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Barbara “Bobi” Evans - Share this obit - Print this obit
Barbara “Bobi” Evans arrived in the world on May 16, 1947, the daughter of Mayona and Lee Liston. She spent a memorable childhood on her parent’s rural farm outside of Ireton, Iowa, nurturing baby animals, riding her horse Clipper, attending a one-room country schoolhouse, and having adventures with her beloved brothers, Dennis “Denny” and Bruce Liston.
Those who knew Bobi in her youth often remember her beautiful red hair and freckles, which at times made her feel set apart from her peers. Over time, she came to embrace them as part of her signature look, meeting the attention they drew with the humor and self-awareness that characterized so much of her life
In 1968, Bobi attained her B.A. in Communication Disorders, Speech and Language Pathology at the University of South Dakota and continued in the discipline with an M.A. in 1978. She spent most of her professional life in this field, helping children find their voices as a speech therapist. Bobi was a gifted communicator–she knew that words could heal, encourage, delight, and connect. She also knew that sometimes the most important thing a person can do is listen.
Throughout her life, Bobi was creative to her core. Music was one of her native languages—a dialect she shared with her husband, Fred. At home, the two were frequently in musical conversation, filling the house with sound. Bobi could often be found at her family’s heirloom piano, coaxing beauty from the keys, while Fred, a percussionist, practiced nearby. She was also a talented vocalist; one of her favorite memories was her star-turn singing with Deadwood’s Saloon No.10 band in her early twenties. Her musical tastes were eclectic, spanning many forms of jazz, soul, pop, americana, and folk; her favorite artists included James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, to whom she felt a deep kinship.
Her creativity extended naturally into the language and visual arts as well, where she seemed to possess an endless capacity for imagination. In ink-and-pigment abstracts and illustrations as well as expressive charcoal sketches, she created a vivid and deeply personal vision of her life story. In addition, like her father, she was deeply passionate about books and storytelling, drawn to narratives that reflected her curiosity about people and the world. Creativity was not a hobby for Bobi—it was a way of being.
For those fortunate enough to be in her orbit, Bobi was generous with her gifts. She was happiest sharing her creative world with her circle of friends, who inspired her in turn, and with her daughter, Adrienne, who carries that influence with her still.
Bobi's life was marked by both joy and challenge. Her own struggles deepened her compassion for others and helped her develop a strong sense of justice. Bobi was not someone who stood quietly on the sidelines when she saw someone being overlooked, dismissed, or treated unfairly. She spoke up. She advocated. She believed in kindness and courage and that using one's voice on behalf of others was simply the right thing to do. Along the way, she gathered a beloved family, including her husband, Fred Evans; her daughter, Adrienne Evans; and her stepson, Jonah Evans. She is also survived by her brother Dennis Liston; her nieces: Emily Mowry; Laura Comstock; and Beth Stuecher; and her grand-nephews and niece: Justin Hardin; Alex Stuecher; and Olivia Stuecher.
Bobi’s laughter, her creativity, and her fierce compassion will remain with all who knew and loved her. She will be missed terribly, remembered fondly, and loved always.
"Laughing and crying, you know it's the same release." –Joni Mitchell
Visitation will be Thursday, June 18, 1:30 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 2:30 PM.
Linda Diesburg - Share this obit - Print this obit
Linda Diesburg, born July 5th, 1954 in Valley Springs, SD, passed away on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at Avantara Nursing Home in Sioux Falls, SD at age 71. She was the youngest child of Willard and Joyce Diesburg. She is survived by her sisters Charlotte Diesburg, Marion SD, and Lila Eisenhauer, Sioux Falls SD, and her nephews Dan Eisenhauer, Nick Eisenhauer, and Royce Breneman.
Linda grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, where she attended Sioux Vocational from the ages of 18 to 21. She moved with her family to a farm near Chancellor, SD at the age of 20. There, Linda enjoyed doing chores on the farm, caring for her pet dogs and cats, and visiting friends in Chancellor and her sister Charlotte on her farm near Canistota, SD.
