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Lee Anderson

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Lee Andrew Anderson, age 85, of Trent, passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 10, 2021 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Colman, SD with Fr. Melvin Kuhn Celebrating.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Dell Rapids, SD.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 9th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 Vigil service at the Minnehaha Funeral Home in Dell Rapids, SD.

Lee Andrew Anderson was born at Huntimer, SD on December 6, 1936 to Fred and Verena (Heinemann) Anderson. He grew up around Dell Rapids and attended St. Mary’s Catholic school.

He started painting at age 14 with Art Fredrickson’s Painting.  He later took over the business in 1970 and named it Lee Anderson and Sons Painting.  He kept painting until his retirement.  Lee married Marlys Nelson of Trent, SD on January 26, 1955.  They moved near Trent and started farming in 1960 and farmed for 38 years.

Lee belonged to St. Mary Catholic church in Dell Rapids and St. Peters Catholic Church in Colman, SD.  He belonged to the Catholic Foresters of Dell Rapids since he was a boy.  In later years he enjoyed wood working, making lawn ornaments, yardwork, fishing, and summertime down to the river with Life Scape / Dakota Ability.  He loved dancing with his wife at R-Kota Ball Room, and the Moose Lodge.  He and Marlys also enjoyed wintering in Texas since 1997 where they made many new friends.  Another fine enjoyment at his table, was the door was always open for advice, comradery, and squirrel pie with coffee.

Lee is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Marlys Anderson of Trent, SD; son, Lee (Lisa) Anderson Jr. of Chugwater, WY; daughter, Pam (Bob) Dickey of Trent, SD; sons, Terry (Denise) Anderson of Trent, SD and Kevin (Shellie) Anderson of Trent, SD; daughter, Julie (Dan) Kirlin of Avoca, MN; 23 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Betty Bunkers of Dell Rapids, SD, Alice Doherty of Iowa, Judy Jordan of New York, Karen Overson of AZ , and Jeanie Carder of CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Verena Anderson; stepfather, Alvin Schettler; brother, Curt; sisters, Alverda and Mary Ellen.

Delvon Ammon

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Delvon Ammon of Mitchell, SD passed away Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell.  Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell.  Visitation will be from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at Will Funeral Chapel.  Burial with Military Rites will be in Graceland Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Jean, children, Gregory (Jeannie) Ammon, Debra (Brian) Oftedahl, Trudy (Keith) Youngren, ten grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, brothers in-law, Kermit Black, and Glen (Helen) Ewing, and sister in-law, Gladys Ewing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Daniel, grandson, Wyatt Ammon, sister, Delores Black, and brother in-law James L. Ewing SR.

For full notice see www.willfuneralchapel.com

Kai Theel

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Kai Riley Theel was born on June 20th, 2021, to the joy of his parents Riley and Paige. He spent his last days surrounded by the love of family and friends. On December 3rd, Kai passed away in his parents arms, and went peacefully in to the arms of Jesus.

During Baby Kai’s time here, he loved laughing at his mom and dad, bath time, and going for walks or golf cart rides. Kai enjoyed laying on his play mat and being pestered by his puppies. He spent many nights being spoiled by his grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Nothing brought him more peace than listening to Luke Combs. He was the sweetest blue-eyed boy with the biggest smile and the light of his parent’s life.

Kai was preceded in death by his great-grandpas, Mick Krantz, Don Bunkers, Don Nelson, and Marvin Theel.

He is survived by his parents Riley and Paige Theel; gandparents Jerry and Michelle Bunkers, and Denny and Donette Theel; great-grandmas Mary Krantz, Betty Bunkers, Jeanette Nelson, and Mary Weber; great-grandpa Jerry Weber; uncles and aunts Tate and Emily Bunkers, and Sam and Kelsey Collins; cousins Henry, Eloise, and Rocky Bunkers, and Harrison and Hudson Collins; and many dear family and friends.

Kai changed the lives of all who have met him and will be forever missed.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 7th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home in Dell Rapids. His funeral service will be Wednesday, December 8th at 1:00 pm at Embrace Church 57th Campus in Sioux Falls. www.kahlerfh.com

Denny Beekman

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Denny Beekman, 62, of Dell Rapids, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at his home under hospice care. His Memorial Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021 at Quarry Rock Church in Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Denny was born on December 13, 1958 in Estelline, to Marwin and Roberta (Martin) Beekman. He grew up and attended school in Huron, graduating in 1977. While growing up, he worked with his father at Car Quest where he sold auto parts. He married Teresa Rounds, and to this union three sons were born. Denny married Sandy Oestreich on May 8, 1995. The couple started their life together in Huron. In 1998, they moved to Brookings where Denny started working for 3M. In 2004, they made their home in Dell Rapids. He retired from 3M after 20 years this past March.

