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Gene R. Thill  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Gene R. Thill, 93, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, at the Ava House, surrounded by his family.

Gene was born in 1933, to Lawrence and Eva Thill. He attended school through the eighth grade before beginning his working life on the family farm near Dell Rapids. His strong work ethic would remain a defining part of who he was throughout his life. Gene worked for Swenson Plumbing & Heating and later for Sioux Falls Construction, where he helped build O’Gorman High School. In 1959, Gene began a 30-year career with John Morrell, where he worked until his retirement.

Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army, spending 18 months stationed in England after enlisting at the age of 21.

In May of 1956, Gene met the love of his life, Jackie. The two were married in December of that same year and began a partnership that would span nearly seventy years. Together, Gene and Jackie built a family filled with love, laughter, tradition and plenty of card games.

Gene was a longtime member of St. Joseph Cathedral Church. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge and Knights of Columbus.

If there was music playing, Gene was likely ready to dance. He and Jackie enjoyed dancing at the Moose Lodge and at many of the area dance halls. Their home was also a gathering place for family and friends, where they loved hosting parties, especially Super Bowl parties. Friday nights often meant poker, and cards were simply part of life in the Thill household.

In fact, learning to play cards was practically a requirement in the Thill family. Gene played cards nearly every day. If nobody was visiting, he could always play solitaire. But if someone happened to stop by, Gene was usually successful in talking them into “just one game,” which inevitably turned into five. It would not be unusual for Gene to play 20 games of cards in a day. Sundays were slower for visits so Gene would talk Jackie into driving him to Flandreau to play the slot machines. As a matter of fact, they were just at the casino two weeks ago, and grandma had a hard time getting to him to leave because he was winning.

In Genes’ younger years, he had a mischievous side. Jackie still remembers a time he decided to ditch the cops to avoid a speeding ticket, pulling into a corn field. Gene was also known for pulling wheelies also known to most as cookies in most parking lots or down their gravel street during the winter months. You might be as surprised as his grandchildren learning of these stories. 

Later in life, Gene was a man of few words, but when he spoke you listened. He wanted to give sound advice and cared more than most even knew. He was quick witted and very sharp until the last days of his life. You were never able to get anything by him especially when playing cards.  

Gene had a lifelong love of the outdoors, particularly fishing, hunting and trapping. He fished the Missouri River, Lake Thompson and countless sloughs throughout South Dakota, always hoping to bring home a good walleye or a feisty northern pike. He also enjoyed many hunting trips over the years. According to his brother Darrell, Gene was a fantastic shot and has many mounts throughout his home to provide the evidence.

Genes’ creativity extended beyond the outdoors. He even held a patent for his own fish bite indicator, the “The Geno-Bite Indicator: Fish Tip-Up.” He sold the invention at Lewis Drug and thoroughly enjoyed talking with potential customers about his creation. Like many of Genes’ ideas, the fish bite indicator eventually evolved into another practical purpose: alerting him when the mailman had left a letter in the Thill mailbox.

Retirement did not slow Gene down. Instead, it gave him more time for one of his favorite pursuits, rummaging. Gene loved finding items at rummage sales that he could eventually sell at his own rummage sale. Every item had a story and cost, and Gene was passionate about finding just the right buyer for every treasure. He even developed his own code to keep track of how much profit he made on his purchases.

Gene and Jackie also loved to travel. In earlier years, they made trips to Mexico to bring home vanilla, gifts and chiclets for the family. They also spent 20 years, traveling to Texas. They enjoyed escaping the cold and welcoming visits from family and friends. Those Texas winters became an important and treasured chapter of their lives together.

At home, Gene found great enjoyment in the simple things. He loved feeding and watching the birds and squirrels in his backyard and tended a garden for more than 60 years. His garden, his birds, his fishing, his hunting, his card games and his stories were all pieces of the life he built and loved.

But above all, Gene loved his family.

