obituary Archives - Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Dorothy Daugaard

August 9, 2022 by Submitted

Dorothy A. (Maass) Daugaard, 88, of rural Garretson, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022. Her funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022, in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids Chapel. Interment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home (www.kahlerfh.com).

Dorothy Anna (Ann) Maass Daugaard was born on May 26, 1934, in a farmhouse south of Humboldt, South Dakota, to Henry and Emma (Harms) Maass. She was the big sister of Caroline, Donald, Betty Jean, Diana, Linda Henrietta, Wayne, and Lynn. She was a hard worker from the very beginning. As a child, Dorothy and her sister Caroline shocked corn to buy a piano. As a 4-H member, she earned many awards. She graduated from Humboldt High School in 1952. After high school, Dorothy attended General Beadle College in Madison, SD, and graduated with a teaching degree. She taught grades 1-8 in a one room school for 2 years, and then went on to teach 3 years of 8th grade at Montrose, SD.

One day, Dorothy went roller skating at West Soo Roller Rink in Sioux Falls, SD, and met the love of her life, Dwight Daugaard. Dwight proposed to Dorothy on August 13, 1957. They were married on June 1, 1958, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt, SD. They would eventually make their home on the Daugaard family farm in rural Garretson, SD.

They were blessed with 10 children: Dwayne (Nancy) of Hudson, WI; Darwin (Jennifer) of Garretson, SD; Dale (Stephanie) of Emporia, KS; Daryl of Bethel, AK; Debbie (Ronald Cornish) of Johnston, IA; Dean (Lori) of Highmore, SD; Don (Renee) of Rolla, MO; David (Melissa) of Garretson, SD; Daren (Tara) of Newburg, MO; and Dan. She spent the rest of her life caring for the farm and her family.

Dorothy was a straight shooter, dressed up to the nines in red lipstick, manicured nails and high heels. She was never known to miss a Saturday beauty shop appointment and Aqua Net was her friend. She loved a good joke, and her laughter was contagious. The sparkle in her eye let you know something was up. Dorothy was a strict disciplinarian, and you always knew her stance on things. “Don’t make me get out of the car, do you want to walk home, and don’t even look at him” were some of the familiar phrases growing up. Her sparkle dimmed when Dwight died and with strength and resilience, she kept her family on the farm.

Dorothy continued to live on the farm, raising Paint and Quarter horses, Angus cattle, llamas, Hampshire hogs, chickens as well as 10 kids and all that entailed. During her life she was very prominent in the religious education of children, including her own. She taught Sunday School and Bible School at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids for over 20 years.

Faith and family were the cornerstones of her life and her reasons for persevering. In her later years, she devoted her life as both a medical advocate and caretaker for her father, Henry and her mother, Emma.

Dorothy died Friday morning, August 5, 2022, at the Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community in Sioux Falls, SD.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Dwight, two sons, Dan and Dale, daughter-in-law Lori, her mother, father, 3 sisters, 4 nephews and 1 niece.

Grateful for sharing her life are her 10 children, 26 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to the Children’s Home Society or the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids Youth Group High 5.

Richard Swanberg

August 6, 2022 by Submitted

Richard “Dick” Swanberg, 87, of Dell Rapids passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Riverview Manor in Flandreau. Per Dick’s wishes, there will be no service held. He donated his body to the USD School of Medicine. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Richard “Dick” Lee Swanberg was born on February 28, 1935 at Pender, NE, the son of Elmer and Judith (Swanson) Swanberg. He grew up and attended school in Wahoo, NE. He graduated in 1953. After high school Dick worked various jobs before eventually going to work as a telephone lineman for Northwestern Bell. He met Anette Nordstrom while working at the telephone company. The couple married on August 8, 1988 at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, IA. They made their home in Wahoo, NE. Dick retired in 1994. The couple moved to Elkhorn, NE and in July of 2016 they moved to Dell Rapids, SD.

Dick loved to golf and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Joy Wilt and his brother, Gary Swanberg.

Dick is survived by his wife, Annette Swanberg of Dell Rapids; his step-sons, Bill Nordstrom of Renner and John Nordstrom of Dell Rapids; his many nieces, nephews and extended family.

LaVonne Miller

August 6, 2022 by Submitted

LaVonne Miller, 95, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. Her Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 in St. Mary Catholic Church. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home with the Christian Wake Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. www.kahlerfh.com

LaVonne (Hart) Miller was born January 2, 1927 in Spencer SD, the daughter of Elzie (Pete) and Mildred (Thompson) Hart. After graduating from Spencer High School, she moved to Mitchell where she met Ken Miller, her forever sweetheart. They married in 1946 and moved to Dell Rapids where they purchased their family business, Ken’s Super Saver.