Denny most loved spending time with family and friends. Always quick to make everyone laugh with his famous one-liners. He filled his free time with unforgettable PRPP time, grilling his famous ribs, golfing (where he hit a hole in one), camping, and his pastime of owning and admiring hot rod cars.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Doug.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy of Dell Rapids; their children, Andy (Jenny) Beekman of Shepherdsville, KY, Scott (Sovanna) Beekman of Woonsocket and Troy (Abby) Beekman of Bennington, NE, Nicole (Trent) Bruce of Sioux Falls, Amanda (Chad) Klosterbuer of Little Rock, IA and Brian (Kristin) Nedved of Baltic. He earned the name Papa from his 15 grandchildren: Treyton, Americus, Addison, Kennedy, Hannah, Emma, Summer, Cael, Lincoln, Oscar, Oliver, Eleanor, Sullivan, Eliza, Rylee, and Benton. He also has his special Aunt Sheryl of Pueblo, CO, and several cousins and close friends.

Kaaren Randel

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Kaaren Randel, 54, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Her Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at River Community Church in Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at River Community Church on Friday, December 10, 2021. www.kahlerfh.com

Kaaren was born on August 31, 1967 in Sioux Falls, SD. She grew up and attended school at O’Gorman in Sioux Falls. She raised her children and then worked as a server at Olive Garden in California. This is where she met her husband, James “Cricket” Randel. The couple moved to Dell Rapids in 2001. Kaaren worked for Wells Fargo in Sioux Falls for over 20 years and her and James owned and operated Cricket’s Catering in Dell Rapids.

Kaaren was a true giver. She always put everyone else first. She truly enjoyed giving back to the community and donating her time and talents for various charities. She always remembered anniversaries and birthdays for her family, extended family, her co-workers and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Brad.

She is survived by her husband, James “Cricket” Randel; her kids, Jonny (Amanda) Schwarz, Christina (Tyler) Jorgensen, Andrew (Jamie) Schwarz, Michelle Miller, Trey Randel, Lealand (Ayriona) Randel; grandkids, Jayda, Corbin, Chase, Adelyne, Ava, Abel, and Anaya; two great-grandkids; her sisters, Neoma, Maggie, Ingred and Hallie.

Willard Wirkus

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Willard W. Wirkus, 72, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Riverview Healthcare Center in Flandreau, SD. His Memorial Service will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2021 in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service. Inurnment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Will entered his final journey and is now at peace. He pursued his life’s greatest adventures with his loving wife, Diane Wirkus. They lived in Dell Rapids. www.kahlerfh.com

Will was born to Benedict and Clara (Gaikowski) Wirkus of Grenville, SD at the Webster Hospital in Webster, SD. He attended grade school in Grenville, SD and graduated from Watertown High School.

Will started his trucking career in 1974. He drove for Arrow truck lines, Hamlin County Implement and Orion Foods where he was a transportation driver for 25 years.  After he retired he worked for Jerry Ellefson Farms until he became ill in August of 2020. He loved going to the farm, that was a big part of his life and being with his special friends at the farm.

Will loved going to Toy Auctions and his “collection” of numerous Case IH Implements and other associated toys are a sight to see. Even with his collection looking complete, there was alway room for one more. He did have his special ones that he admired more than others.

He is a member of the Lutheran Church in Dell Rapids.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Kelly Wirkus and his brother, Richard Wirkus.

Will is survived by his wife, Diane of Dell Rapids; his sister, Audrey Wirkus and companion Bill Worley of Bethel, MN; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Wirkus of Lennox; his nephews, David and Nikki Wirkus of Baltic, Rich and Alicia Wirkus of Baltic, Michael and Amber Wirkus of Dodge Centre, MN; his niece, Jamie and Mitch Rayman of Baltic; his brothers-in-law, Gary (Jan) Kangas, Dale (Janne) Kangas, Dewayne (Shari) Kangas; his sister-in-law, Jane (Doug) Youngblood and his many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flower, memorials may be directed to the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids.

