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Frederick   - Share this obit - Print this obit

Frederick (Fred) Lee Van Horn, age 60, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 9th, 2025 in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born in Wells, MN on September 30th, 1964 to Mary Lea (Stoltz) and Allan Van Horn. Fred grew up on his parents farm in Wells with his older brother, Tom.

Fred graduated from Wells-Easton High School in 1984. After graduating high school, Fred attended tech school in Mankato, MN to study car sales and parts. Following tech school, Fred managed his own NAPA store in Kenyon, MN. He then moved to Mankato and became an assistant manager at the NAPA store there. In the early 1990’s, Fred along with Todd and Trent Weihe had bought into an honor box company which later led to starting up their own vending company called Viking Vending. They successfully ran the company in Sioux Falls, SD for 28 years before selling in January 2022. Towards the end of 2022, Fred began working for Sanford as a courier which was his occupation up until his untimely passing.

In March, 2018, Fred met the love of his life, Lia Valdez. Lia was working part-time at Westwinds Casino in Sioux Falls, SD and Fred was a regular customer there. Fred swooned Lia with his iconic dimples and shy demeanor, and the two were inseparable since. The two of them enjoyed traveling, golfing, spending time with family and friends and watching football. Fred and Lia shared a light-hearted rivalry when it came to his Minnesota Vikings and her New Orleans Saints. On Christmas Eve, 2023, Fred proposed to Lia and she, of course, said yes.

Fred had been an adventure seeker from the day he was born. Growing up, he loved riding motorcycles with his buddies in Wells. Fred also enjoyed spending time with his dad. They enjoyed tinkering around with cars and fixing things around their farm. Fred was an avid NASCAR fan, with Dale Earnhardt Sr. being his all-time favorite racecar driver. Not only did he attend several races with his long-time friend, Mike Ewert, he was always watching them from home as well. Another hobby of Fred’s was collecting NASCAR memorabilia, which grew to be a collection he was quite proud of.

Fred was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, several aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides.

Fred is survived by his fiance, Lia Valdez, her children, Brandon Binns and Meagan McGraw, his step-son, Jerrad Dahlager (Brittanny) along with their son, Aiden, both of his parents, Allan and Mary Lea Van Horn, his brother, Tom Van Horn (Sue), his nephew, Adam Van Horn, his niece Melissa Van Horn (Joe Niebuhr) and his great nephew, Rylan Clay.

Celebration of Life/Visitation will be held at Shenanigans Bar and Grill in Sioux Falls, SD on Saturday, January 25th from 12:00-3:00 pm.

Service/Luncheon will be held in Wells, MN at Nasinec Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, February 8th. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am. The service will start at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow.

Agnes Marie DeWitt  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Agnes Marie (Bickett) DeWitt, from Chester, SD, passed away on December 25, 2024 at the Kingman Regional Medical Center in Arizona. She was born on January 1, 1930 to Ernest and Dora Bickett in South Dakota.

Agnes worked as a bookkeeper and cared for many children in the community. 

Agnes is survived by her children: Deanna (Clark) Witz of Las Vegas, NV, Patrick of Las Vegas, NV, Bill (Kelli) of Kingman, AZ, Anna (Gary) of Wichita, KS, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Agnes was preceded in death by her husband, John, daughter, Angela and sons, John Leo, Terry, and Gary. 

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Funeral Service will be held at the Cathedral of St. Joseph at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 23, 2025 with burial to follow at St. John Cemetery in Beresford, SD. A reception will be held at St. Teresa after the committal service.

Mark Jensen  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Mark V. Jensen, son of Monroe and Ardell (Helland) Jensen was born April 18, 1957 in Lake Preston, SD. In the early 60’s the family moved to Sioux Falls SD, where Mark attended Washington High School.

Mark moved to the Arizona Phoenix area in the early 80’s. This is where he met his soul mate Peggy. They were united in marriage September 9, 1983 and then again in 2023. Mark and Peggy returned to Sioux Falls in 1991 to be closer to their parents. Much to their joy that same year their son, Tim was born.