In 1987, Linda and her parents moved to Chancellor, SD. In 1988, her father passed away, leaving her to care for her mother. She moved back to Sioux Falls with her mother in 1990, spending lots of time with her sister Lila and family. Her mother died in 1992, and Linda lived near Lila until moving to assisted living in 1998, then to a nursing home in Salem, SD. Linda moved to Avantara Senior Living in Sioux Falls in 2014.
Linda enjoyed drinking coffee, playing cards during visits with her sisters Charlotte and Lila, wearing fabulous wigs, and playing bingo. She loved being around people, talking with them and sharing their good times.
Linda will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 14, 5:00 PM-7:00PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, June 15, 11:00 AM at St. Lambert Church.
Virginia Downing - Share this obit - Print this obit
Virginia Downing, age 81, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at Avera Dougherty House in Sioux Falls, surrounded by her loved ones.
Virginia Carlson was born on June 7, 1944, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Adrian Carl Carlson and Ruth Ann (Eaton) Carlson. She grew up in Grand Island and graduated from Grand Island High School in 1962.
Following graduation, Virginia worked at a local flower shop in Grand Island. That same year, she began her career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. On June 13, 1964, she married Jerry Downing of Kearney, Nebraska, and together they made their home in Grand Island.
On December 31, 1972, Virginia and Jerry welcomed their only child, a son, Brian Downing. In 1979, the family relocated to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Virginia continued her career with Northwestern Bell and its successor companies. She dedicated 38 years of service before retiring.
Following her retirement, Virginia worked as a night clerk at the Brimark Inn in Sioux Falls for an additional 12 years.
Virginia found great joy in crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching. She was an avid reader throughout her life and amassed a large collection of novels. She also had a special love for dogs and cherished the many companions she cared for over the years.
Virginia is survived by her son, Brian Downing of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; four granddaughters; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Linn Downing; her brothers, Jim Carlson of Grand Island, Nebraska, and Eugene Carlson of Texas; her sisters, Cathy (Carlson) Meyers of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Carol Carlson, of Grand Island, Nebraska; and her parents, Adrian and Ruth Carlson.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD. A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date.
Sarah Lyn Spivey - Share this obit - Print this obit
With faith in the Resurrection and the hope of eternal life, Sarah Lyn Spivey (Nosbush) passed away peacefully and comfortably at home in her sleep on May 29, 2026, with the love of her life holding vigil at her side. She was surrounded by love and entrusted her soul to God in peace.
Sarah was born on February 8, 1987, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Jacqueline J. Anderson and Steven G. Nosbush. She was an only child, though she was lovingly connected to a large extended family of half-siblings and step-siblings on both her mother’s and father’s sides.
She attended Washington High School, Class of 2005, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Class of 2009.
Sarah devoted her professional life to public service as a federal employee with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys. She was proud of her work and her service to others.
A woman of faith, Sarah was formed in the Catholic tradition. She attended Holy Spirit Catholic Church and was also connected with Christ the King Church. She remained active in her faith and community throughout her life, finding strength and peace in prayer and Scripture. She also volunteered with the Alpha Center in Sioux Falls and was once employed there. In addition, she shared her faith by serving as a catechism instructor for 6th and 7th grade students.
Sarah loved to travel, especially to places near water—ponds, lakes, and the ocean. She enjoyed road trips and taking the long way home, finding beauty in the journey. She had a generous spirit and a deep desire to help others, often bringing light and joy to those around her simply by her presence.
She enjoyed sewing and many forms of crafting, and she cherished time spent with family and friends. Sarah also deeply valued time in prayer and Scripture with her husband, finding peace in quiet moments together—whether in the backyard, sharing a meal, or enjoying a simple picnic lunch.
In her final days, she often expressed that her husband’s embrace brought her comfort and peace similar to that of her pain medication, a reflection of the deep love and consolation she felt in his presence.
