Irene) Drovdal of Mandan, ND.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Si, her son, Rick, her daughter, Trudy, her brother, Gene and an infant sister, Karen Faye.

Memorials may be directed to River Community Church, Dell Rapids or West Central Baptist Church in Madison, SD.

Jeannette Torgusen

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Jeannette Juanita Torgusen age 88, of Mankato, passed away on May 8, 2020, at Cottagewood Senior Living in Mankato, MN, where she had been a resident since July of 2019, following a massive stroke in August of 2018. Due to Covid 19, the Visitation will be private. The funeral will be held live from Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home Friday May, 15th 2020 at 11am officiated by Pastor Mary Iverson of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wells, MN. Viewing of the service can be done at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home’s Facebook Page live at 11:00am. Please see www.brussheitner.com to leave online condolences. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is in charge of arrangements.

Jeannette was born in Minnesota Lake, MN, on September 19, 1931 to William and Martha (Werner) Beyer. She graduated from Minnesota Lake High School in 1949, and worked at the local bank. She met Lawrence Torgusen in High School and they were married in November 1953. Lawrence joined the Army and they were in Chicago for a short while and then came back to Minnesota Lake in 1955 where they had 6 children and lived until 1970. Jeannette was a homemaker and worked for Nordaas American Homes. In 1970 they moved their family of 8 to Dell Rapids, SD where she worked for the Singer Sewing Company in Sioux Falls, and the local bank in Dell Rapids, until 1975, when they moved to the Mankato area. From 1975 to 2009 she was a bank teller and teller supervisor at 3 Mankato Banks, and then retired at age 78. Her years of banking brought her close to so many in the community. Customer service was very important to her and getting to know her customers through kindness was how she achieved it.

Jeannette had an inspiring passion for gardening and the Minnesota Twins. She loved family reunions and a chance to get in the boat and do some fishing. She loved bowling for many many years, was an active member and spent several years in leadership at the Morson Ario Strand VFW Auxiliary in Mankato for over 30 years and the American Legion Auxiliary in Minnesota Lake for Decades more. She was an avid reader until her stroke. Above all, Jeannette’s kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were the light of her life. Not to mention her siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her grand puppies Autumn, Bogart and Sophie loved when she was in the house to spoil them.

Jeannette leaves behind 4 of her 6 children, son Peter (Nancy) Torgusen of Dell Rapids, SD, son Mark Torgusen of Jackson Hole, WY, daughter Mary Torgusen of Mankato, daughter Debra (Carl) Clark of Sioux Falls, SD and daughter in law Diane Torgusen of New Ulm. She leaves behind 11 Grandchildren, Trista, Peter III, Ashley, John, Jessica, Alise, Eric, Simone, Olivia, Courtney and Caitlin and 10 Great Grandchildren, Tyson, Lexi, Evelyn, Mason, Bryce, Genevieve, Cameron, Weston, Jordan, and Lucy. She is also survived by her sisters Joyce (Marlin) Krohnberg, Judy (Jim) Purdie, and Linda (Glen) Purdie and her brothers Bill (Sue) Beyer and John Beyer.

Jeannette is now reunited in heaven with her Parents, her husband Lawrence (1992), her 18-year old son John (1978), and her 54-year old son Paul (2012)

If you are in the Mankato area, and want to give a gift of flowers, please stop by and plant an annual in one of the flower pots, or just leave them in the flowerbed, and drop a note in the watering can at Mary’s house in honor of Jeannette. Mom would be overjoyed to watch love grow in her flowerbed. 106 N Plainview Avenue, Mankato.

Less Restrictions on Businesses in Dell Rapids

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As of Monday, May 4th, businesses in Dell Rapids have been able to operate with less restrictions. The Dell Rapids City Council passed the second reading of Ordinance 878, which loosens the restrictions placed on businesses by Ordinance 876.

The biggest change with the new ordinance is the number of patrons the businesses can have.  With Ordinance 876 businesses could only allow up to 10 patrons at a time, but Ordinance 878 will allow up to 50% of the maximum occupancy as determined by the City of Dell Rapids building or fie codes, whichever is greater.  Businesses should also attempt to establish a minimum six-foot distance between any tables, chairs, or booths.  That distance does not need to be followed by members of the same household.

City-owned property still remains closed until further notice by the Mayor.  Those properties include City Hall, Dell Rapids Carnegie Library, the swimming pool, public bathrooms, and ball fields to organized groups or teams.  The Mayor did open up the playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, and ball fields to non organized groups and teams on Friday, May 1st.

Dell Rapids Mayor Tom Earley did state the churches were not tied to this city ordinance and could operate as they wished.