Mark joined Dakota Riggers over 25 years ago, it was an industry he enjoyed and was very capable both in his technical skills along with and his sales capabilities. He really enjoyed working for Dakota Riggers, the owners took great care of Mark and all their employees. His co-workers got used to his sense of humor and was an entertaining and fun environment most of the time.

Mark was a long-time member of the International Norton Owners Association, along with the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. Attending annual rallies across the US along with many other road trips to races, swap meets, and events. Mark developed many friendships through the years with the annual events and road trips all associated with his love of Norton's and antique British bikes.

Mark was an avid German Shepard lover and raised 7 over his lifetime. There will be a happy pack of them to greet him at the Rainbow Bridge.

Mark is survived by his wife: Peggy; his son: Tim (Miranda) Jensen; and granddaughter: Ava; siblings: Dan Jensen and Laurel (George) Riter; and  many nieces and nephews and oh so many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Friday, January 3, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home.

Marilyn Dolores Collins  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Marilyn Dolores Collins, aged 87, passed away peacefully while holding her Rosary, on Friday, November 29, 2024, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Marilyn was born July 14, 1937, in Sioux Falls, SD to Roy and Irene (Bratager) Even. She grew up in Sioux Falls, SD and graduated from Cathedral High School, June 3, 1955. Marilyn was united in marriage to John Paul Collins (Jack), on December 26, 1959, at St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD.

Marilyn, a lifelong resident of Sioux Falls, SD, worked for 30 years at Morrell’s. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Cathedral, was a Catholic Daughter and volunteered many years for Avera McKennan Hospital. Marilyn loved flowers and tending her garden, collecting Hummel figurines, and traveling the world.

Marilyn is survived by her sister: Jeannine Even-Carlson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother, Richard Even, her niece Monique Carlson, and her in-laws.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Joseph Cathedral, 521 N. Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls SD 57104.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM with a Rosary at 9:30 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.

Carol Marie Brenner  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Carol M. Brenner, 83, Sioux Falls, SD, died Friday, November 8, 2024 at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by family and friends after illnesses suffered from a fall down the basement stairs in her home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 AM Friday, November 15, 2024 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Sioux Falls, SD. Burial follows at the St. Anthony’s Church Cemetery in Hoven, SD (4:00 PM). Visitation will be at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD at 4:30 PM with 6:00 PM Scripture Vigil and Rosary on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Carol Marie Brenner, daughter of Catherine (Schumacher) and Nicholas Brenner, was born in Hoven on March 11, 1941. Carol was raised on a farm south of Hoven. Her formal education consisted of St. Anthony’s Parochial School and Hoven High School (Class of 1959). She attended Mount Mary College in Yankton, SD and earned a BA in Elementary Education and Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD where she earned a MS in Elementary School Administration. 

Carol’s first teaching job was in a country school near Hoven, SD. She taught at St. Anthony’s Parochial School in Hoven for many years before moving to Sioux Falls, SD in 1988. Carol took classes and completed a Diploma in Business Administration from Nettleton College, Sioux Falls and then became Assistant Academic Dean. Carol was Academic Dean at National American University before retiring from Education. She worked at Citibank, Lewis, and Hy-Vee on S. Minnesota Ave. where many came to visit her in the checkout line.

Carol’s faith was an extremely important part of her life and she was an active member of Christ the King Church. She was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins. She enjoyed watching other sport teams and game shows as well. The Christmas at the Cathedral was a highlight of her year. Having been raised on a farm, she enjoyed the outdoors and taking care of her yard.

Carol was preceded in death by her father on August 3, 1946, her mother on August 13, 1974, her siblings and their spouses Catherine (Jim) Hanley, Albert Brenner, Esther (Bernard) Bachman, Marvin (Glenda) Brenner, Margaret (Ed) Bradley, Rose (Russ) Russell, Roman (Carolyn) Brenner and, in infancy, Anthony Brenner and Arthur Brenner as well as nephews Mark Brenner, David Brenner, JD Hanley, and Patrick Hanley. She is survived by her longtime friend, Sister Vianney Mannie, sister-in-law Dona (Albert) Brenner, her 28 nieces and nephews, and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews who are grateful for having shared her life.  

In lieu of flowers or gifts; please make donations to: Christ the King Parish or School, The Presentation Sisters, or the Avera Foundation.