LaVonne was a devout follower of Jesus Christ and a practicing Catholic. It was her and Ken’s desire to give their children a Christian education so all of their children attended and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School. It was her greatest prayer for her family to be reunited in heaven one day.

LaVonne had many interests; in addition to raising her family of eleven children and helping in the family grocery store, she was an accomplished seamstress, a talented artist and an avid reader.

LaVonne was very active in her church, in her community and was loved and cherished by many. After the family sold the grocery store, she went on to school for tax preparation. She had a thriving business for several years preparing tax returns for many customers. After retiring a second time, she volunteered at Padre’s in Dell Rapids and always looked forward to working there and seeing friends.

LaVonne taught her children by example to have a relationship with Jesus, to develop lifelong skills and to never stop learning. We, as her children, have been blessed to call her our mom.

LaVonne is survived by her children, 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 her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husband, Ken Miller; two infant sons, John and Joseph, and her son, Ronald.

Molly Voy

August 6, 2022 by Submitted

Molly Voy, 81, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022. Her funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service. Interment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. www.kahlerfh.com

Molly Cherry was born on July 17, 1941 at Port Smith, United Kingdom, the daughter of Leslie and Edith (Goodyear) Cherry. She grew up and attended school in England until she was 16. She then met David Voy while he was stationed in the US Air Force. The couple married on December 26, 1957. The couple made their home in England before moving to Dell Rapids in 1961. Molly became an American citizen in 1965. Molly worked as a Nurses Aide at Terrace Manor in Dell Rapids for over 20 years until she retired. David passed away on November 21, 2009.

Molly was a member of the Dell Rapids Baptist Church for many years and attended East Nidaros Lutheran Church in Baltic.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Aileen and brother, Tony.

She is survived by her sons, Stuart Voy of England and Robert (MariAnn) Voy of Dell Rapids; her daughter, Belinda (Bill) Peck of Colton; her nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Lois Sue Miller

July 29, 2022 by Submitted

Lois Sue Miller (“Sue”), 2409 E Marson Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57103, passed away July 18th at Avera Prince of Peace at the age of 88.

She was born in 1934 in Elgin, Illinois to Dr. and Mrs. H. G. Brinkman. After graduating from Elgin High School in 1952, she earned a B.S. degree, summa cum laude, from Michigan State University in 1956 where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She was also inducted into several academic honor societies including: Phi Beta Kappa, Kappa Delta Pi, Omicron Nu, and Phi Kappa Phi.

After graduation, Sue taught home economics in Dayton, Ohio and Roanoke, Indiana for several years before becoming a homemaker in Huntington, Indiana with her husband, Ted, of 48 years who predeceased her in 2004 after they retired to Hot Springs Village, AR in 1996.

Sue was active in the community and a member of Tri Kappa Sorority, Sorosis, the Huntington Study Club, United Methodist Church (nursery coordinator and vacation bible school teacher) and was a longtime Red Cross blood bank chairman and disaster relief volunteer. She especially enjoyed golf, bridge, and entertaining friends and family.

Surviving are her son Matt, his wife Patty, and grandchildren Zach and Maggie of Sioux Falls, SD and son Brett, his wife Teri, and grandson Gavin of Oak Park, Illinois, all of whom made her especially proud.

Funeral arrangements were under the care of Kahler-Brende Funeral Home with a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Red Cross.

Terry Eck

July 29, 2022 by Submitted

Terry Eck, 55, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. His Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service. Inurnment will take place at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls. www.kahlerfh.com

Terry Ray Eck was born in Hot Springs, SD, October 26, 1966 to Thelma (Coy) and Ray Eck. Terry spent most of his youth in Sioux Falls, then moved to Montana and graduated from Hellgate High School and then entered the AirForce. His service was one of the accomplishments he was most proud of.

Terry was hard-working, fun-loving and full of embellished stories. He was passionate about muscle cars, especially his ‘94 Anniversary Mustang, motorcycles and Dallas Cowboy football. He enjoyed fixing things, or at least trying, and gadgets, especially the “as seen on TV” deals. Terry worked as a petroleum specialist for Sioux Equipment and O’Day, the perfect job for a “fixer”. Terry was forced to retire long before he wanted to because of a severe back injury.

