Submitted, Author at Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Pastor Eldon Thurow

March 2, 2022 by Submitted

Eldon Thurow, age 85 died unexpectedly on Feb 28th at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born in Ramona, SD on Dec 23rd, 1936. He graduated from Augustana College in 1966 and went on to Lutheran Seminary to graduate with a degree in Divinity. He married Lillian Hansen in 1956. Lillian passed away in 2004. Eldon married Donna Hamer in 2005.

Eldon was a called servant of God, proclaiming God’s Grace in the world. He shared his skilled hands, strength, and heart with anyone in need. He loved people — Especially his family and members of the rural congregations he served in SD, MN, and WI over 50 years of ordained ministry. He enjoyed spending time with family, watching sports (especially Augustana University), and his beloved dog, Stetson.

Pastor Eldon was given a special gift from God, He was called to many congregations who were experiencing problems. When he left they were united and ready to heal. He was dearly loved wherever he served.

Let all who encountered Eldon celebrate the impact of his life this day!

Family celebrating his life include: wife Donna Thurow (Hamer) of Brandon; four sons, Randy (Miriam) Thurow, Rodney Thurow, Herbert (Kathy) Hamer and Jeffrey (Darla) Hamer; nine grandchildren, Kai (Lauren) Thurow, Kyra (Alan) Thurow Barton, Zeffen Thurow, Zetta Thurow, Elizabeth (Jake) Sheffield, Bradley (Stephanie) Hamer, Hope (Dusty) Stultz, Ashley Hamer (Lance Richter) and Alexander Hamer (Taylor Freeman); and nine great-grandchildren, Kaden Thurow, Cameron Thurow, Carson Sheffield, Morgan Sheffield, Rayleigh Stultz, Emma Stultz, Bristol Stultz, Talya Stultz and Ryder Richter.

He’s preceded in death by his first wife Lillian Thurow, brother Dennis Thurow, sons Timothy Hamer and Joel Hamer.

Eldon’s funeral service will begin at 11:00 on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids(LCDR). Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 and resume one hour prior to the start of the funeral service at the LCDR Chapel. Interment is set for 9:30 am on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at a family plot located in Zur Ruhr Cemetery, Cedarburg, WI.

Memorials may be directed to: Agape’ + Kure Beach Ministries, 1369 Tyler Dewar Lane, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526; or the ELCA World Hunger %Eldon Thurow Memorial Fund; or the memorial of your choice. www.kahlerfh.com.

Ronald Miller

February 21, 2022 by Submitted

Ronald Jerome “Ron” Miller, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Dell Rapids, SD on February 15, 2022. His Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022 in St. Mary Catholic Church. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2022 with the Christian Wake beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Ron grew up in Dell Rapids and went to school at St. Mary’s where he graduated in 1965. He went on to pursue an Electronics degree at DeVry University in Chicago. Ron proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam War. After his time in the service and for many years thereafter, Ron worked as a sales representative and educator for Prudential Life Insurance. Ron was a great cook and gardener and loved to share these passions with his family and friends.

In his retirement years, Ron took on jobs at a small truck stop near Madison and then later at the grocery store in Dell Rapids. Ron started out working at his dad’s grocery store, Ken’s Super Saver as a young man and ended his working days full circle in the grocery business where he found joy in serving others.

Ron was a kind, generous and loving man and will be missed dearly by his family and friends. Ron leaves behind three special young people he called his own; Cody, Cameron and Jasmine, his mother LaVonne Miller, his siblings JoAnn Dickinson, Wayne (Barb) Miller, Patti (Tom) O’Connor, DeeDee (Brad) Iwen, Mary Lou (Brian) Johnson, Tom (Marcy) Miller, Kathy (Carl) Mousel, Donna (Daryl) Springman, Doug (Pam) Miller, and Teresa (Pete) Gatto and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ken Miller; two infant brothers, John and Joseph; and the love of his life Shannon.

Dorothy Wiebenga

February 21, 2022 by Submitted

Dorothy Marie Wiebenga (79) passed away peacefully at Avera Hospital with complications from pneumonia on February 17, 2022. Visitation with the family present will be from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2022 in the Reformed Church, Dell Rapids. There will be a prayer service starting at 3:00 p.m. A family inurnment will take place at a later date. www.kahlerfh.com

Dorothy was born January 15, 1943, to Sylvia (Buchholz) and Andrew Wiebenga in Avon, SD. She graduated from Tyndall High School in 1961. Dorothy was a baptized and a professed member of the Springfield Emmanuel Reformed Church.

