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Stella Bunkers

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Stella M. Bunkers, 91, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021 at the Dells Area Hospital. Stella’s wishes were to donate her body to the USD School of Medicine. A family graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to your favorite charity or to St. Mary School in memory of Stella.

Stella was born on July 5, 1929 at Trent, SD, the daughter of William and Mary (Majeres) Burkard. She grew up on the family farm southeast of Dell Rapids. She attended St. Mary School graduating in 1946. After high school she enrolled in McKennan’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1950. She married Yvo Bunkers on January 14, 1952 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. The couple made their home in southern Maryland while Yvo was enlisted in the US Navy. After his discharge, the couple moved back to Dell Rapids where Stella started working as a nurse for the Dell Rapids Hospital. Stella retired in 1988. In retirement, Yvo and Stella enjoyed their winters in Brownsville, TX and their summers in Dell Rapids. Yvo passed away in 2017.

Stella was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and Altar Society. She enjoyed family and golfing.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her two brothers, Edwin and Alfred.

She is survived by her sons, Paul (Patty) Bunkers of Houston, TX and their children, Will (Alexandria), Meredith (Philip) and their child (Dacree), and Mattie; Tom (Vicki) Bunkers of Colton and their children Skye, her children, (Cash and Katya) and Elise; Dave (Susi) Bunkers of Phoenix, AZ; Greg (Susan) Bunkers of St. Louis, MO and their children, Johni and Luke; her daughter, Laura (Rick) Anderson of Dell Rapids; her brother-in-law, Terry (Emily) Bunkers of Buckeye, AZ and her many friends and extended family.

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Alfred Thomas

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Alfred “Al” “Chuck” Thomas, 78, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. His funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2021 in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Alfred “Al” Charles “Chuck” Thomas was born on November 26, 1942 at Milbank, SD, the son of Lester and Mary Thomas. He grew up and attended school in Milbank graduating from Milbank High School in 1961. After high school he enlisted into the United States Navy and served in Vietnam. When he was discharged in February of 1965, he then enlisted into the South Dakota National Guard while working for Dakota Granite in Milbank. He married Sandra Overby in 1962, to this union three sons were born, Charles “Tom”, Billy and Jimmy. In 1972, he married Candy Strube. The couple had had a daughter, Jennifer and a son, Douglas.  The couple moved to Dell Rapids in 1976 when Al started driving for Jackrabbit Bus. He then was an owner/operator for Midwest Coast as a truck driver and then worked security for EROS Data Center. Al retired in 2008.

Al was a member of the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids and a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW.

He enjoyed watching the grandkids and the granddogs. He always enjoyed a good joke and storytelling, having coffee with his friends, tinkering with things, woodworking and traveling to visit family. He and Candy went to Alaska on a cruise three different times. He was die hard Vikings and Twins fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Bruce Thomas, James Thomas, Donald Thomas and Lowell Thomas (brothers) and sisters Jeannette Nord, Marion Smith, Geraldine Berger, Joyce Swedberg and Peggy Paulsen.

Al is survived by his wife, Candy of Dell Rapids; his daughter, Jennifer Voss of Sioux Falls; his sons, Douglas (Sarah) Thomas, James Thomas, Billy Thomas and Charles “Tom” (Lee) Thomas all of Sioux Falls; his ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; his sister, Irene Konshak of Milbank; his four brothers-in-law, his four sisters-in-law and his many friends and extended family.

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Curtis Nelson

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Curtis Nelson, 82, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. His funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021 in the Trent Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Curtis Duane Nelson was born on March 14, 1939 at Dell Rapids, SD, the son of Ernest and Eva (Bates) Nelson. He grew up on a farm near Trent and attended school there. While in high school Curtis participated in football, basketball and track. He graduated from Trent High School in 1957. After high school Curtis joined the Air Guard. He worked for the Quaker Oats Elevator in Trent. He married Mary Ann Janssen on December 19, 1964 at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. The couple made their home in Dell Rapids.  Curtis then went to work for Weelborg Brothers Construction and Fisher Sand and Gravel as a heavy equipment operator. Curtis continued to work as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement. In retirement he went to work for the City of Sioux Falls where he mowed Falls Park until his final retirement.

He was a member of Trent Baptist Church where he served as an usher for many years. He enjoyed collecting coins, fishing, gardening, tinkering with his train set, attending car shows, stock car racing, tractor pulls and a fan of the Chicago Bears.

Curtis is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Norlan, Joyce and Erma.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 56 years, Mary Ann of Dell Rapids; his daughters, Jodi (Scott) Lovell of Cherokee, IA and Jennifer (Gary) Koistinen of Watertown; his four grandchildren, Meredith and Blake Lovell and Briley and Harper Koistinen; his sister, Betty Railsback of Belmont, MI and his brother, Wendell (Barb) Nelson of Orlando, FL.