Terry also said he had a true love story. He met his wife Lynnette “Nettie” Eck while working at the same place of employment. They were a misunderstood match and took the plunge anyway on July 10, 2004 and got to spend as much time in the Black Hills as possible and would not have missed the Buffalo Round-up.

Above all Terry’s joy was his family. He loved sitting around and swapping stories and reminiscing. Those left to remember all the wonderful moments are his wife “Nettie” and her children Annie (Charles) Tillman, Sioux Falls, Jessica (Scott) Hartung, Aberdeen. The grandchildren that came along with the marriage as a package deal; Trace Kilker-Zeig, Colin Kilker-Zeig and special friend Deloris Herman, Tayler Zeig, Shay Tillman, Kate Hartung, Abi Hartung, and great-grandchildren; Bentley Weber and Oaklynn Klein. Terry’s brothers Todd Gravning and his special friend, Darcy Johnston, Sioux Falls, Jon (Jody) Eck, Sioux Falls, and Lynn Eck, Sioux Falls. And one man, his step-dad, Marlyn Gravning, whom Terry held in very high regard. Along with Terry’s dog, Rowdy, who never was very from his side.

Terry was a kind generous spirit who never realized how much he meant to others. If you ever recall him in the future, hope it brings a smile to your face.

Donald Knutson

July 29, 2022 by Submitted

Donald “Don” Knutson, 95, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022 at Bethany Home in Brandon. His funeral service will begin on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. www.kahlerfh.com

Donald Wayne Knutson was born May 11, 1927, to Morris and Rosie (Swenson) Knutson on a farm near Colton, SD. He moved with his family to a farm east of Dell Rapids in 1940 and attended country school and Trent High School. He attended Dell Rapids High School his senior year, graduating in 1945. He then continued to work with his dad on the family farm. Don first asked Luella Marie Nebben to dance in October of 1945, they were married in 1949 at the Colman Lutheran Church, and they continued to dance together until her untimely death in 1977. After their marriage, the couple moved to the family farm with his parents and during this time were blessed with the surprise of twin daughters, Joan and Joy. A few years later they moved to their own farmhouse and then farmed west of Trent for six years where their son Brad was added to the family. They moved into Dell Rapids in 1966. A strong work ethic was important to Don and in the following years, Don bought into a lumber yard, worked for All-American Freight, Dakota Welding Supply, drove truck for Leland Randall, spent many years working for A-OX Welding Supply and then after most people would have retired, he worked for the Dell Rapids Lumber Company.

Don was an active member of the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids for many years, serving in many capacities, including head usher. Don loved his many trips to the Black Hills to visit family and enjoy the scenery. He took great joy in maintaining his beautiful flower garden and watching the many birds that visited his yard. His favorite thing though, was his family, both his immediate family and his and Luella’s many extended family members. Holidays at Lue’s mother’s home, multiple card games, and many nights dancing and seeing movies made him very happy. As he spent more time at home, he especially enjoyed seeing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and making his famous Jell-O for all of them! Don was blessed with dear friends that made his life all the better and he was grateful for all his days.

Grateful for having shared his life are his three children: daughters Joan Wangberg of Colman, SD and Joy (Robert) Jacobson of Harrisburg, SD, and son Brad (Julie) Knutson of Omaha, NE; seven grandchildren: Jennifer (Jeff) Keyes of Colman, SD, Heather (Jason) Ahrendt, Sioux Falls, SD, Jackie (Kevin) Cordova, Las Vegas, NV, Aaron (Amber) Jacobson, W. St. Paul, MN, Peter Knutson, Thomas Knutson, and Emma Knutson, all of Omaha; eleven great grandchildren: Nicolas, Tye, and Rebecca Wangberg, Jonathon and Joselyn Keyes, Gabrielle and Lincoln Ahrendt, Grace, Isabella, and Emily Cordova, and Lexi Job; sister Donna Mae (Don) Broksieck, Basehor, KS; and sister in law, Arlie Knutson, Sioux Falls, SD; his extended family and great friends.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Luella; his parents, Morris and Rosie Knutson; two sisters, Harriet Kroger and Betty Anderson; three brothers, Sam Knutson, Merle Knutson, and Dick Knutson; son-in-law Kenny Wangberg; and special friend Delores Culhane.