Sarah is survived by her husband: Herbert Donald Spivey II (known as Don); her mother: Jacqueline J. Anderson; her father: Steven G. Nosbush; her grandmother; and her extended family of half-siblings and step-siblings on both her mother’s and father’s sides. She is also lovingly remembered by a large extended family including many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 7, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, June 8, 10:30 AM at Christ the King Church.
Charley Smith - Share this obit - Print this obit
Charley Smith, born September 26, 1952, at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, passed away on Monday June 1, 2026, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. He was the only child of Charles and Alice Smith.
Charley was raised in Sioux Falls, where he attended Cathedral Grade School and graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1970. He also attended St John’s University in Collegeville, MN, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Augustana College in 1978.
From a young age, Charley was drawn to the visual arts and music, passions that shaped much of his life. He worked as a commercial artist and later a self-employed piano tuner. Charley also performed music in Louisville, Kentucky and Sioux Falls, sharing his talent and love of music with others. Playing music with people was a constant in his life. Charley was a proud member of the Sioux Falls band the Rocky Mountain Oysters. Charley shared his talents with other bands and gigs throughout the years as well. Charley had hoped to continue playing into his 80’s, but inflammatory arthritis eventually limited his ability to perform.
In the 1980’s, charley was actively involved in the South Dakota Arts Council and the Friends of Traditional Music. He served as a board member and contributed his artistic talents. Charley was inducted into the SD FOTM Hall of Fame in 2021 as a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, supporter and performer for over 40 years.
Charley is remembered for his creativity, dedication to the arts, and the many connections he made throughout his life. He expressed deep gratitude for the creative people he met over the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Charles Smith. We’ve heard it said from many that Charley was THE favorite among his friends.
Charley wanted to express a special thanks to his cousin Mike Gould and family, his stepson, Brandon Jett, and of course his musical family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Charley’s honor to the South Dakota Friends of Traditional Music non-profit foundation or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 9, 9:30 AM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 10:30 AM.
Gerald "Mike" Brown - Share this obit - Print this obit
Gerald Michael Brown, 82, of Sioux Falls, SD, entered into eternal life on May 29, 2026. He was born on April 12, 1944 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to John and Leona Brown. Mike grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated in the 2nd graduation class of O’Gorman Catholic High School in 1962.
A proud and dedicated servant of his country, Mike served in the Army from December, 1963 to December 1965. During his service, he served as an air traffic controller in Stuttgart, Germany during the Vietnam War. His military service remained a source of great pride throughout his life.
While working at John Morrell, he owned his own chimney sweep business, Sweeper Brown, he worked in a top hat and tails. He worked 45 years in the American Meat Industry as a Quality Control Manager for John Morrell (Sioux Falls, SD), Quality Assurance for Indiana Packers (Layfayett, IN) and Quality Control for Cloverdale Foods (Mandan, ND).
Mike retired in 2007 and enjoyed spending his time going to his grandkids events, woodworking, pen making, working part-time at MACs hardware, playing cards and cribbage and spending time with family and friends.
A man of deep and unwavering faith, Mike was a devoted Catholic. His faith guided his life and was evident in his kindness, compassion, and dedication to others. Above all, Mike was a loving husband, father, grandfather and proud patriarch of a blended family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years: Kathleen (Kathy); his children: Tim (Lora Brown), Bob Brown, Julie (Dave) Osborne, Jim (Michelle) Brown, Amy (Darin) DeVries and Tammy (Jeff) Julius; 18 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren (with several on the way). He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Jim and Ron.
Mike will be remembered for his sense of humor, kindness, faith, and love of his family. He touched the lives of many.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 4, 5:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, June 5, 10:30 AM at St. Katharine Drexel. A Committal Service will be held with Full Military Rites at St. Michael Cemetery at a later date.
Michael E. McCart, Sr. - Share this obit - Print this obit
Michael Eugene McCart Sr, was born December 14, 1954, to John (Jack) and Elaine McCart in Spearfish, SD. He was the third of five children. The family moved to Sioux Falls in the spring of 1956, finally settling in what they referred to as the Dakota House in 1960 where they continued to live even after Mike married Kim in 1996.