Carla Ann Hepp  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Carla Hepp passed away at Ava’s House on November 11th, 2024 from Melanoma Skin Cancer. She was only 61 years old. Carla was born as the first of twin girls to Jacob and Mavis Hawkins on November 20th, 1962 in Sioux Falls, SD. 20 minutes later came Christine, her twin.

Carla was in 6th grade when she started her love of writing. She excelled at short stories and poems and this love continued throughout her lifetime.
Carla met the love of her life Henry (Rick) working at a Lawn Company at just 16 years old. They tied the knot in November of 1979. After marriage they went on to have three children, Joshua, Chantelle, and Demetrius.

In 1996, Carla graduated from college Summa Cum Laude with a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. From that point, Carla went on to work many security jobs that she loved. She was a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain. Her favorite job was working an internship for a state senator. Carla had a bad work injury that made employment after that very difficult. In 2006, she was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma skin cancer. She fought a hard battle with it and beat it. After that battle, she decided to start exploring her interests more. Her most favorite activity, was going to the Great Plains Zoo. She was an avid animal lover and that showed in her photos. She became a volunteer photographer at the zoo for many years. She had her photos occasionally published in larger papers in other states. Carla had a certain bond with the animals that was very unique. She knew every single animals name and they always seemed to know when she was there. After her second cancer diagnosis, she continued to walk at the zoo. Her doctors encouraged it. The animal she visited the most, by far, was the eagle Matilda. She said the eagle gave her her strength and inspiration on days she was feeling down.

In the last several years, Carla became an advocate for people who couldn’t advocate for themselves. She was fighting to get hospitals to have adult diapers readily available for patients of Crohns, IBS, and cancer who have to get scans or go in for treatments. She was fighting to get Ally’s Law passed in SD. She was fighting with Medicare to get them to fully cover adult incontinence products. She was also an advocate for Skin Cancer awareness and appeared on the local news one night to share her story briefly.
Carla was not shy about her faith. She loves God and was not afraid to share her love and faith with anyone who might have needed it. Despite her own illness, she wanted to help people more than anything. She wore many “hats” in her life. Wife, mother, photographer, writer, teacher, advocate, civil-servant and a proud member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. These are just a few things that made her so special.

Carla loved her bright colors and animal print. She wanted her funeral to be a Celebration of Life. We ask that you incorporate something colorful into your wardrobe if you are able.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the Melanoma Research Alliance, the Melanoma Research Foundation, or the American Cancer Society in her name.
There will be a private family visitation Thursday with her Celebration of Life to follow on Friday, November 15th at 2PM. It will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Sioux Falls. Dinner will follow. This Friday also marks her and Ricks 45th wedding anniversary.

She is preceded in death by her brother-in-law: Gabriel Keaton; her brother: John; her uncle: Daniel; her grandparents: Carl and Virginie Hawkins, Sabina Voortman; uncles and aunts: Ken Hawkins, Edith and Harold Brenden; parents-in-law: Irwin and Francis Hepp; brothers-in-law: Donald Farnsworth, Don Gayken, and Bob Hepp; sister-in-law: Sharon Niemeyer. She is survived by her parents Jacob and Mavis in Sioux Falls; her husband: Rick (Henry); her children: Joshua (Stephanie) in Alton, IA, Chantelle (Mitchell) in Sioux Falls and Demetrius; her siblings: Christine in NC, Mark(Alex) in Sioux Falls, Pete (Tammy) In Larchwood, IA, Katerina (Dean) in Sioux Falls; her sisters-in-law: Jackie (Terry) in Sioux Falls, Glenna (Dan) in Canton, SD and Fran in Jackson, MN and Diane; her aunt: Margie, her four grandchildren: Marcus, Carter, Kinley and Beckett; her niece: Rebecca; great-niece: Aryanna; her nephews: Seth (Robby), Jacob, Davis, and many more extended nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Daniel Mark Valdez   - Share this obit - Print this obit

Daniel Mark Valdez of Tempe, AZ passed away unexpectedly on September 9, 2024, in Canoga Park, CA. He was only 55 years old.

