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Sandra "Sandy" Kay McKittrick   - Share this obit - Print this obit

Sandra "Sandy" Kay McKittrick left us suddenly on March 21, 2026. She was born March 23, 1953 to Raymond and Elaine McKittrick at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, which would become her life-long home. For 40 plus years she was employed by Sioux Area Metro. Most recently she was employed by School Bus Inc. and very much enjoyed the children every day. Her passing was very unexpected and she will be missed by many.

She is survived by a sister: Cheryl Zeig, Campbell, MN; two step-nephews: Chris (Emily) Zeig, North Caldwell, NJ; and their daughter: Chloe and Nick Zeig, New Jersey; several cousins; and her trusted friend: Sandra Topalovich; and her dog: Mitzii Pearl; and Sandy's fur friends: Bonnie and Oreo.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Bob Zeig.

Private family services will be held.

Dorothy Rust  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Dorothy Rust was with us in this world from January 20, 1934, to March 2026. At the age of 92, she passed peacefully while residing at the Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD, during her final days.      

Dorothy grew up in Wilmont, Minnesota, where she developed strong family ties and a deep appreciation for community and faith. She moved to Luverne in 1970 and later to Sioux Falls, SD in the late 1970’s, where she and her husband continued to build a life centered around family, friendships, and her unwavering belief in God. She believed deeply in guardian angels and faithfully recited the “Angels of God” prayer each night.

Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and family was always at the center of her life. She enjoyed sewing, playing cards, and most especially spending time with her family. She had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in walking, biking, and taking scenic drives to admire the beauty of nature. She shared many adventures with her husband, traveling together to destinations near and far. They visited 43 of the 50 states and ventured beyond the U.S. to explore Canada and Mexico. Of all the places they visited together, Branson, Missouri, held a special place in her heart and remained her favorite destination.

Dorothy was naturally social and loved meeting friends for coffee and conversation. Her stories reflected her values — faith, family, and the strength of community. She carried a spirit of kindness and gentleness and was a loving presence in the lives of those around her. Her ability to listen and offer a thoughtful perspective made her truly wise.

Dorothy will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 1, 10:00 AM with a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home.

Phillip Witt  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Phil and his identical twin brother, Pat, were born on September 23rd, 1945 in Sioux Falls, SD. He was the second son of Arthur and Marie (Dailey) Witt. At a young age, due to their mother’s health, the boys were taken in by their Aunt Elise. In 1955 at the age of 10, the boys moved to McCrossan Boys Ranch in Sioux Falls, SD. The five years spent at McCrossan is where Phil found his love and talent for drawing/drafting specifically horses. Phil began a career at McDonald’s where he and Pat were able to rent an apartment at the age of 15. Phil graduated from Washington High School in 1963.

Phil and Twyla (DeHaan) Witt met when they were 12 and 11 years old. The childhood sweethearts were wed on January 4th,1964 in South Dakota where they grew their family and lived a life filled with adventure. Phil and Twyla moved around in between to Washington, California until they came back to South Dakota where Phil worked at McDonalds for 25 years as a manager, opening multiple McDonalds in South Dakota and Calgary, Canada. They eventually found their home in Flower Mound, Texas where he enjoyed keeping busy with work, family and golf. Phil always found time for a round of golf on his days off or spending time with Twyla on bowling leagues, watching football, drinking Coke and indulging in his sweet treats, Oreo cookies. Phil worked at EDM as an Operator Machinist for 20 years and enjoyed his work. He retired in Texas in 2012, four years later they moved to Minnesota to be closer to family. He loved spending time with his late dog, Buddy, his children, spoiling his grandchildren and his great grandchildren with treats, love and laughter.

