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Jerome “Jerry” Kerns

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Jerome “Jerry” Kerns passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020 at home surrounded by family after a courageous, long-fought battle with cancer.

Jerry was born October 15, 1964 in Dell Rapids, SD to Jerome Kerns and Carrie (Reurink) Hanneman.  He was raised in Dell Rapids, SD and graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1983.  He attended South Dakota State University where he met his wife Lynn (Mueller) Kerns.  They were married on August 29, 1987 in Tripp, SD, and resided in Dell Rapids, SD. The couple had 3 children: Elizabeth, Emily, and Jordan.

Jerry was employed by Wells Fargo Bank for 32 years in various departments. He started his career with Norwest Financial in 1987. The majority of Jerry’s career was spent with Wells Fargo Financial where he held multiple senior leadership roles in credit and sales departments.  After Financial, Jerry took on multiple leadership roles in Consumer Lending, and also worked in underwriting for several years during the end of his career. Jerry’s enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment for excellence for himself and his employees was evident throughout his career.

Jerry was active in his community and in the church. He served many roles in the church as deacon, elder, and on various committees.  He ran the Dell Rapids girls softball program for several years.  He and Lynn were active members of the Dell Rapids Booster club, serving as board members and president. He was actively involved in United Way, Junior Achievement, and Habitat for Humanity for many years throughout his time at Wells Fargo.

Jerry was an avid sports fan.  On any given weekend you could find him cheering on the Jackrabbits, Huskers, and Vikings, decked out head to toe in his team’s gear. He and Lynn were regular attendees at SDSU basketball games, and the whole family could be found tailgating in Brookings or Minneapolis regularly.  He was never too far from a TV and radio on game days, and the whole house could tell the status of the game based on the yelling and cheers from the basement.

Jerry’s true passion throughout his life was his family.  He spent many years coaching various basketball, softball, and football teams for his children. He was so extremely proud of his children and their accomplishments. He never missed a game, program, ceremony, or recital. He spent many weekends out at the golf course, sharing his love of the game with his family and his children. His grandson, Connor was also a huge light in his life. He would brag about him any chance he got. He cherished the title of “Boppa.”

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Lynn of Dell Rapids, SD; 3 children: Elizabeth (Alex) Jones of Harrisburg, SD; Emily (Andrew) Ahrendt of Dell Rapids, SD; and Jordan Kerns of Dell Rapids, SD; grandson Connor Jones; and parents, Carrie (Don) Hanneman of Dell Rapids, SD.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father Jerome Kerns of Dell Rapids, SD; mother and father in law, Marvin and Helen (Nolz) Mueller of Tripp, SD; half sister Sharon (Kerns) Koopman of Baltic, SD; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation for Jerry will be held at Minnehaha Funeral Home in Dell Rapids, SD on Sunday, June 28 from 1-4 pm.   A celebration of life will be held at Dell Rapids Reformed Church on Monday, June 29 at 10:30 am. The service will be live streamed on the Minnehaha Funeral Home & Cremation Services Facebook Page. Jerry and his family request that guests attending wear their gameday attire of his favorite teams: Vikings, Huskers, Jackrabbits, and Twins.

Frederick Martin

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Frederick (Fred) Martin, passed away from complications due to Renal Cell Carcinoma on May 21, 2020. He was in the VA Hospital in Tucson, Arizona.

Fred was born in Dell Rapids on May 15, 1939, to the parents of Fred and Sally Martin. He graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1957.

Then went on to join the Navy.  He met our mother, Helen, in Bainbridge, Maryland. They married and had three daughters. Dad loved the Tucson area and had resided there for over 40 years. He owned a Chevron Station in Tucson Estates for a number of years. Then became a Business Broker. Eventually retiring from the State of Arizona.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Sally Martin (Giacchero), our mom, Helen Howard; step-mom, Jeanne Martin;
longtime partner, Monta Phillips; daughter, Kathy Black, grandson, Latti Rose Jr.; and brother, Richard Martin.

He leaves behind his daughters, Laurie (Latti) Rose and Patty Martin; his sister, Kathy Magness and brother, Robert (Sue) Martin; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Donations in memory of Dad may be made to the Fisher House, Tucson Arizona.

He was so grateful for all the love and care provided by the Fisher House to his Family over the last 1 – 1/2 years.

A Memorial Service will be determined at later date.

www.kahlerfh.com

Lois Holien

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Lois Jean Holien, 78, of Jasper, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. A private family funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 in the Messiah Lutheran Church, rural Flandreau. Public visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Lois Jean (Hove) Holien was born to Archie and Hazel (Nelson) Hove on August 22, 1941 in Garretson, SD. She was baptized and confirmed at the rural Norway Church. She attended the North Central Country School and then Garretson High School. After her graduation in 1959, she babysat for neighbors and friends and helped on the family farm. On February 12, 1966 she married Arnold Holien, the love of her life, at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson. The couple made their home on farms in the West Jasper, SD area. They were proud parents of two children. She enjoyed raising her kids and helping on the farm. When her parents health declined she moved them into her home and took care of them. In 1984, she started working at Terrace Manor in Dell Rapids as a nurses aid. She was very dedicated to her work. She loved talking to the residents and helping them. She retired in 2012 after 28 years.