Dorothy was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in her 20’s and unable to work a full-time job as a nurses aid by her early 30’s. She lived her life enduring the pain of arthritis

Dorothy assisted her father in his business, Andy’s Service, until his death in 1991. She also cared for her mother in her aging years. Dorothy resided in the Bon Homme County area until 2000 when she moved to Dell Rapids, SD to be near her only child, Todd Wiebenga and her grandchildren.

While living in Dell Rapids, she worked part-time as a patient feeding assistant at the Dell Rapids Nursing Home. She enjoyed serving the elderly and was passionate about their care and respect.

Dorothy loved going for a drive, since she was a young child. During the pandemic she longed to go for a drive and have her car back.

Dorothy was a member of the Dell Rapids Reformed Church and resided in Meadows on Sycamore Assisted living.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her son Todd (Robin) Wiebenga, grandchildren – Morgan Wiebenga, Andrew (Kaitlyn) Wiebenga, and Ross Wiebenga; sister Barb Burke and nephew Brian Burke.

Jean Pederson

February 15, 2022 by Submitted

Jean M. Pederson, 77, of Dell Rapids, passed away on February 12, 2022. Her Mass of Christian Burial will being at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 17, 2022 in St. Mary Catholic Church. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 in St. Mary Catholic Church. The Christian Wake Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. www.kahlerfh.com

Jean Marie Bunkers was born on August 31, 1944 to Andrew and Agnes (Dresch) Bunkers. She grew up on the family farm in Dell Rapids. She attended St. Mary Academy through the 12th grade, graduating in 1962. After graduation, she attended Presentation College in Aberdeen where she obtained her associate degree in education. She married Ray Pederson on August 14, 1965 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. She taught one year at St. Mary before the couple made their home in Arlington where Jean taught school while Ray attended his final year of Pharmacy at SDSU. After Ray finished school, they moved to Scottsdale, AZ. They returned to Dell Rapids and purchased Voy’s Drug in 1968. Jean joined Ray at the drug store while raising their five children. They worked together at Ray’s Family Drug Store until they sold the store and Jean retired in 2001.

Words simply cannot encompass the grandness of Jean’s life. She embraced literally every aspect of life and poured her endless energy in to all that she did. Her family and friends were her treasures. Her laughter was contagious and her spirit was unmatched.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Earl and Jerry; sisters-in-laws, Ellen Bunkers, Ann Pederson, Glenda Erickson-Bunkers, and Esther Pederson; her brothers-in-laws, Jack Donovan, Glen Fields, and Pat Pederson and her niece, Julie Fields Bortnem.

She is survived by her husband of 56 1/2 years, Ray of Dell Rapids; her children, Amy Pederson (Dell Rapids), Wendy (Jon) Brown (Baltic), Andy (Tanja) Pederson (Sioux Falls), Tricia (Noel) Heinricy (Dell Rapids), Sheri Dearduff (Dell Rapids); her grandchildren, Deitrich (Mary) Thompson, Abby (Brian) Skrovig, Andra (fiance Sean) Thompson, Riley Brown, Wes Heinricy, Meg (fiance Nic) Dearduff, Spencer (Jennifer) Thompson, Adyn Heinricy, Will Dearduff, Trey Pederson, Tessa Pederson, and Jake Dearduff; her siblings, Jen Donovan, Bob (Sis) Bunkers, Ken Bunkers, Mary Sue Bunkers, Diane (Bob) Reiff, George (Gwen) Bunkers; in-laws, Mary Anne Bunkers and Donna Bunkers; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Jesse Godsk

February 14, 2022 by Submitted

Jesse Donald Godsk, 98, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at the Riverview Healthcare Center in Flandreau. His funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Visitation will be two hours prior to the start of the service. www.kahlerfh.com

Jesse Donald Godsk was born on November 13, 1923 at Hurley, SD, the son of John and Dana (Larson) Godsk. He attended country school through the 8th grade and then Centerville High School, graduating in 1941. In 1944, Jesse and his family moved to a farm near Dell Rapids. Jesse entered the Army in 1946 and served during World War II in the 384th AAA Gun Battalion.

He married Margaret Elaine Haverberg on January 17, 1948 in Centerville, SD at the Scandia Lutheran Church. The couple made their home on the family farm near Dell Rapids. Jesse truly believed in family, the farm life, and the value of working hard. He and Margaret raised three children: David Donald, Susan Margaret, and Joe Jon. There was absolutely nothing that Jesse would not do for his children. Jesse continued to farm until 1996 when he and Margaret retired and moved into Dell Rapids.