Nick Reecy

July 11, 2022 by Submitted

Nick Reecy, 67, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022 at the Avera Dells Area Hospital. A family graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Wellington Catholic Cemetery, rural Humblodt at 1:00 p.m. www.kahlerfh.com

Nicholas “Nick” Joseph Reecy was born on October 20, 1954 in Yankton, SD. He grew up in Foreston, MN and attended school in Milaca, MN, graduating from Milaca High School in 1972. He then farmed with his father until 1976 when he moved with his family to Dell Rapids. He attended Southeast for diesel mechanic. He worked at the Dell Rapids Golf Course and then worked along side his dad refinishing furniture and doing woodworking.

Nick loved cars, he enjoyed farming and loved to watch tractor auctions. He was an avid Minnesota sports fans always cheering on the Twins, Wild and Vikings.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Delphin and Anna May (Mulloy) Reecy, and his niece, Nicolette.

He is survived by his sister, Peg Reecy of Dell Rapids; his nieces, Rebecca Reecy of Yankton and AnaLeigh (Jared) Duske of Watertown, MN and his great-nieces and nephews, Aubrey, Cameron, Teresa, Reis and Duke.

Memorials may be sent to: Peg Reecy, 813 Vermont Ave., Dell Rapids, SD 57022

Robert Boldt

June 30, 2022 by Submitted

Robert “Bob” Boldt, 90, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Monday, June 27, 2022 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. His funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2022 in the Baltic Lutheran Church. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Interment will be in the Frist Church of God Cemetery, Marion. www.kahlerfh.com

Robert Boldt was born in Marion, SD on June 14, 1932, the son of Henry and Helena Boldt. He attended school from 1938-1949. He left school when he was a sophomore to start working at a chicken packing plant in Marion. He then worked for his brother-in-law who farmed and his brother scooping corn for a corn sheller. In 1952 he was drafted and served two years in the Korean War. After his discharge he returned to Marion where he met Arlene Kettleson. The couple was married on December 10, 1955. They made their home in Sioux Falls. Robert worked for a package delivery company until 1955 when he started at John Morrell. He worked there for 31 years until his retirement. During retirement he worked for Sunshine Foods in Sioux Falls for 13 years. Robert accepted the Lord into his heart on April 13, 1973. His wife Arlene passed away on March 18, 1986.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and seven siblings.

He is survived by his three sons, Ken (Bettina), Jeff (Joan) and Randy (Anita); his grandchildren, Nick, Samantha, Zach, Mackenzie, Olivia, Silas and seven step-grandchildren; his four great-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren and his one step-great-great-grandchild, his friend, Rita and his extended family.

James Gannon

June 29, 2022 by Submitted

James “Jim” Kent Gannon, 85, McLean, VA, passed away in his sleep on June 17, 2022 at home. A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. with his Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 27, 2022 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the St. Mary Cemetery, Dell Rapids. www.kahlerfh.com

Jim was born June 13, 1937 in Armour, SD, the son of Liguori “Larry” and Doris (Johnson) Gannon. Jim grew up on the family farm near Dell Rapids and attended St. Mary’s School. Jim graduated in May 1962 with a Bachelor’s degree from SDSU in Brookings SD.

Jim married Renelle Gannon on March 3, 1972 in Sande, Germany. The couple resided in many places including Germany, Minnesota and Virginia. Jim was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church VA. He greatly loved his wife, children, and grandchildren and they greatly loved their “Pepe”. Jim’s passion was getting to know people and he never knew a stranger. His kindness, humor, and love for people will be greatly missed.

Jim served in the US Army, including one tour in Vietnam, and received a Bronze Star for his service. He worked for Mitre Corporation for many years where he was a Computer Systems Engineer. He received many accolades for his work, before he retired in 2012.

Jim is survived by his wife, Renelle of McLean VA; children, Monica Gannon of Atlantic IA, Patricia (Rodney) Goodemote of Stanton IA, Gregory (Alessandra) of Jeffersonton VA; grandchildren, Fellissimo and Maximilian Gannon of Jeffersonton VA, Bethany, Isaac and Beverly Goodemote of Stanton IA; and brothers, John (Mary Jo) Gannon of Mesa AZ, Denny (Mary) Gannon of Dell Rapids, Mark (Gail) Gannon of Boseman MT; sisters-in-law, Shirley (William) Gannon of Sioux Falls SD and Carol (Virgil) Gannon of Tea SD.

Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Ellen (Pottebaum) Gannon: his parents Larry and Doris Gannon; his brothers, William “Bill” and Virgil Gannon and his sister Sharon “Kay” Gannon.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made for St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church VA.