He graduated from Washington High School in 1973 with his brother John, and his two cousins Martha (McCart) Silvidi and Janel (McCart) Plucker (deceased) in 1973. As a young man he learned scuba diving and sky diving. He was still quite adventurous later as well. His mom wanted to do some traveling with her five children and thus we went on several trips with her. One was to Australia where all of us (including his 80- year-old mom) went Jungle Swinging and he and his brothers went bungee jumping
over a pond to see who went further into the water. Then in Cabo San Lucas they went ziplining followed by Mike and John bungee jumping again over a desert canyon.
Mike became an electrician like his dad, working as a helper for many years. He finished his apprenticeship program in 1993 in California through the IBEW union.
In 1979 he married his first wife. By 1990 they had seven children and had taken in two of her nephews, thus raising nine children. They divorced in 1994.
Mike started attending Ridgecrest Baptist Church (now Restoration Baptist) under the leadership of Pastor Jesse Moore in September 1993 and has maintained his membership to this day. This is where he met his “gorgeous lady” and the love of his life, Kim. They dated for two years and married on June 7, 1996. Kim brought three children into the relationship, making 12 children in total. (Cheaper by the dozen???)
In March of 2005 Mike went overseas as a civilian employee. He worked on the military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan until May 2013. Perks of this time were going on two- week “honeymoons” with his gorgeous lady every four months. Most of these were abroad with a trip home once a year.
In October of 2018 they moved to Omaha for two years and made some wonderful friends there. Upon retiring in October of 2020, moved back home. By then he had worked with IBEW for 47+ years.
In 2022 Mike and Kim went on the trip of a lifetime. It took them three months, over 17,000 miles, and they stopped in 33 states. They saw lots of family and friends along the way.
Mike along with being a very strong Christan and an elder of his church, believed in his family and was very proud of who his grandchildren were becoming. He passed on a hard work ethic and always defended his Christian belief. In his own quiet way, he loved his entire family. He will truly be missed.
Preceding him in death were his parents John and Elaine McCart, his in-laws Neal (Pete) and Usona Larsen, his sister-in-law Susan McCart, his niece Megan McCart, his niece Sara Larsen, and his son-in-law Tracy Saboe. Mike is survived by his wife: Kim, Chancellor SD; siblings: Sondra (Doug) Ferry of Santee CA, Terry (Carey) Larsen of Southhampton MA, John McCart of Brandon SD, Tracy Larsen of Anderson AK, Terry (Jay) McCart of White Bear Lake MN, and Tammy McCart of Sioux Falls; children: Amy Saboe of Sioux Falls, Keith Scarlata of Sioux Falls, Elaine McCart of White Hall AR, Mike (Kris) McCart Jr. of Bridgewater SD, Kevin McCart of Sioux Falls, Jeremy McCart of Sioux Falls, Sherry (James) Nytroe of Sioux Falls, Christopher (Ashley) McCart of Lovington NM, Samantha Scarlata of Sioux Falls, and Donna McCart of Phoenix AZ; along with 14 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 23 10:00 AM with a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at Restoration Baptist Church.
David Warren Kemp - Share this obit - Print this obit
David Warren Kemp was born May 12, 1952, in Sioux Falls to Peggy Aylward and Warren Kemp. His grandparents were Charlotte Beck and Colonel Kemp, Kathryn Devitt and Philip Aylward.
David graduated from O’Gorman High School, St. John’s University (B.A.), and The University of South Dakota (M.A. History). He was active in many events and in the founding of several organizations, including the George B. German Music Archives, the Friends of Old Time Music, Swayed Pines Folkfest, the Irish Club, Northern League baseball, and South Dakota high school baseball. He was the archivist for the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls, the Pettigrew and Old Court House Museums, the Argus Leader paper, and the Negro Leagues baseball museum. He was on the executive committee of the Society for American Baseball Research.
He was an historian with interests in sports history, the Irish experience in the USA, Lakota history, and the political history of the Great Plains, especially farming and labor. He wrote and presented at regional history conferences. He had a publishing company, Mariah Press, that featured local South Dakota themes. He also did legal research for East River Legal Services.