Phil was so proud of his family and often talked about how incredible it was to have a life blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is loved and missed by his true love and wife, Twyla Witt; children, Kimberly Bultje (Dale), Eric Witt (Melanie), Adam Witt; grandchildren, Katelyn Bultje, Brittany Christensen(John), Victoria Bultje, Cortney Platter (Nathan), Megan Bettich (Erich), Carmen Witt, Keaton Witt; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Nalani, Elijah, Isabelle, Hudson, Malia, Barrett, James; sisters-in-law, Karen Culpepper, Marcia Pettigrew (Harold), Linda Andrews; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Arthur and Marie Witt; his twin brother, Patrick Lee Witt Sr.; mother and father-in-law, Ruth and Gerald DeHann.

A Memorial Service will be Saturday, April 4, 2:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home.

Kenneth Lee Olinger  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Kenneth Lee Olinger, 83, of Comstock, MI, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 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 and 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. 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. Ken and Carolyn welcomed five children: Tammy (Jim) Coyne (MN), Wendy Olinger (WA), Heidi (Brian) Wierenga (MI), Kendra (Josh) Seekins (TN), and Kenny Jr. (Michelle) Olinger (MI).

Kenny loved his short-wave radio, a WW2 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, The Outstanding Airman Award, The National Defense Award, The Good Conduct Award, The Vietnam Service Award, The Humanitarian Service Award, The Cold War Service Award, and the 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 DOD. Ken retired at the age of 73, and through those years, he gave love to his country, family, and God.

Ken will be greatly missed by his loving family, including his surviving siblings: Lila Speckels (SD), Donna Todd (CO), Vicki (Jim) Kettler (CO), and Donald Olinger (CT), as well as his 17 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ken was preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Eva Olinger, brothers Verne Olinger and Rodney Olinger, and granddaughter Kaylee Ann Olinger.

A Memorial Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m., at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home, in Sioux Falls, SD, with Bishop Donald Kettler presiding. Lunch with family and friends will follow. Interment with full military honors will occur at a later date.

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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Mercy Bartscher  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Mercy knew how to light up a room. Her beautiful smile brought joy to everyone she met. Yellow was her favorite color—bright and full of sunshine, just like her spirit. She loved going on walks and spending time outdoors, where she found peace and happiness.

Born in Haiti, Mercy came to live with her adoptive family in Sioux Falls when she was nearly two years old. From that moment on, she was a treasured gift and blessing. She grew up surrounded by love and laughter alongside her many siblings, and family always meant everything to her.

Mercy graduated from Washington High School in 2007. After graduation, she moved to DakotAbilities, where she formed deep and meaningful connections and was cared for by a community she dearly loved.

She was truly a “Daddy’s Girl”! She shared a special bond with her father, David Bartscher, who spoiled her rotten and they loved dancing and singing together. We find comfort in knowing that when she entered heaven, she was welcomed first by her Dad. She had a personal relationship with Jesus, and she was always excited to meet Jesus and to see Dad again. 

Mercy is survived by her loving mother, Eileen Forcier (Stan); her siblings, Charity, Aaron (Karen), Joy (Shane), April (Aron), Tillien, Gina, Matt, Sonia, Marjorie, Maggie, Myriame, Josh, Laura, Daphnide (Scott), Noah, and Steven; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, David Bartscher.

Mercy’s life was filled with love, warmth, and laughter. She leaves behind a legacy of light—a reminder to cherish simple joys, seek the sunshine, hold our families close, and embrace the color yellow. Her light will forever shine in our hearts, and we will carry her sunshine with us always.

Doris Ann Tate  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Doris Ann Tate, 86, passed away February 11, 2026 at Legends on Lake Lorraine in Sioux Falls. She was born on October 16, 1939 in Sioux Falls. She graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD. Doris Matthies was united in marriage to Dennis Dean Tate on June 21, 1957. She worked for Walmart for 18 years in various capacities and also helped Dennis with the APA Pool League for 22 years.