During Jesse’s busy family farm life, he still found time to participate and contribute to his community. Jesse served on the DeVaney Country School Board for many years. He was an active member of the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids serving on the Church Council, numerous committees, ushering, and anything else that was needed. Jesse especially loved the LCDR Chapel, and it was very unusual if a Sunday Service was missed.

In 1987, after Jesse was lucky enough to become a Cancer Survivor, he decided to serve as the Ostomy Chapter Coordinator for 24 years in Sioux Falls, visiting and counseling others at local hospitals and at home. He was very proud of this work and stayed very active by attending various meetings in SD, ND, Montana, Wyoming, and Canada.

Jesse was a lifetime member of Legion Post 122 in Trent, SD and was proud to have served on their Honor Guard for a short time.

Jesse is preceded in death by his parents (John and Dana Godsk) and his brother (James Godsk). He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his son, David (Louisa) Godsk of San Francisco, CA; daughter, Susan (David) Bredlow of Dell Rapids, SD; son, Joe (Margarita) Godsk of Miami, FL; his five grandchildren, Nancy Godsk, Kimberlie (Chet) Pascoe, Amie (Brian) Prue, Caramie (Justin) Faini, and Christopher (Stephanie) Berger; and his 10 great grandchildren.

Jesse was blessed with a long life filled with many meaningful family and friend memories. He will truly be remembered for his kind heart, his joking nature, and his positive attitude towards life.

Memorials may be directed to the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids for the purchase of a new funeral palls.

Mary Dickerson

February 9, 2022 by Submitted

Mary Louise Dickerson, age 93, of Dell Rapids, SD, passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022 at the Dell Rapids Nursing and Rehab Center in Dell Rapids. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 PM Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids with Fr. Brian Eckrich Celebrating.

Burial will follow at the Colton Cemetery in Colton, SD.

A time of visitation with the family present will be from 11:30 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at the church.

Mary L. Dickerson was born July 6, 1928 in Mankato, MN to Henry Claude Stammer and Ida Viola Scherer. She graduated from Truman, MN high school. Mary married Fred Olson in 1948. The were divorced in 1972. She married Lyle Dickerson on November 13, 1972, and the couple moved to Langdon, ND. She worked for Fred Tholke and Gary Duchene as a clerk and cashier for 20 years. She and Lyle lived in Langdon for 24 years. Upon retirement they moved to Dell Rapids.

Over the years, Mary enjoyed being a part of the Senior Citizens, American Legion Auxiliary, and her church circle. She loved playing Bingo and was very good at it. She had a knack for sorting through and picking out the winning cards that she would play. She would often play 15 cards at a time. She was also very proud of being recognized as senior citizen off the year by the Governor of South Dakota in recognition of her contribution of thousands of knitted socks that would be sent to our military troops. Mary loved to knit, and her family and friends have many items she made for them. But mostly she was proud of her family.

She is survived by her sons, Mark (Deb Montilino) Olson of Isle, MN, Mike Olson of Colorado Springs, CO, Charles Olson of Truman, MN, and James Olson of Fairmont, MN; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard (wife’s name) Stammer of Sioux Falls, SD; nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; son, Tom Olson, and infant daughter, Kathleen.

Minnehaha Funeral Home, Dell Rapids

Desirae Lovik

February 9, 2022 by Submitted

Desirae Nichole (Hoffmann) Lovik, age 37, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Dell Rapids, passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at her home of natural causes. A celebration of life will be held from 5-7:00 PM Friday, February 4, 2022, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Dell Rapids, with a time of sharing beginning at 7:00 PM.

Dez was born on November 28, 1984, in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, to Reed and Janine “Nena” (McDonnell) Hoffmann. She moved with her family to Utah, Washington, Madison, South Dakota, before finally returning to Dell Rapids. She graduated from Baltic High School in 2004. She attended Globe University and later worked for Walmart, McDonald’s, and finally Burger King for the past year and a half.

The cornerstone of Dez’s life was her children. She shared her time with her daughter’s girl scout troop and she volunteered at the library. Dez loved to learn and try new things. She enjoyed doing crafts such as knitting and crocheting. She was well known for her infectious laugh and determined spirit.