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Luella Sandro

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Luella Sandro, 96, of Dell Rapids passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at the Avera Dells Area Hospital. Her funeral was held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Lutheran Church of Dell  Rapids Chapel. Visitation was in the church for two hours prior to the service. www.kahlerfh.com

Luella Mercedes Anderson was born on June 19, 1924 in Dell Rapids, SD, the daughter of Chris and Agnes Anderson. She was the first C-section in the Dell Rapids hospital. She attended Hunt School and graduated from Trent High School on May 15, 1942. She went on to graduate from SDSU in 1946 with a business degree. She then graduated with her Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Denver on June 3, 1953. She taught high school typing, bookkeeping, and business classes in Dell Rapids, Eagan, Trent, and Hendricks, MN. While teaching in Hendricks, MN, she met Clayton Sandro and they were married on Thanksgiving evening on November 25, 1954. In 1955, they moved to a farm near Trent and spent the next 27 years raising chickens, cattle, hogs, and children. She took pride in her garden and the fall was always filled with canning fresh foods for the winter. In October 1957, they adopted a son, Murray Clayton Sandro and then in August 1959, they adopted a daughter, Joni Lou Sandro. She spent 24 years teaching at the Flandreau Indian School and retired in 1990 after a 34 year teaching career.

She was active in the Dell Rapids Garden Club and multiple bible studies where she was the teacher. She was active in the Dell Rapids Lutheran Church women’s circles and Ladies Aide. During retirement, she and her husband, Clayton, enjoyed trips to Canada, Branson, MO, Minnesota, and Casper, WY. One of the greatest joys of her life was spending time with her grandchildren, Caleb and Whitney Bunce.

She is survived by her daughter, Joni (Peter) Bunce of Casper, WY, her grandchildren, Caleb Bunce of Caper, WY and Whitney Bunce of Huntsville, TX, and her daughter-in-law, Julie Sandro of Sioux Falls, SD. She was preceded in death by her parents, Chris and Agnes Anderson, her husband, Clayton, and son, Murray Sandro.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be directed to the Dell Rapids Lutheran Church Chapel Fund.

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John Sagmoe

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John Sagmoe age 83 of Dixon, IL passed on Wednesday April 7, 2021.  He was born September, 2 1937 in Dell Rapids South Dakota the son of Philip and Anna (Sward) Sagmoe.  John earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees at South Dakota State University.  In addition he continued with Post-Graduate studies at the University of Iowa. “Go Hawks” John was employed at Sauk Valley Community College for 28 years retiring in 1995 as the Vice-President of Student Services.  He was instrumental in providing quality Education and Counseling to students in the greater Sauk Valley and pushing Athletics to the forefront at SVCC.

Early in life John enlisted in the Navy Reserve, the Family believes it was just a good opportunity for a South Dakota boy to get close to Wrigley Field.  This is because John is a card carrying member of the Die-Hard Cubs Fan Club.  With his membership to the Dixon Elks Lodge John and Verna celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary along with family and friends, they were married on September 6, 1958 in Laverne, Minnesota.  Together they enjoyed life in Dixon, boating on the Rock River and numerous vacations to Florida and beyond.  One of John’s favorite past times was fishing!  Early on with wife, grandparents and kids in tow, later with his 2 brothers and good friends in Canada, South Dakota, Door County and local waters.  “Fish On”

He is preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother Blaine Sagmoe, and 1 son in law Charles “Mack” Lafargue. John is survived by his wife Verna, children Terri Lafargue of Houston TX, John (Jodi Petre) Sagmoe Jr. of Waukesha WI, step granddaughter Cara (Kris) Kerfoot. He is also survived by 1 brother Donald (Marsha) Sagmoe of Dell Rapids, SD and sister in Law Judy Sagmoe of Yankton, SD.

Cremation rites have been accorded with a celebration to be held at a later date. A donation in John’s memory can be made to the Sauk Valley Community College Foundation.

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Debrah Ronning

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Debrah “Debbie” Corene Ronning was born on May 12, 1948 in Washington D.C. to Joshua and Liberty Rizzo.  Debbie and her family resided in Washington D.C. where Debbie attended Anacostia High School, graduating in 1966.

On August 7th, 1971 Debbie was united in marriage to James ‘Jim’ C. Ronning at the University of Maryland Chapel in College Park, Maryland.  Initially the newlyweds lived in Suitland Maryland and soon after found a permanent residence in the neighboring town of Clinton Maryland in 1973. Upon retirement the happy couple settled into their new home and life in Wentworth, South Dakota.  To this union, two children were born, Jay and Erik. Along with the blessing of being a mother, Debbie worked for the U.S. Government supporting various organizations as a management assistant and in addition became a regional sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics earning several cars and prestigious awards.  Debbie’s real passions were her faith, family, photography and calligraphy writing. One of her greatest principles was to encourage her family, friends and community to organize and maintain their legacies in an effort to minimize the hardship of a loved ones departure from earth to their heavenly reward.