Mayor Earley also said during the council meeting, “My concern and my worry is as things start to loosen up somewhat and less restrictions that people don’t interpret that to mean the virus not as deadly as it used to be.  No matter what we do, it doesn’t change anything about this virus.  The virus is still the same.  I think most people by now will realize that.  The purpose here is to work with our businesses and as long as we maintain communication with them, what we expect, etc, I’m sure all of them are willing.  Besides their businesses being at stake, they want to do the right thing.  They don’t want to do anything that’s gonna screw up their businesses.”

Full Text of Ordinance 878

Dell Rapids Ordinance 878

Virgil Gannon

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Virgil T. Gannon, 76, of Dell Rapids passed away on Monday, May 4, 2020 at the Dougherty Hospice House. In honoring Virgil’s wishes, there will be no service at this time. An Irish send-off is planned for a later date. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com.

Virgil Thomas Gannon was born on January 11, 1944 at Dell Rapids, SD, the son of Liguori and Doris (Johnson) Gannon. He attended school in Dell Rapids graduating from Dell Rapids High School in 1962. He attended College at Dakota State. During college, he worked for John Morrell’s. He married Carol Maseman, the couple later divorced. He married Carol Carlson on June 22, 1975 and moved to the Gannon family farm. They opened Gannon Bookkeeping and Tax Service in 1975. In 2016, they sold the business and retired in 2017.

He enjoyed his tax clients, flying and going to auctions. He was very proud of his Irish Heritage.

Virgil is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, William Gannon.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of Dell Rapids; his children, Virgil Scott Gannon of Sioux Falls, Shawn Gannon of Sioux Falls, Rob (Eileen) Gannon of Sioux Falls, Wendy Walker (Gary Hall) of Sioux Falls, Brett (Denise) Gannon of Cherokee, IA and his step-son, Todd (Jodi) Carlson of Wells, MN; his 13 grandchildren and his 10 great-grandchildren and his siblings, James (Renelle) Gannon of Washington D.C., Sharon Kay Gannon of Sioux Falls, John (Mary) Gannon of Mesa, AZ, Denny (Mary) Gannon of Dell Rapids and Mark (Gail) Gannon of Bozeman, MT and sister-in-law, Shirley Gannon of Sioux Falls.

With this Ring, I Give You my Heart

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Cancer nor coronavirus was able to stop this couple in love

Tammy Chamley | Editor | tchamley@ncppub.com

Photo taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley

Like any engaged couple, Alec Hansen and Roxy Dede started to plan their happily ever after last year after dating for two years.

Alec was born and raised in Dell Rapids. He is the second born son of Chris and Melissa Hansen and has four siblings, Jake, Noel, Tate and Briar. Alec graduated from Dell Rapids St. Mary High School in 2013. Alec currently works with his dad at Dells Plumbing and is a member of the Dell Rapids Volunteer Fire Department.

Roxy was born and raised in Sioux Falls and relocated to Worthing with her mom, Cindy, and her sister, Tori. While in high school, Roxy endured severe anxiety and was pulled out of public school and completed her high school career at home. Roxy now has a degree in Medical Coding and has been working for Avera for the past six years.

Alec and Roxy met through Roxy’s sister, Tori, who is currently engaged to Dell Rapids local, Mike Jaskot. “Tori thought it would be a good idea to give Alec my Snapchat,” Roxy explained. “We started talking and went on our first date.”

Photo taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley

With the engagement came plans for their big day. Alec and Roxy had planned to hold their ceremony at St. Mary Catholic Church with all of their family and friends with a reception and dance to follow. Venues were set, plans were in place and then Breast Cancer struck.

“I found my breast cancer by accident,” Roxy explained. “One night, Alec and I were getting ready for dinner and I had a sharp pain and felt a lump. I called my doctor’s office right away and was told that it was probably a cyst, because I was too young to have cancer.” After a round of antibiotics, the lump was still present on Roxy. A biopsy was conducted. After waiting about a week for the results, Roxy was told that it was in fact, cancer.

“We didn’t really have a plan, we took everything day by day,” Roxy said. “One thing we did know is that we wouldn’t be able to afford a wedding and all of the hospital bills that would be coming.”

With the coronavirus, Roxy is not able to have anyone with her during her chemo treatments at this time. Roxy along with her doctors have decided on proceeding with a double mastectomy. Due to the virus, the date of the surgery has yet to be set. Roxy and Alec continue to take a little more precaution than normal due to her weak immune system. “I don’t want to end up in the hospital,” Roxy stated.

“I had a conversation with one of my nurses about how we planned to postpone the wedding,” Roxy explained. “She told me that we could still get married if we wanted. Hearing that from someone who deals with cancer patients everyday really made us realize that yes, we can still get married.” Alec and Roxy decided on a small wedding with family. Once her treatments are complete, the couple plans to have a reception/cancer free party to celebrate.

On Saturday, April 18, Alec and Roxy were united as husband and wife.