Danny was born in Los Angeles CA. to Roland Raul Valdez Sr. and Judith Lynn Valdez on November 10 1968. He was just 5 years old when he moved to Montrose, SD. In 1973. For the next 10 years he resided in SD where he attended West Central Elementary in Humbolt and Edison Jr. High in Sioux Falls. Danny and his family would then embark in another adventure back to Cali in 1983. Where he then attended Canoga Park High School. After high school he went to work for his uncle Richard and would deliver medical transcripts all over the Valley and LA.

In August of 1987 he met the love of his life and best friend Dana Goluza. Who gave him two sons, Andrew, and Aaron Valdez.

In 1992 he went to work for his brother-in law Allen Stockwell, and his brother Dean at SoDak Enterprises. He was their very first employee. In 2004 Al and Dean sold the business to Aqua Systems in Canoga Park, Ca., and he continued to work there until the day he passed. In 2005 he, Dana and the boys moved to Arizona, and he commuted back and forth from AZ to CA regularly for work.

Danny enjoyed playing basketball, fishing, and shooting guns. He also loved to cook and spend time with his family. He was an avid Monopoly player and always enjoyed playing board games with his mom and siblings. He also loved the 4th of July. That was a time for family. Every year we would celebrate the fourth in SD. The family would come and stay at Lake Vermillion where his sister Deb lives. We enjoyed being together and taking golf cart cruises, swimming, playing games, cooking, eating, and of course delicious beverages shared by all. But the best part was when Uncle Danny went to buy fireworks. The kids of course went with him and then got to enjoy the shenanigans of him blowing things up afterwards. He loved to laugh and joke around and always had a wise crack or funny names for things or people (some very choice ones, of which we cannot mention) Haha! He always thought he was so creative.

Danny and Dana purchased forty acres of land in Woodland Valley Ranch just outside of St. Johns, AZ. For their retirement, and now will be Danny's final resting place.

Danny was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Ricky, brother-in- law, Allan Stockwell, his aunt, Mary Smith, and both paternal and maternal grandparents. Danny is survived by Dana, his (best friend) Tempe, AZ her mother, Linda Goluza, Tempe AZ, sons, Andrew Valdez, Sioux Falls, SD and Aaron Valdez (Stephanie) Maricopa, AZ, sister, Deb Stockwell Canistota, SD, brother, Ronnie Valdez (Deb) Murfreesboro, TN, sister, Lia Valdez (Fred) of Sioux Falls, SD ,sister, Jennifer King (Dewey) of Winnsboro, LA, and uncle, Jim (Smitty) Smith Sioux Falls, SD. His nieces and nephews, Tara, Brandon, Evan, Jazmine, Alyvia, Meagan, and great-nephew Luka. As well as his very precious granddaughter, Layla James.

Celebration of Life/Birthday Party for Dan: Shenanigans - November 9, 2024, from 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm. Family will be present. We will be serving appetizers and dessert.

Dell Francis Kelly  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Dell Francis Kelly was born on January 21, 1948 to Frances L. Kelly and Gail A. “Bud” Kelly in Pierre SD. He spent a lot of his time in Midland, SD with his grandma until he moved to Sioux Falls. On a Friday night at West Sioux Roller Rink, he met Dannelle. The couple skated the next three nights and that Monday night, Dell officially asked her on a date and the couple never parted until her death. On February 17, 1973, the couple was united in marriage at Grace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. They moved to Colorado for a short time and then back home to South Dakota. They lived in Canton for 11 years and then settled in Sioux Falls. 

Dell loved to Rodeo (bronc rider) through his high school years. He also loved to ride dirt bikes with his brothers. He traveled around the US working at various ranches. He worked the skating rink for several years. He also loved fishing, hunting, camping and going to the races. He played pool league for several years and even won trophies. He was known as "Uncle" Dell to many.