Including his children, Brian (deceased) (Paula) Thill, Brad Thill, Deb (Alan) Schaefer, Diane (Dan) Steinberg; his grandchildren, Katie (David) Mouw, Kyle (Lindsey) Thill, Josh (Geriann) Thill, Jenny (Jason) Skotvold, Ryan (Brittany) Schaefer, Kari (Keith) Alverson, Jill (Andrew) Strom, Austin Rowley, Chad (Kristyne) Zuehlke, Justin (Steph) Steinberg, and Jason (Lacy) Steinberg; his great-grandchildren, Paisley, Josefina and Satynne Mouw, Lakin Thill, Isabella and Callen Thill, Gavin and Tenley Skotvold, Brynlee, Kayson, Tierney and Suttyn Schaefer, Kennedy, Connor and Caiden Alverson, Sawyer and Trey Strom, Siena Rowley, Bricelyn, Colt & Carlie Zuehlke, Landyn Dose and Kove Steinberg, Aleah and Luna Steinberg; his siblings, Bill (Sheryl) Thill, Dwaine (Joan) Thill, Elaine (Dick) Klundt, Cletus (Dodie) Thill and Darrell (Glenna) Thill; his sister-in-law, Sandy (Ron) Laughlin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brian Thill; siblings: Geraldine (Marv) Scholl, Marion Thill, Tom Thill and Terry Thill; and his parents, Lawrence and Eva Thill.

Gene leaves behind a family rich in memories. In the Thill household, you were expected to know how to hold your own in a card game and dance the night away. Gene made sure those traditions lived on.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his stories will continue to be told, his traditions will continue to be carried on, and his memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Our wishes for Gene. May the cards always be dealt in your favor, the fish always be biting, and the dance floor always have a place for you. We will truly miss you but know you are playing cards and enjoying a Miller Lite on ice with Brian in Heaven.

The family would like memorials directed to the following: Veterans Community Project: https://vcp.org/; Hooked on Hardwater: https://theclubforboys.org/hooked-on-hardwater/; and St. Joseph Cathedral: https://stjosephcathedral.net/.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 10, 9:00 AM at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery with Full Military Rites.

George Dickson  - Share this obit - Print this obit

In Loving Memory of George Dickson

George Henry Dickson, age 86, passed away on August 20th, 2026 in Sioux Falls, SD.

George Dickson was born on January 26, 1940, in Hoople, North Dakota, to Albert and Dina Dickson. He grew up in Hoople and graduated from high school in 1958. He was one of three children, along with his sisters, Donaldа and Letitia “Tisha.”

 Shortly after graduation, George demonstrated the courage and selflessness that would become a defining part of his life. While he and a group of students and friends were swimming and picnicking at Homme Dam Park near Park River, North Dakota, a cry for help came from the water. George immediately went to the struggling swimmer in a boat that happened to be on shore. He then dove into the water, brought the swimmer safely to shore, and helped administer artificial respiration. Thankfully, the swimmer recovered and was able to get up and about after the rescue.

 On January 5, 1959, George volunteered to serve in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, and was then sent to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, where he completed 25 weeks of training in the Signal Corps. Following his training, he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, before boarding a troop ship bound for Camp Zama, Japan. George served in Japan until February 1962, including an additional six months of service due to the Berlin Wall crisis.

 During his time in Japan, George climbed Mount Fuji, creating a memorable experience that he would carry with him throughout his life.

 After returning home, George built a long career with the United States Department of Agriculture, where he worked for 28 years as a Compliance Officer before retiring. He also served the South Dakota Judicial System part-time for 12 years as a bailiff.

 On August 31, 1963, George married Carol Grazdielewski. Together they raised three children: Sherry, Michael, and Brian. George was a devoted husband and father who took pride in his family and the life they shared. George was also a proud grandfather of six grandkids and great grandfather of two.

 George will be remembered for his courage, dedication to his country, commitment to his work, and, most importantly, his love for his family. From the young man who risked his own life to save a stranger to the husband, father, and friend he became, George lived a life marked by service and compassion.

George will be cremated, and his remains will be buried at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

 He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, August 26th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will be Wednesday at the Cathedral one hour prior to the Mass. Burial with military honors will be Wednesday, August 26th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Please send condolences to Carol Dickson at 900 West Venture Place Apt. 346 Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Ruth Lucille Erichsen  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Michael "Mike" Bouym  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Michael “Mike” Boyum, age 63, of Sioux Falls, SD, died August 11, 2026, at Dougherty Hospice House surrounded by family and friends after a battle with cancer.