Lois moved into Dells Nursing and Rehab Center on January 2, 2020. She resided there until she was freed from struggles of Alzheimer’s,  peacefully passing away on June 6, 2020.  She was 78.

She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church where she was active in the Ladies Aid and taught Sunday School for many years. She belonged to the Lois Club (a club where everyone’s name was Lois). She enjoyed cooking and baking, camping, puzzles and playing board games, gardening and canning, riding her bike, music (she played the accordion) and spending time with family and friends. Lois loved animals and enjoyed her dogs, Max and Bear. She also had a special cockatiel bird named Fluffy. Lois cherished the many family reunions that they hosted on the farm.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, and an infant daughter, Karen.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 54 years, Arnold, her daughter, Sharon (Daryn) Johnson of Trent and her son, Brian Holien (Jami Alberts) of Jasper and her extended family and many friends.

Mary Schultz

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Mary E. Schultz, 70, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at the Riverview Healthcare Center in Flandreau from early on-set Dementia. Her visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020 with a Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Mary Elizabeth Schultz, daughter of Robert and Edna (Freih) Mathson was born on July 29, 1949 in Edgeley, ND. She graduated from Edgeley High School. Mary attended college in Whapeton, ND where she received an associates degree in business. Mary was united in marriage to Jack E. Schultz on August 23, 1969.

Mary enjoyed gardening, cooking, crafts and loved decorating her home for all the seasons. She especially enjoyed her time with family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Edna Mathson.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband of 50 years, Jack Schultz, her three children, Heidi Black, Kelli (Travis) Roth and Jay (Deann Wilson) Schultz all of Dell Rapids; her two grandsons, Aidan Black of Abilene, TX and Matthew Roth of Dell Rapids; her brother, Tom (Sandy) Mathson of Greensboro, GA and her sister-in-law, Coralee (Dan) Hoffarth of Becker, MN.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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.

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.

Violet Alberts

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Violet D. Alberts, 98, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. Her funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in the Reformed Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2020 in the church. www.kahlerfh.com

The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together.” – Matthew 25:23

Violet Dorothy (Leuning) Alberts of Dell Rapids, SD passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on March 7th, 2020.

Violet was born in Dell Rapids, SD on October 27th, 1921 to Henry and Etta Leuning. She had a full childhood, complete with run-ins with barbed wire fences, beloved dolls, and the adventures of being the youngest of 6 children, John, Florence, Ed, Mabel, Harvey, and herself (she remembered fondly being tasked with helping her brothers put caps on the beer they brewed!).

On October 8th, 1939, Violet married Johann “Joe” Friedrich Alberts of Amherst, SD, and thus began a marriage that would span almost 60 years and give her one of the greatest joys of her long life; her three children, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. She and Joe farmed an acreage north of Dell Rapids until they moved into town in 1993.

Her 98 years on this Earth gave her family and friends much to remember; the joy of a warm slice of fresh bread, her love of jokes and infectious smile, her incredibly sharp memory (and ability to tell us about it!), and her deep and abiding love for her church and family.

Enjoying coffee with her in Heaven today are her husband, Joe, her daughter, Carol (Cooper), her grandson, Mark Alberts, three brothers, two sisters, and a Lord she has loved faithfully throughout her life.

Grateful to have shared her life are those who survive her; her son Darrel (Jan) Alberts of Sun Prairie, WI, her daughter Sharon (Rick) Skinner of Dell Rapids, her seven grandchildren: Teresa (Dan) Thiele, Troy (Sarah) Cooper, Shiann (Kevin) Shipp, Stacy (Todd) Manske, Kristi (Frank) McDermott, Shane Skinner, and Shanon Skinner, 12 great-grandchildren, and an army of extended family that have been touched indelibly by Violet’s love and devotion. In all honesty, we are all still down here just trying to get the bread right!

Memorials may be directed to the Reformed Church, Dell Rapids.

James Berg

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James “Jim” Carrol Berg, age 76, of Dell Rapids, South Dakota, passed away, Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at his home surrounded by close family.  His Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2020 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. The family will be present from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with the Christian Wake Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. www.kahlerfh.com

Jim was born January 25, 1944, in Marshall, Minnesota to Harry and Minnie Berg.  He graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1962. He joined the Navy in 1962 during Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1966.  He was active in all branches of the reserves for many years after and later active with the American Legion. He later worked at and retired from the VA hospital in Sioux Falls.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Mardelle (Hogan) of 51 years, brother Rolland (Gail) Berg, along with his three children Bryon and Beth Berg of Brandon, South Dakota, Suzie and Rhett Long of Ogden, Utah, and Darren and Nikki Berg of Pierre, South Dakota; nine grandchildren, Miranda Berg, Isaac Berg, Mason Berg, Riley Berg, Rachel Long, Myles Berg, Zach Long, Amelia Berg, and Graydon Berg; two great-grandchildren Kayleigh Key and Kaitlyn Key and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and relatives.  

Jim enjoyed hacking at golf, watching the Vikings, spending time with his family, darts, camping, playing games, and watching his grandchildren with their numerous activities.  Jim was a kind-hearted man, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend to everyone and especially loved giving grief to anyone he could.

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