He is survived by his four siblings: Raymond (Jonie), Tea SD, Marie (Bert), Beresford SD, Camille (Mark), Sioux Falls SD, Kim (Randy) , Sioux Falls SD; two kids: Shalako (Maria), Luverne MN and Shannon, Sioux Falls SD; five grand-kids: his beloved granddaughter, Christa, Kayla, Megan, Lucas, Levi; and six great-grandkids: Allen, Elle Mae, Everett, Charlotte, Hazel, Leo and Penelope; many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Dannelle, his parents, his brother, Roger, his sister Angel, brother-in-law, Wayne, brother-in-law, Butch, and his granddaughter, Taylor, special friends, Tammy and Steve D, Tammy G, Tracy and Albert N, Cheryl and Dean M, Kathy A, and other family and friends.

At Dell's request there will be no funeral. Dell requested a party. The family request your presence on November 9, 2024 at JJ'S Billiards. 309 S Elmwood Ave Sioux Falls SD, from 1PM to 5PM. A Celebration of Life will start with a short service at 1PM. 

Dwight Arlo Lehmann  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Dwight Arlo Lehmann, 72 of Sioux Falls SD., died at his home on Sunday, October 27th. He was born on November 18^th, 1951, the son of Edgar and Mabel Lehmann of Roscoe SD. He graduated Roscoe High School in 1970.

He Married the love of his life Linda (Bruckner) Lehmann on November 18^th, 1972. They worked and lived in Bowdle SD. They moved to Gettysburg in 1976. He worked at the Case dealership there for 12 years.

In 1988 they moved to Rapid City where he worked at Jenner Equipment for 35 years.

His favorite hobbies were hunting and fishing. He enjoyed telling a good joke to all that would listen. He and his wife spent many hours touring the Black Hills on their trike that he custom built and a 1970 Monte Carlo that he restored. After he retired from his job they moved to Sioux Falls SD, to be closer to their daughter and her family. 

Dwight is survived by his wife: Linda; daughter: Jodie (Scott) Colwill; two grandchildren: Sophie and Owen Colwill; his 4 sisters: Myra Kline, Dori Eisenbeisz, Koren Goetz, and Glenda Rich.

Dwight will be missed by many relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, November 4, 5:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 6:30 PM.

Elery "Skip" Lewis  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Elery “Skip” Lewis, 80, was called to heaven on October 25, 2024 at his home on Wall Lake surrounded by his family.

Elery was born December 2, 1943 in Lake Crystal, Minnesota to Wayne and Bernice (Nelson) Lewis. He graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1961, then attended Mankato State University. He later moved to San Francisco to pursue a degree in Mortuary Science, graduating in 1963. Elery returned to the Midwest and settled in Sioux Falls earning the nickname “Skip” and where he met and married the love of his life, Rita Wheeler. The two were united in marriage on February 27, 1965.

Skip’s career spanned numerous business ventures including 20 years as the owner of Tiki Liquor, Funeral Director for 60 years, and owner of Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home for the last 50 years. This became a family-centered endeavor that allowed him to serve his community. He is recognized as the third-longest licensee holder in the SD State Funeral Association.

Skip was passionate about his community and enjoyed a variety of activities. He was an avid water-skier, boater, bowler and active in softball where he took part as a player, coach and sponsor throughout his life. As a committed member to the Elks Club, Sertoma Club, and the Knights of Columbus (where he served as Grand Knight), Skip devoted his time to causes close to his heart. He was a member of St. Michael Parish, where he was present at countless events to support his granddaughters.

With a strong belief in service, Skip supported several organizations including the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude’s Hospital, Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, and Lifescape. Each summer, he generously offered boat rides to children at Spirit Camp, a tradition he cherished deeply.

Skip was immensely proud of his family. He is survived by his sister: Deloris; his children: Lisa (Kent) Huemoeller, Kathy (Rob) Junker, and David (Erin) Lewis; his granddaughters: Kelli (Nate) Noel; Terra and Jenna Huemoeller, Taylor, Allison and Lindsey Junker, and Paige and Paiten Lewis; great-granddaughter: Kourtney Noel; as well as his niece, nephews, many cousins, and special friends, including Pat and Marv Hoek. Skip was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, Rita, and granddaughter, Lauren Lewis.

Visitation will be held at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home on Friday, November 1, beginning at 3:00 PM, followed by a Scripture Service and time of sharing at 6:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael Parish on Saturday, November 2, 10:30 AM with lunch to follow. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Montrose, SD.