He was born February 21, 1963, at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, to Charles “Chuck” and Karen (Erschens) Boyum. He was the oldest of 4 siblings: Clay, Beth and Wade.

Mike spent his childhood running around the Cathedral neighborhood creating liftime "Northender" memories; where he formed friendships adventures, laughter, good-natured teasing, and countless stories that could be told again and again.

Mike was educated in the Catholic School System, later graduating from O’Gorman High School in 1981. He would then follow in his father’s footsteps and become a dedicated ceramic tile setter for Syverson Tile and; Stone. He worked there for 35 years.

He spent almost 50 summers at his parents’ lake place on Big Stone Lake, SD. His time there was filled with fishing, hunting and family fun.

In summer of 1982, Mike met wife, Karla (Steele) Boyum, at Big Stone Lake, SD. On September 7, 1984, they wed at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral of Sioux Falls, SD. In April of 1999, Michael and Karla welcomed their first daughter Danielle (Boyum) Wuestewald. Their second daughter, Nicolette Boyum, was born in December 2000.

Mike had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and loved spending time fishing and hunting. Whether out on the water with a fishing pole in hand or enjoying the fields during hunting season, he found happiness and peace outdoors. He also had a true passion for sports, proudly cheering on the Green Bay Packers and the Michigan Wolverines.

Mike will be remembered for the things he loved, the memories he created, and the people whose lives he touched. His love of the outdoors, sports, and time spent with those close to him will remain part of the memories shared by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Rest in peace, Mike. May your next adventure be a peaceful one, with clear waters, animal-filled land and a game always worth watching.

Mike is survived by his wife: Karla (Steele) Boyum; daughters: Danielle (Erik) Wuestewald, and Nicolette Boyum; granddaughter: Bryn; parents: Chuck and Karen Boyum: siblings: Clay (Rhonda) Boyum, Beth (Chad) Belitz and Wade Boyum; nieces and nephews: Jennifer (Zach) Prilliman, of Anthem, AZ, Savannah (Tanner) Fjerestad, Hunter Boyum, Aiden and Cooper Belitz; uncle: Roger (Sue) Erschens and aunt: Jackie (Boyum) Spars; and many lifelong friends.

Please wear Green Bay Packers or Michigan Wolverines apparel if you can.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 18 at 5:00 PM with a Scripture Vigil at 6:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home.

Cecil Edwin Branson  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Cecil Edwin Branson,72, of Eden SD, passed away on August 6, 2026, at the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Sioux Falls. Cecil was born on March 10, 1954, in Sioux Falls, SD to Burley and Betty Branson. Cecil was one of 7 kids. Cecil spent many days growing up in Sioux Falls, until his family moved to Elk Point. Boy, did he have stories from his growing up years. He held the same sense of humor and spunk until his last day.

Cecil got his start serving in the Navy, something he was proud of. Cecil spent most of his life working in maintenance, working for Cimpl, Alumax, Carlile Plastics, Rubbermaid and he retired from Horton Manufacturing in Britton, SD. In his retirement, Cecil was always tinkering and fixing something. Eileen was the love of his life. When she passed in January, Cecil’s life was never the same.

Cecil married Eileen in 1993 and the two were inseparable. Cecil would have done anything for her. His eyes lit up when Eileen entered the room. Although Eileen’s son was an adult when they met, Cecil was a huge source of support for Darick. When Darick met his wife, Janice, Cecil stepped into her world as well, filling in as the father she never had. Cecil was an amazing grandfather and great- grandfather to all of Darick’s children and when Janice entered their lives, Eileen and Cecil loved her children and grandchildren as well. Cecil’s motto was to love the people who love you. When Cecil loved you, he loved you fiercely.

Cecil always had a great sense of humor. Although he battled COPD and emphysema, he maintained his zest for life. He would tell you to eat for nourishment, not for taste. His healthy habits prolonged his life longer than we could have hoped for. Many people who helped Cecil in his battle to breathe have said that he was one of their favorite patients to shoot the breeze with.