For those who were in the habit of calling him up to ask if he knew anything about something, he will be especially missed.
David is survived by his brothers: Dr. James Kemp (Debra); nephews: Patrick, Philip, and Dr. Robert Kemp (Linda Dangelo), Dante, Colin, and Sam Dangelo-Kemp; and his uncle: Tom Kemp (Henderson, NV).
Special thanks to his South Dakota cousins who were so kind to him as his health failed him. The cousins are the sons and daughters of his aunt Julie Ollerich, his uncle Philip Aylward, and his aunt Dorothy Johnson.
Give to a cultural or civic organization with him in mind.
Visitation will be Monday, May 18, 5:00 PM -8:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, May 19, 10:30 AM at St. Mary Church.
Kenneth Lee Olinger - Share this obit - Print this obit
A Memorial Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m., at the Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home Chapel in Sioux Falls, SD, with Bishop Donald Kettler presiding. Lunch reception will follow. Interment with full military honors will occur at a later date.
Kenneth Lee Olinger, 83, of Comstock, MI, died on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the University of Michigan Health-West in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family.
Kenneth was born on January 12, 1943, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at Sioux Valley Hospital to Marvin E. and Eva L. (McQuisten) Olinger.
He grew up in Sioux Falls, was a member of the Civil Air Patrol while in High School and graduated from Washington High School in 1961.
After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (1962) and was assigned to Basic Training at Lackland AFB, Texas. Ken specialized in electronics and trained in electronic warfare, radar, and bomb scoring, telling B-52's if they missed their targets, even on moving trains.
On February 27th, 1965, Kenneth married Carolyn Jean Brady, from Charlevoix, Michigan. Ken and Carolyn welcomed five children - Tammy, Wendy, Heidi, Kendra, and Kenny Jr.
It was early on in their lives together when Ken was called into active duty with the Air Force, and he would be transferred all over the country with tours worldwide, including two hemispheres. He was stationed in Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Michigan, Arizona, Thailand, Vietnam, and Guam.
Kenny loved his short-wave radio, a World War II vintage radio his Uncle Gene had brought back and given to him while Ken was in high school, instilling his love and interest in electronics and radio. He used to stay awake in the late-night listening to far away Morse Code and radio stations.
Ken was a devoted husband and father, and he loved his family with passion, including his fur baby, Molly.
Ken was a man of great faith and kindness. He was a gentle, loving spirit. Ken was patient, forgiving, and he never spoke ill will about anyone.
He was always a peacemaker and problem solver who brought warmth and love when he entered a room.
Besides a delicious warm chocolate chip cookie, he enjoyed klube, homemade bean soup, dill pickles and green apples.
Ken was an active member of the Kiwanis club for 35 years. Through his 53 years of serving, he received the Pride and Professionalism Award, Outstanding Airman Award, National Defense Award, Good Conduct Award, Vietnam Service Award, Humanitarian Service Award, Cold War Service Award, and Honorable Discharge Award. In total, Ken served 23 years in the United States Air Force - retired as Master Sergeant (MSGT) - and 29 ½ years in civil service with the Department of Defense. Ken was a member of Potter Post #3 in Chamberlain, SD. Ken retired at the age of 73, and through those years, he gave love to his country, family, and God.
Grateful for having shared his life are his children, Tammy Coyne and husband, Jim of Minnesota, Wendy Olinger of Washington, Heidi Wierenga and husband, Brian of Michigan, Kendra Seekins and husband, Josh of Tennessee, and Kenny Olinger, Jr. and wife, Michelle of Michigan; his surviving siblings, Lila Speckels of South Dakota, Donna Todd of Colorado, Vicki Kettler and husband, Jim of Colorado, and Donald Olinger of Connecticut; 17 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Eva Olinger; brothers, Verne Olinger and Rodney Olinger, and a granddaughter, Kaylee Ann Olinger.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made in Kenneth L. Olinger’s memory, sent to South Dakota American Legion Foundation, P.O. Box 67, Watertown, SD 57201.
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