On the afternoon of April 7th, 2021, Debbie, age 72, unexpectedly passed away. She was preceded in death by her father Joshua Rizzo, her mother Liberty Rizzo, her sisters Janice Turner and Judith Elaine Rizzo.  Those who will continue to honor her memory are her husband Jim of Wentworth, SD, her children Jay (Kat) of Centreville, VA and Erik of Clinton, MD;  her sister Elaine (Ronnie) of La Plata, MD and her brother Mark (Virginia) of Miami, FL;  her Sisters & Brothers-in-law Barbara Rost of Green Lake, WI, Susan and Darrell Starkson of Lakeville, MN, Jean & Steven Ronning of Columbia, MD and Michael Turner of Ware, MA; nieces and nephews, Tamera (Lee), Bradley (Cathy), Nathan, Shannon (James), Kyle, Michelle, Megan (Scotty) and Joshie; great nieces and nephews, Ashley (Tyler and Charlotte), Nikki, Avery, Addison, Ellie, Mykayla, Lillyan, Conor, Caleb, Ayden, Alayna, Sophia, Eli, and Ella.

There will be a visitation with the family present commencing at 10:00 am, a celebration of life service at 11:00 am, followed by food and refreshments at River of Life Christian Fellowship, 610 NE 3rd Street, Madison, SD, 57042 on Friday, April 16th 2021.

Memorials may be directed to the Debbie Ronning Memorial Fund and delivered to the church or the funeral home or you may contribute to Debbie’s favorite charity ~ www.compassion.com/debronning.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kahler-Brende Funeral Home ~ Dell Rapids. www.kahlerfh.com
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Dr. Thomas Burkhart

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Dr. Thomas J. Burkhart, 73, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2021 under hospice care at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls. His funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at West Nidaros Lutheran Church (Masks are encouraged), 25400 471st Ave., Crooks, SD, with internment at Logan Reformed Cemetery in Dell Rapids, SD. The family will be present to greet friends from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at West Nidaros Lutheran Church, Crooks, SD. www.kahlerfh.com

Thomas Jay Burkhart, son of Bette (Crisp) and Andrew Burkhart, was born July 5, 1947 in Sioux Falls, SD. He grew up in Dell Rapids graduating from Dell Rapids High School in 1965. He then attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD where he graduated in 1969. He then received his BS in Medicine from the University of South Dakota in 1971 and went on to receive his Medical Degree (MD) from the University of Minnesota in 1973. He completed an Internship in Medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center in 1974 and received Board Certification of Internal Medicine in 1976 upon completing his 2 years of Residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He began his Internal Medicine practice at Sioux Valley Hospital in 1976 where he practiced until 1991. He then practiced medicine at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center where he retired in 2010.

Tom married Jeanette (Williams) December 29, 1968 in Dell Rapids, SD. They were blessed with two children; Julie (Brian) Van Dam and Matt (Tamara) Burkhart. Tom was a loving, caring Husband, Father, Grandfather, Doctor and true friend to many. Tom made a life out of being one of the most compassionate, caring and genuine doctors in his field. Tom also thoroughly enjoyed and had a passion for learning everything there was to know about medicine and computers and took great pride in teaching others throughout life. He loved watching his kids and grandkids grow up and spending time listening to music and spending time with his wife.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his daughter Julie (Brian), Dell Rapids, SD.; his son Matt (Tamara), Dunlap, IA; his six grandchildren, Taylor, Brooke and Andrew Van Dam, Dell Rapids, SD., Abigail, Talia and Tristen Burkhart, Dunlap, IA.; his sister-in-law, Phyllis (Deane) Koller of Sioux Falls; his cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Bette Burkhart; his infant brother, John and his brother, Bill Burkhart.

The family wishes that if anyone desires to leave a memorial, they should be directed to the Logan Reformed Cemetery, Dell Rapids, SD.

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Rex Larson

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Rex A. Larson, 64, of Mellette, SD passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, SD.

His services will be held on Monday, March 8, 2021, at Northwestern United Methodist Church in Mellette.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with family present during this time to accept condolences.  His funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow at the Mellette Cemetery in Mellette.  Pastor Doug Duncan will officiate.

The funeral service will be livestreamed to the funeral home’s website.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield.  (www.hykefuneralhome.com)

Rex A. Larson was born March 5, 1956, in Redfield, SD to Clifford and Doris (Bymers) Larson.  He spent his childhood and youth on the family farm south of Mellette, SD.  He attended school at Northwestern in Mellette and went on to attend Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD.