Doris is survived by children: Dwayne (Linda) Tate, Worthing, SD, David Tate, Luverne Minnesota, Doreen (Brad) Kohlhof, Gray Eagle, Minnesota, Darrin (Sandy) Tate, Tea, SD, and Danette (Gerry) Krumrei, Sioux Falls, SD; her sister: Leona Doppenberg, Brandon SD; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis, her son, Douglas and daughter, Denise; her brothers, Ron and Melvin Matthies; and her parents, Herman and Emma Matthies.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, February 25, 10:30 AM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Tea.

Eileen Marcella Branson  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Eileen Marcella Branson, age 73, of Eden, South Dakota, passed away after a battle with cancer, on Sunday, January 18, at the residence of her son and daughter-in-law. She was born March 22, 1952, in Yankton, to Gilbert and Verena Heimes.

Eileen was a one-of-a-kind person, who lit up every room she entered. She was always positive, supportive, encouraging and incredibly caring. Her beautiful laugh was infectious. She lived that way every day until her last. Eileen loved the art of quilting and glass art, but not so much to be creative, but rather to think of the person who would receive the gift. She often beamed when telling of the gift she made, hoping it would bring the recipient joy. Eileen loved to go fishing on the open water, garden, bake and cook. Any recipient of her cookies knew how much love she put into each one.

Eileen was married to the love of her life, Cecil, for 33 years. She had such great love in her eyes when she looked at him. Their love is an inspiration to many. She loved her family and only saw the good in others. She was a person who saw people for their inner humanity, not for what was presented on the outside.

Eileen held many jobs, from day care provider to being department manager of the meat department and later the seafood department. She was very proud to be the first female journeyman butcher at Alpha Beta in California. She was wonderful at problem solving and making everything inviting whether at work or at home.

Eileen is survived by her soul mate and husband: Cecil Branson; her son: Darick and daughter-in-law, Janice Thompson; step-daughter: Ashley (Randy) Holtz; 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Eileen was one of 12 children. She is survived by her siblings: Janet (David) Jensen, Sharyl (Steve) Falk, Darrel (Marilyn Heimes), Leah Bartz, Rolland (Marcia) Heimes, Bill (Peggy) Heimes, Patty (Joe) Paquette, sister-in-law, Viola Heimes and many nieces and nephews. All who knew her loved her because she so freely shared her love and joy with others. Eileen was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Donald Heimes, Richard Heimes who lost his life in service to our country, Kenny Heimes and infant sister, Marie, brother-in-law, Jeffry Bartz. She also loved her yorkie, Spark Plug (Sparkie or Sparkle), after losing her much loved yorkie, Casanova, affectionately known as Cass.

There will be an open house at a later date. Rather than a memorial service, Eileen opted to spend her last days in the company of those she loved, and she shined with every smile at every visitor.

Charlotte Viola Oster  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Charlotte Viola Oster, 91, of Sioux Falls died Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the Dougherty Hospice House. She was born at home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on August 22, 1934 to Earl and Gladys (Stone) Larscheid.

Charlotte met the love of her life Robert while attending Cathedral High School in 1951. She attended Nursing school in Omaha Nebraska. Her schooling was interrupted to wed Robert on October 9, 1954.

Charlotte was a charter member of St. Mary Parish and participated in the women’s altar society. Charlotte loved the outdoors and especially fishing. She was awarded a SD Proud Angler for a Salomon catch.

Grateful for having shared her life with her husband: Robert; and their children: Mary Rose Oster, Sioux Falls, Ted and Ilona Oster, Pensacola Florida, Rock and Sherri Oster, Sioux Falls, Bernadette and Steve Willuweit, Sioux Falls, Matt and Beth Oster, Lusby, Maryland; 19 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Charlotte has one surviving sibling: Dolores Costello. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother and two grandsons.

Charlotte was an amazing wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She is already missed. Charlotte died of a broken heart caused by Roberts passing. Now she is reunited with him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Visitation will be at Barnett Lewis Funeral Home on Monday, January 19, 5:00 PM with a Rosary at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, January 20, 10:30 AM at St. Mary Parish. 