Cecil is survived by Eileen’s son: Darick Thomspon; and daughter-in-law: Janice Thompson of Sioux Falls; a daughter from his first marriage and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A small Celebration of Life for Cecil and Eileen Branson will be held on August 29, from 1-3PM. There will be a time of prayer at 1:30PM. If you would like to attend, please call Darick or Janice Thompson for directions.

Vicki Lou Asseng  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Vicki Lou Aaseng, 74, of Brandon, SD, passed away at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls on August 12, 2026 surrounded by her loving Family.

Vicki was born in Worthington, MN on August 11, 1952. Since the age of 3, she had the privilege of being raised by Fred “Sam” and Verena Driessen, who were the best parents a child could ask for. Vicki would often recount fond memories of attending school and church with her siblings as well as spending time with family, especially during the holiday season. Sam and Verena laid a strong foundation for Vicki’s relationship with God and her family.

Having attended Wilmont Catholic School for 11 years, she graduated from Worthington High School before studying at Worthington Community College. Vicki worked at Loretto Hospital in New Ulm, MN and Worthington Regional Hospital. While attending college, Vicki met the love of her life, Douglas Aaseng. Doug and Vicki balanced each other out and shared a strong connection with their religion. Excited to start their lives together, the two were married on February 19, 1972. From their relationship, God blessed Doug and Vicki with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Doug was stationed in Germany for his position in the US army early on in their marriage, and Vicki later joined him. They spent the next few years in Germany and North Carolina before settling in Brandon, SD in 1975, where they established themselves in their church and community.

Vicki was fortunate to spend the next several years as a stay-at-home mom until her children were of school-age. As her children were growing, she taught religious education for 13 years and devoted time as a member of the PTA. She also coached youth softball while the children were little.

As the kids aged, Vicki returned to working outside of the home. She worked as an assistant manager at Burger King for 15 years and spent the last 5 years of her career as a quality lead in food nutrition at the Sanford Children’s Hospital.

Vicki was privileged to be a member at Risen Savior Catholic church in Brandon. Along with teaching religious education, she often served as a eucharistic minister and played guitar for mass. She truly found a wonderful family and support system at Risen Savior. She was always grateful for their love and support, especially after her health began to deteriorate in 2020.

Vicki enjoyed cooking, cleaning, and watching old movies; however, she enjoyed being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother the most. She treasured her time with her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids, never failing to outdo last year’s Christmas or make every sleepover special with her “classic” movies, indulgent snacks, and favorite meals. Food was a symbol of love in Vicki’s family. It was not uncommon to find yourself cooking or baking with Vicki or taking leftovers or groceries home from her house. She would not let you leave empty-handed.

Vicki hopes that her family and friends know that every moment they spent with her, every laugh shared, and every good deed done was through the grace of God. She gives all credit and thanks to Him, who guided Vicki in raising up the people around her and providing her with the gift of helping others. She also hopes those close to her to know that they were her greatest gift from the Lord. Each member of her family was special to her, holding a place in her heart.

We will remember her laugh as she struggled to get through a joke without dissolving into giggles and her way of making every member of her friends and family feel special.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents; her half-brother, John “Butch” Crohan; her sister, Ruth Kattke; her son, Paul Aaseng; and her grandson, Noah Aaseng. She is survived by her husband, Douglas Aaseng; her son, Lee (Janet) Aaseng; her daughter, Angie (Allen “Dunks”) Dunkelberger; her grandchildren, James (Melissa) Aaseng, Theresa (Ethan) Aaseng, Michael Aaseng, Elizabeth Aaseng, Braeden Dunkelberger, Tanner Dunkelberger, Brody Dunkelberger, Kaitlyn (Cole) Hodges, Domenic (Alexis) Aaseng, and Jakob Aaseng; her great-

grandchildren, Leo, Greyson, and Sophia; her sister, Mary (Jerry) Kellen; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 5:00 PM Monday August 17 with a Scripture Vigil at 6:00 PM at Risen Savior catholic Church in Brandon. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday August 18, 10:00 AM at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon. In Vicki’s memory, donations to Risen Savior Catholic Church Parish, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Bishop Dudley House would be greatly appreciated.