He married Kathy Johnson on September 21, 1979, in Mellette and they were blessed with three children.  He farmed with his father until eventually taking over the family farm.

He enjoyed taking Kathy out for Harley rides on warm summer days, picking wild roses for her, and taking naps in his favorite chair with his dog in his lap.

Rex is survived by his loving wife Kathy of Mellette; son Matthew (Amber) Larson of Dell Rapids, SD; and daughter, Jenna (Josh) Brinkman of Aberdeen, SD.  He is also survived by five grandchildren:  Brady, Noah, Cooper, Thomas, and Claire; brothers:  Wayne, Bob, Owen, and Donn; and sister Nikki.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Adam.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Northwestern Strollers Relay for Life – c/o 1302 13th Ave. SW – Aberdeen, SD – 57401.

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Laurietta Matheny

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Laurietta “Laurie” Matheny, 81, of Dell Rapids, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Her Mass of Christian Burial was at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2021 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Interment was in the St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation was held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2021 with the family present from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The Christian Wake service was at 7:00 p.m. at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Laurie was born on March 22, 1939 in Ipswich, SD to Earl and Bessie Fey. She married Michael Matheny on November 7, 1964. They celebrated their 45th anniversary before his death. They raised 3 children.

She traveled the world with her husband while he was serving 26 years in the United States Air Force, they retired in Dell Rapids, SD. She was heavily involved in the St Mary’s Altar Society and enjoyed playing cards and going out for lunch with her many friends.

She loved to garden! Spent all of her summers out back. She also liked to sew, fish, and was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.

Laurie loved her family especially her grandkids and great-grandkids. Every time she was around them, she lit up! She enjoyed watching them play sports, their concerts, dance recitals and everything they were involved in.

Laurie was a gentle soul with a kind heart and will be missed. Remember the good times you had with her!

She is survived by her brother Robert Fey (Ann) of Brookings SD, daughters June Stanton (Steve), and Angie Ellison (Patrick) both of Dell Rapids, SD; her grandchildren, Amber (Zach) Stewart of Colman, SD, Hutten (Dusten) Dossett and great-granddaughter Harper of Dell Rapids, Griffin Ellison of Scarborough, ME, and Haley and Brenden Matheny of Chester, SD.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Michael, her son Greg, her brother and many sisters.

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Wava Osborn

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Wava I. Osborn passed away peacefully on February 9, 2021, after 99 ½ years of robust living and bringing joy to family and friends. Wava was born in Aberdeen SD on June 21, 1921 to Lester and Helen (Bloom) Wiles. Her early years were spent on a farm by Frankfort, SD.  She attended rural school near Ashton and helped on the farm. Many a story was told of getting caught swimming in the James River, picking eggs, and canning and cooking with her mom. She loved dancing and riding her brother’s rebuilt Indian motorcycle.

Wava married James B. Osborn on September 18, 1941 . They raised their 6 children in a variety of places, starting in Redfield SD. In 1953 they moved to Lead SD, but returned to Redfield where she remained until retirement. Wava spent the majority of her time raising her family which brought her great joy. Additionally, she worked at Redfield State Hospital and School where she cared for the health and well being of those who were developmentally disabled. She was a dedicated employee who truly cared for those in her care.

She was a great cook -“from scratch”.  She loved gardening whether it was her vegetable garden or flower garden. She was an incredible seamstress as well as creating heirloom embroidery pieces. Her ‘home remedies’ were many and surprisingly, they worked! Many pets graced Wava’s life and she loved them all. However, of all the things that enriched her life, it was her family that she cherished the most.

Wava’s last few years were spent at Spearfish Canyon Healthcare where she made new friends, enjoyed bingo and root beer float Fridays. It was here she took up coloring felted pictures and gifted many to family and friends. A special thank you to all at the healthcarecenter for their excellent care.

Wava is preceeded in death by James B. Osborn(husband), Tom Osborn (son), James A. Osborn (grandson), Dustin Norton (grandson), Asher Ludwar(great grandson).

Left to carry on Wava’s spirit are Sally Osborn (wife of Tom), Lester (Donna) Osborn, David (Jan) Osborn, Michael (Mea) Osborn, Beth (Doug) Norton, Rex (Linda Abeldt) Osborn, numerous grand, great, and great great grandchildren, special friend, Lori, as well as extended family and friends who knew and loved her.

A private family service will be held at the HykeFuneral Home in Redfield SD on Friday, February 12 at  2:00 pm. A public celebration of her life will be held this summer.  Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Happy Pig Haven, a pot belly pig sanctuary, at 25188 468th Ave, Baltic, SD, 57003.

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