Troy Trygstad

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Troy Trygstad, 49, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. His Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2021 in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Troy Trygstad was born on March 17, 1972, to Gaylon and Linda (Connor) Trygstad. He grew up on Nunda, SD, until moving with his family for a short time to Nebraska and then returning to Nunda. He attended school in Rutland. While in high school in enlisted in the US Army National Guard. He served in the Army National Guard for 14 years. He graduated from Rutland High School in 1990. After high school he attended the School of Mines in Rapid City for a year and then SDSU in Brookings for a year. He then went to work for MMCA and sold investment securities. He married Laurie Becvar. To this union twin girls were born, Jessica and Elizabeth. The couple later divorced. He started his construction company and ran a mortgage and real estate company. He met Sarah Roseland in 2004. The couple married in 2013 where they made their home in Dell Rapids. To this union, a daughter, Elliott and a son, Gavin were born.

He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, he enjoyed reading, he loved the outdoors, but he was most proud of his children. He loved that his older daughters shared his love of music, he loved going to their concerts and listening to them sing and play their instruments. He loved teaching Elliott and Gavin new things and he loved reading with them.

Troy is preceded in death by his paternal grandpa, Melford Trygstad and his maternal grandparents, George and Mildred Conner.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah of Dell Rapids; his children, Elizabeth and Jessica of Sioux Falls and Elliot and Gavin of Dell Rapids; his father, Gaylon (Nancy) Trygstad of Dell Rapids and his mother, Linda (Mike) Lesselyoung of Madison; his paternal grandmother, Wilma Trygstad; his brother, Eric (Karen) Trygstad of Nunda; his nephews, Bennet, Brandon and Isaac and his niece, Julia; step-siblings;  Ann (Ryan) Kueter of Sioux Falls, Keith (Kerrie) Johnson of Becker, MN, Dustin (Kelli) Johnson of Sioux Falls, and Tyler Johnson of Dell Rapids and his extended family and many friends.

The family prefers memorials in lieu of flowers to help with expenses.

LaDonna Christensen

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LaDonna Christensen, 89, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. Her funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 in Quarry Rock Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation will begin on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

LaDonna Lou Andersen was born on March 17, 1932 at Madison, SD, the daughter of John and Sena (Nielsen) Anderson. She grew up on a farm near Colman. She attended school in Colman and graduated from Colman High School in 1950. She married Lauren Christensen on August 30, 1951 at the Trent Baptist Church. After their marriage the couple made their home on a farm near Dell Rapids and began farming together. They grew hybrid seed corn for 28 years. They fazed out of farming and moved into Dell Rapids in 1994.

She was active in the Trent Baptist Church and the ladies circle until retiring and moving to Dell Rapids. She was then an active member of Quarry Rock Church. LaDonna and Lauren entertained numerous groups from Lifescapes, School for the Deaf and Dakota Abilities on their acreage on the river near Trent.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant grandson, Jason John.

LaDonna is survived by her husband of 70 years, Lauren; her sons, Rob and Paul and her granddaughters, Cara and Dana; great-grandchildren , Brayden and Avery.

Memorials maybe directed to the Jason John Scholarship at the University of Sioux Falls.

Sharon Gannon

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Sharon Kay Gannon,75, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Her Memorial Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service. Inurnment will be in the St. Mary Cemetery. www.kahlerfh.com

Sharon Kathryn (Kay) Gannon was born to Liguori and Doris Gannon in Dell Rapids, SD on November 4, 1945. Kay grew up on a farm west of town with her parents and six brothers and attended St. Mary’s School. She participated in 4-H, Girls State, Catholic Youth Organization, and school plays. Kay had many fond memories of growing up on the farm and playing with her brothers, cousins, and neighbors. After graduating from high school, Kay went to Mount Marty in Yankton for her first year of college, studied for a year at Dakota State in Madison, and finished her undergraduate degree in French and education from South Dakota State University in Brookings. While in college, Kay was a camp counselor at the Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, MN. In November 1968, Kay married Galen Brown, who was also from Dell Rapids and had recently returned from two tours of duty in Vietnam. Their daughter Melissa (Missy) was born in May 1969 in Sioux Falls, SD. In fall of 1969 they moved to Vermillion so that Galen could finish college at the University of South Dakota, and Kay commuted to Sioux City, IA to teach French at Central High School.