Roxy, along with her mom, sister and future sister-in-law were getting ready at her home for the big reveal that was to take place at the local fire station. Once the dress was in place, make-up and hair complete, Roxy arrived at the station to see Alec before the ceremony.

Alec, with eyes closed, faced Engine #2 while Roxy made her way to her groom. When Alec turned to view his bride, the heartfelt embrace was nothing short of magical. “When I saw her I thought she looked absolutely stunning – so beautiful,” Alec stated. “I thought about that Ed Sheeran song, ‘I don’t deserve this,’ but I am the luckiest guy in the whole world right now.”

After an array of photos of the couple and their families, it was time for the ceremony to commence. Alec and Roxy chose a beautiful location just west of the dam in Dell Rapids. Around 6:30pm, the ceremony began. For those who were not able to be in attendance, the couple had set up a Facebook group where Briar, Alec’s sister, livestreamed the ceremony. With one attendant on each side, Alec and Roxy exchanged their rings, vows and devotion to one another. After the introduction of the couple, Brendon Nelson, the officiant of the ceremony read the following words that were felt deeply not only by the couple, but for those in attendance:

“Now, on a more serious note these two have already been through some hard times and still are going through some with cancer, but she is beating it, and will beat it… We can’t forget either that she has some help from above with her Grandma Ruth walking every step of the way with her…. Alec’s Grandma Mina is up there probably sipping on a Miller Lite saying her grandson cleans up pretty good and has an amazing bride. Lastly, is Lorien. Roxy’s best friend is standing beside her, happy that she is marrying the love of her life. All of these people are not here today in person, you can’t see them, but they are here in their own way.”

After the ceremony was complete, the couple and their families made their way back to their vehicles to attend a celebratory supper at the newlywed’s home. Walking down the path to where the vehicles were waiting, friends of the couple lined the path keeping their distance with honking of celebration and congratulations.

Departing the dam area, approaching third street, another surprise was awaiting the couple. The Dell Rapids Fire Department had the trucks decorated with signs of congratulations and announcing “Just Married” to the community of Dell Rapids. With music coming from the fire trucks and lights radiating the sky, the department led the couple throughout town to celebrate their recent vows.

“We wanted to show them support and it was a little way for them to know we are all behind them and wish them well in their life together,” Fire Chief Dan Diez said. “We had some discussions when Alec wasn’t around and then we had some text messages and phone calls discussing the plan. His dad was our inside man keeping us informed of all the details.”

Once the couple was paraded home, the DRFD continued to play “When I say I do” by Matthew West so Alec and Roxy could have their first dance as husband and wife in the street in front of their home.  

Congratulations to Alec and Roxy. May your marriage be full of love, health and a lifetime of happiness.

Want to read more from the Dells City Journal? Here’s how:

Website: http://dellsjournal.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dellscityjournal/

Tammy Chamley, Managing Editor
Contact Info:
Tel: 428-5600

Tips for Health During Covid and Summertime

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Interview with Dr. Matt Herber, Dell Rapids Avera Clinic

Photo taken from Dell Rapids Avera Clinic website

As the days get longer and the weather turns to summer, precautions and tips to stay healthy during this time of quarantine are important. Dr. Matt Herber from the Dell Rapids Avera Clinic took time to talk to Big Sioux Media on this topic to inform people what to do now that the clinics and hospitals are seeing fewer patients, plus he also gave an update on the Covid-19 virus situation.

Some of the biggest activities as the days get warmer are riding bikes or scooters, spending more time in the sun, and spending time at the lake.  Dr. Herber mentioned that it’s very important for everyone to follow safety precautions when it comes to riding bikes by wearing all the protective equipment, lake safety with life jackets, making sure to wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when spending time outside, and the signs to look for when it comes to heat exhaustion versus heat stroke.

Dr. Herber also provided information on different injuries that are more common in the summer time.  Some of the more common injuries include burns, strains and sprains, and cuts and scrapes.

When trying to determine if someone needs stitches for cuts, Dr. Herber said, “It depends a lot where on the body it is.  If it’s a small cut on the forearm, or even on the face, if there’s not much tension on the wound that’s making it spread real easily, and if it’s not terribly long and it doesn’t spread very easily, usually you can just leave it be and cover it with a band-aid.”  He mentioned that one of the biggest indications for needing stitches is how much tension there is pulling on the wound.

This information is important, especially now, because of the limited contact of people at the clinic in Dell Rapids.  Dr. Herber mentioned that the clinic and hospital have been operating and about half staff for the past few weeks.  Of the four providers at the clinic, only two are working each day.  He mentioned that part of that is to prepare for the surge and also to limit patient contact.  The clinic has a respiratory section that has a completely separate entrance along with the nurse and provider in full safety gear.  That section is for anyone with any cough, any cold symptoms, or any fever.  The other part of the building is for things such as urgent care and emergency, which also has its own entrance.