William “Bill” Robert Murray  - Share this obit - Print this obit

William “Bill” Robert Murray was born December 29, 1928 in Jamestown, Kansas to William and Nellie Murray. After finishing high school, Bill served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War; he spent time in both Greenland and Germany before returning home to American soil.

Bill was united in marriage to his wife of nearly 60 years, Rosella “Rosie” Jasnoch, on February 4, 1956 in North Platte, Nebraska. The young couple also made homes in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska prior to moving to Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1970 along with their seven children.

As a lifelong salesman, Bill traveled frequently, but always found comfort and consistency upon returning to his home. He had an unwavering commitment to his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as his favorite football teams: the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Minnesota Vikings.

Faith was an essential component of Bill’s strength and character.

Celebrating Mass and family through weekly church attendance and Sunday dinners were the highlights of his week.

Bill was a caring husband, father, uncle, brother, grandfather, and great “papa” who will be deeply missed.

Grateful for sharing his life are his children: Therese (Jim) Berg of Sioux Falls, Katie (Paul) Dylla of Arizona City, Arizona, Robert Murray of Sioux Falls, Mary (Bryan) Anson of Watertown, SD, Janelle Kott of Sioux Falls, Chris Murray of Sioux Falls; grandchildren: Jared (Amanda) Berg, Jon (Abbi) Berg, and Jackson Dylla; great-grandchildren: Asher, Jonah, Connor, Micah, Eli, and Brea Berg; sister-in-law Sharon Jasnoch of Omaha, Nebraska; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Rosie; son, William (Billy) Murray; parents William and Nellie Muray; sister Pat Saylor, and parents-in-law; Rose and Martin Jasnoch.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 5:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home. A Private Family Funeral Service will be Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 9:30 AM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home.

David Willis “Hexy” Hexamer  - Share this obit - Print this obit

David Willis “Hexy” Hexamer, son of Willis and Beatrice (Leimbach) Hexamer, was born on September 5, 1950, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He attended Christ the King Grade School and O’Gorman High School.

David spent more than 30 years working in construction, specializing in hanging drywall. His career began in 1974 in Phoenix, Arizona, with Saguaro Drywall and continued in Sioux Falls with Souter & Sons and Gerald Johnson. He later held various positions, including pinsetter and bar manager at the Sport Bowl Lounge—his favorite job. David also worked weekends at the Scoreboard in Sioux Falls. He was known as a hard worker and a loyal, trustworthy employee who formed many lifelong friendships through his work.

David was always on the go. He loved staying active by fishing, bowling, playing pool, and golfing. Bowling became a lifelong passion for David, and his skills earned him five perfect “300” games throughout his bowling years. David’s love of pool began at home with his brothers Pat and Jim. Over a 60-year span, the game brought him countless memories, trophies, plaques, awards, and most importantly many friendships. The one sport David regretted not starting earlier was golf—though those who knew him believe he would have mastered that game as well. Catching walleye off the shoreline was one of his favorite pastimes, even when he was out-fished by his wife!

At age 55, David (finally) married Jacquelyn Henderson, age 50, on 5/5/05, at 5:05—a detail that perfectly suited his lifelong fascination with numbers. They met in 1991 and celebrated 20 years of marriage in 2025. David was a wonderful, loving, loyal, and hardworking husband.

David peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by family on January 7, 2026 following a five-year battle with COPD. He is survived by his wife: Jacquelyn; three stepchildren: Wendy Deuel of Lake Havasu, AZ, Rebecca Deuel Schmidt and Christopher Deuel, both of Truman, MN; six step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; his sister: June Albers and Chuck Wubben; sister-in-law: Mary Anne Hexamer; brother: Pat Hexamer and Kaylynn Montis; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jim Hexamer.

Visitation will be Monday, January 12, 2026 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 10:30 AM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home.