The majority of Kay’s career was centered around the field of education. When Kay and Galen got divorced in 1979, Kay resigned her teaching position and started working at St. Agnes School where Missy went to school. She then began working at USD – first in interlibrary loan at I.D. Weeks Library, then in continuing education. She directed a distance learning program while pursuing her master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education in 1986. She returned to working at St. Agnes to start a parish youth organization.

In 1987, Kay moved back to Dell Rapids and took a position as Academic Dean at National College in Sioux Falls where she was able to implement an accelerated learning program for adult learners. In 1992 Kay moved in with her parents to help them as they aged, and she accepted a position with Dell Rapids Public Schools. There she worked as the Director of the Modernization Program on a three-year grant from the State of South Dakota, a position which morphed into that of Curriculum Director.

Kay’s parents passed away in 2000 and 2001. In 2002 Kay moved to Sioux Falls and accepted the position of Teacher Resource Center Director at The Outdoor Campus in Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls. She liked to say that God saved the best position for last. She herself learned a lot about nature and the outdoors and she translated her learning to create programs for K-12 teachers. She designed teaching crates of pelts and other animal artifacts for teachers to check out and use in their classrooms, and taught credit classes to teachers for recertification in Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, and Project WET. And on special days she was able to play with the kids who took classes there. Her granddaughter Molly also enjoyed taking classes at The Outdoor Campus when she was in Sioux Falls for her annual summer Nana Camp. Kay retired from the Outdoor Campus in 2014 when she said she had run out of scathingly brilliant ideas. She continued to volunteer at the campus and also enjoyed volunteering in the area of adult literacy.

Kay was passionate about learning and teaching, and about her faith. Family and good friends were important to her. She had a great sense of humor and had a gift for connecting with people. She loved prayer, words, language, writing, reading, her large family, cats, and chocolate cake – not necessarily in that order.

Kay passed away on September 22, 2021 at age 75 after struggling with illness. She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Bill and Virgil. She is survived by her daughter Missy (John) Sullivan and granddaughter Molly Sullivan of Minneapolis, MN; brother Jim (Renelle) of McLean, VA; sister-in-law Shirley of Sioux Falls; sister-in-law Carol of Tea; brother John (Mary Jo) of Mesa, AZ; Denny (Mary) of Dell Rapids; Mark (Gail) of Bozeman, MT; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Mary Campus Renewal Fund.

Richard ‘Dick’ Gannon

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Richard “Dick” Gannon, 83, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. His Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 20, 2021 in St. Mary Catholic Church. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. The Christian Wake Service will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a Catholic Order of Foresters Rosary to follow. www.kahlerfh.com

Richard “Dick” Dale Gannon was born to Cletus and Delia (Day) Gannon on April 2, 1938 in Dell Rapids. He grew up on a farm west of Dell Rapids, and attended St. Mary School. On August 22, 1959 he married Rosalie Van Dam in Dell Rapids. To this union four children were born.

In his youth, he enjoyed horseback riding, hunting and fishing. Although he never graduated from high school, he went on to become an accomplished carpenter and contractor, traveling to various states working on big projects for Mortenson and Witcher companies in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

In his retirement he helped out at St. Mary’s on the Grandpa Crew doing odds and ends around the St. Mary Campus. His handiwork can be seen on the St. Mary Altar.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, and his three brothers, Lawrence, Donald and George.

Richard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosalie of Dell Rapids; his children, Renae (Tom) Mergen of Dell Rapids, Kim (John) Bunkers of Dell Rapids, Rodney Gannon of Rochester, MN and Paul (Tammy) Gannon of Dell Rapids; his eleven grandchildren, Kelly (Jenni) Mergen, Katie (Heath) Abraham, Eric (Morgan) Mergen, Rane (Aneta) Mergen, Chris (Ashlee) Bunkers, Caitlin Bunkers, Colby (Kaitlin) Bunkers, Rich (Kayla) Gannon, Luke Gannon, Tyler Gannon, Cody (DJ) Gannon; his 13 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Eugene Gannon of Des Moines, IA, Gerald (Deb) Gannon of Worthing; his sister, Donna Entringer (John Nelson) of Sioux Falls; his sisters-in-law, Doris Singer of Falcon Heights, MN and Julie Abrahamson of Sioux Falls and his many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Mary Campus Renewal Fund.

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