“The best practice would be to be to probably call in first.  We know most of our patients pretty well.  If we know something is out of character for a patient, we’ll know if they can just be treated over the phone or if we need to see them or if we need labs or x-rays.  The best thing is to start with is just to call your provider,” said Dr. Herber.  “We’d much prefer those calls rather than having you come to the clinic for something we could have taken care of over the phone.  If it’s something minor we can check via video, we can do that too.”  Dr. Herber mentioned that patients should do this to eliminate an increased risk of contracting any infection.

Dr. Herber also provided some information on Covid-19 and how to tell the difference between the virus and allergies for this time of year.

“The three big things right now we’re looking for are new development of a cough, fever, and shortness of breath.  Those seem to be the most common things that have been the trigger that tells us we have a concern,” he said.  “Especially this time of year when there’s hay fever and allergies, it’s very difficult to know.  Usually it’s fever, cough, and shortness of breath.  And of course there could be the body aches and just not feeling well.”

He also mentioned that there still aren’t enough tests to test everyone yet, so they are still trying to save the tests for those that are older and have more health problems.

Relay for Life in Dell Rapids Cancelled for 2020

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One of the annual summer events in Dell Rapids will not be held this summer.   The Relay for Life event that was to be held on July 24th.  This could be the first of many summer events in Dell Rapids to see plans changed.

Due to the uncertainty of the Covid-19 virus, the Dell Rapid Relay for Life committee decided they will not be hosting the event this summer at city park.

The committee is thankful for the community support, and they look forward to continuing the tradition of Relay for Life in July of 2021.

Summer Baseball on Hold for Now

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In a time of year that typically sees the ball fields full of teams practicing for the upcoming season, this year tells a completely different story.  The ball fields currently sit empty and sounds of baseball are missing.  This is the second straight year the Dell Rapids Baseball Association has been faced with difficult baseball challenges, however, this year’s challenge with the virus could keep baseball from happening at all.

The DRBA has teams that participate in five different leagues.  The two amateur teams play in the Cornbelt League/SD Amateur baseball, the high school club baseball teams is part of the South Dakota High School Baseball Association, there is a legion team, the 15/16 and 13/14 teener teams play in the I-29 League, and the 6U, 8U, 10U, and 12U teams play in the MinnDak League.

The Covid-19 virus has already forced the cancellation of the entire high school club baseball season.  The team was only able to hold a handful of practices before being forced to stop, and the season was cancelled before one game was played.  The other teams are currently in a “wait and see” time frame right now.

Typically coaches of teams are getting their teams together for practices during this time of year, but this year no teams are practicing.  Along with the leagues waiting for more information, the city of Dell Rapids has also closed down the parks and ball fields for use, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Currently the I29 League and MinnDak League are going to make a decision about the season in the first week of May.  Typically the leagues begin having games in May, but with the virus and needing to wait to see what that situation will be in a couple of weeks, the leagues will, at the very least, be implementing a different plan for the season if they can play.  The South Dakota VFW Baseball office posted on their Facebook page that they will be waiting until June to make a determination on the region and state tournaments.  Legion baseball for the state of South Dakota is going to wait until at least May 15th before making a decision on the season.  The South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association has indicated they are currently planning on having a season this summer.  Typically the amateur season doesn’t start until late May or early June, so no official decision has been made about changes to the season or state tournament, but changes are not off the table.

The DRBA has updates on all of the different age groups on the front page of their website, www.dellrapidsbaseball.com.

So like the DRBA, we wait and see, and hope there can be baseball this summer.

Dell Rapids and St Mary Schools Have Staff/Student Parades

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In a growing trend among communities across the state, the Dell Rapids and Dell Rapids St Mary schools both held parades for staff and students this past week.

The Dell Rapids staff drove through the community the evening of Monday, April 6th.

Dr. Summer Schultz, Dell Rapids High School Superintendent, said in a school update interview, “For students to see their teachers, to see Mr. Bunkers, and to see Rocky our mascot, I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback on that.  I think that was just so important for our students and on the flip side, our staff.  Staff needed that as much as our students did.  It just reminded me how passionate my staff is for the kids to see their excitement in doing it.”

Photo taken and submitted for use by Joni Smith

The Dell Rapids St Mary staff lined up in front of their elementary school as students were able to drive by the evening of Wednesday, April 8th.

“All the teachers and staff enjoyed waving to the students and parents as they drove by the school. It was great to see the signs that the students and parents made and to see all of their smiles. It was also fun to see the seniors drive by and notice that their senior banners had been hung in the windows of the grade school! We can’t wait until we can open the doors to the school again and see everyone’s face everyday!!!” said Dell Rapids St Mary music and band teacher Joni Smith.

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