Survivors include her husband, Stephen Lovik, Sioux Falls; daughters: Michelle Lovik and Quinn Buttemeier-Lovik; stepson, Lucas Castle; parents: Reed and Janine “Nena” Hoffmann, Dell Rapids; siblings: Jeremy Hoffman, Concrete, WA, Shannon DenOuden, Hollywood, FL, Erich Hoffmann, Whidbey Island, WA, and Elias Hoffman, Dell Rapids; grandmother, Janet Hoffmann, Utah; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jerry and Dolores McDonnell; Joe and Pat Hoffmann; and uncles, Mike “Rat” McDonnell, Randy Tiesen, and Rodney Park.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Desirae Nichole Lovik, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

James Norby

January 25, 2022 by Submitted

James “Jim” Norby, 76, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. His Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service. www.kahlerfh.com

James “Jim” Norby was born on March 20, 1945 in Watford City, ND, the son of Lyle and Verna (Priester) Norby. He grew up and attended school in Watford City. He graduated from Watford City High School in 1964. He then enlisted in the US Army until being honorably discharged in 1968. On February 21, 1969 he married Joyce Merry in Dell Rapids, SD. The couple made their home in Dell Rapids where their first son, Bryon was born. He operated Jim’s Highway Service until 1973 when they moved to North Dakota. While in North Dakota, Jim went to work in the oil fields. The couple’s second son, Ken was born in 1977. In 1999, Jim semi-retired and the couple moved to Dell Rapids, SD.

Jim was a member of Ignite Church and the Dell Rapids American Legion.

He enjoyed working on small engines, doing carpentry work, doing jig saw puzzles and he learned to upholster.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, and his sister, Linda.

Jim is survived by his wife, Joyce of Dell Rapids, sons, Bryon (Jana) Norby of Sioux Falls and Ken Norby of Lennox; his granddaughter, Kiah; his sister, Barbara Frye of Minot, ND and his half brothers, Arnold (Dana) Swenson of Watford City, ND and Vernon (Timi) Swenson of Williston, ND.

Email from Dell Rapids: Covid-19 Return to Safe Learning Changes

January 13, 2022 by Submitted

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance for isolation and quarantine for the general population. Beginning Tuesday, January 11th DRPS will adhere to the isolation guidance that has been created for K-12 schools. Parents may choose to keep their child home the full 10 days of isolation regardless of symptoms, however, if electing to send students back after the mandatory 5-day isolation, mask use is required through day 10. Each building will have breakfast and lunch protocols that students will adhere to if the 5-day mask option is taken.

As with our entire plan, we will monitor data and initiate amendment protocols when needed.

Isolation Guidance

Positive for COVID-19 and do not have symptoms:

Isolate for 5 days and then wear a mask through day 10.
If they develop symptoms after testing positive, the 5-day isolation period would start over. Day 0 is the first day of symptoms.

Positive for COVID-19 and have or had symptoms:

Isolate for 5 days. Day 0 is the first day of symptoms (test date is no longer used).

Mask worn through day 10.
If they continue to have a fever or other symptoms have not improved after 5 days of isolation, they should wait to end isolation until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and their other symptoms have improved.

Please work with building administration to determine your child’s return date. The South Dakota Department of Health also has resources and calculators available on its website. https://doh.sd.gov/COVID/Calculator/

Avera Dells Area Hospital to Host a Community Blood Drive

January 3, 2022 by Submitted

Dell Rapids, SD– Community Blood Bank (Avera McKennan Hospital & Sanford USD Medical Center) continues to struggle with a severe blood shortage as we move into the new year. Currently, the blood bank is most critical for all blood types, especially O positive and O negative, but all blood types are needed. Join us at Avera Dells Area Hospital on Thursday, January 13 between 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and give blood. You can schedule your donation by logging into www.cbblifeblood.org, selecting Jan 13 and Avera Dells Area Hospital or call 605-331-3222.

“The need for blood donors during National Blood Donor month is heightened as it become even more difficult to collect blood with the omicron strain of COVID beginning to spread. Do you know someone with cancer? Someone who is pregnant? Someone with sickle cell disease? Then you know someone who may need blood. Every day, someone in your community may need blood, don’t wait until a tragedy or shooting happens, donate today” states Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “It is our hope that we will see the community answer our pleas and come out to give blood through this challenging time. Donors can give blood at the Avera Dells Area Hospital on January 13. Please donate blood when the bloodmobile is in your community.”

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form), weigh 110 lbs or more and be in good general health. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating blood. Please bring an ID with you at the time of donation. For more information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org.

Community Blood Bank is not affiliated with other blood bank organizations and takes pride in being a self-sufficient organization thanks to the generosity of our local blood donors.

« Previous Page