John Paul Haaland  - Share this obit - Print this obit

JOHN PAUL HAALAND. April 6, 1950 - July 28, 2026.

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of a dear man who graced our lives with his love and humor.

Surviving John is his wife of 53 years, Becky, son Troy (Melissa), daughter Robyn (Jeff), grandson Connor (Grace), granddaughter Taylor, great granddaughter Sophie as well as many other family and friends.

A celebration of John’s life will take place at a later date.

Dolores Mae Costello  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Dolores Mae Costello passed away peacefully at her lake home on July 29, 2026.

Born on June 6, 1929 to Gladys and Earl Larscheid in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She graduated from Cathedral High School and attended Augustana College. On December 27, 1949 she married Thomas P. Costello, the love of her life, at St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage and built a family, rooted in faith, love and generosity.

She was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She found great joy in traveling the world, playing golf, cards, and mah jongg with her dear friends, tending her gardens and antiquing.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband: Thomas P. Costello; her brother: Loren Larscheid (Rose); her sister: Charlotte Oster (Bob). She is lovingly remembered by her children: Tom (Stephanie), Dan (Janet), Colleen (Chip) Duncan and Margaret, eleven grandchildren: Katie and Caleb Chatfield, Charlie and Jill Costello, Connor Costello, Kate and Danny Stupin, Maryclaire and John Michael Fery, Grace Costello, Caroline and Nick Wachtler, Ford and Madison Duncan, Brady Duncan, Will Rodbell, Olivia Rodbell; and twelve great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Tuesday August 11, 2026 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls. Burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Thomas P. Costello Rental Assistance Fund, c/o the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls. 523 N. Duluth Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104. or to the South Dakota Right to Life, 4001 West Valhalla Blvd., Suite 101 Sioux Falls, SD 57106.

Priscilla Spawn  - Share this obit - Print this obit

Priscilla Karen (Turco) Spawn, lovingly known as "Peeker," passed away on July 25, 2026, at The Dougherty House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on February 19, 1945, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Peeker had a gift for making people feel seen, remembered, celebrated, and loved. Whether family, a lifelong friend, or someone she had just met, there was a good chance they would leave with a hug, a laugh, a thoughtful gift, or a birthday card.

She graduated from O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls before attending South Dakota State University, where her intelligence, determination, and industriousness became evident early on. On June 14, 1965, she married her pharmacy school classmate, Donald Spawn, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Sioux Falls. Just weeks ago, they celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Peeker's work ethic was nothing short of remarkable. While attending pharmacy school, she welcomed her first two children. She and Don later owned and operated Corner Drug Store in Crofton, Nebraska, where caring for people extended beyond filling prescriptions. After moving to Pipestone, Minnesota, in 1991, Peeker became known throughout the region as a dependable relief pharmacist, at times driving hours, often through Minnesota blizzards.

Home was equally important to her. She and Don enjoyed life on their acreage near Pipestone, where they raised sheep together. Of all the farm chores, Peeker especially loved lambing season. She delighted in naming each lamb and bottle-feeding the tiniest ones.

A proud Italian and a devoted Catholic, Peeker embraced life with passion, spice and levity. She was funny, outgoing, delightfully silly, a lover of gummy bears, and often the life of the party. She loved dancing—whether with Don, her children, or her grandchildren—telling stories, and wearing outrageous hats or costumes. She found joy watching "her" deer wander through her yard, spotting dolphins from a Florida balcony, gathering with her treasured cousins, and spending time with family whenever she could. She loved all holidays, and the 26 stockings she hand-made for all of her children and grandchildren will be a precious reminder at Christmas.

Her family will forever smile when recalling her signature expressions. She was a savant with numbers and could recite the birthdays of virtually everyone she loved—including all 21 grandchildren, her children, in-laws, siblings, and extended family; no birthday ever passed without a gesture from Peeker to convey: You matter to me.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Bernice "Popa and Mimi" Turco; her sisters, Sandra VanderWoude and Patricia "Triss" McEntee; and, just eight days before her own passing, her beloved daughter-in-law, Kristen "Krissy" Spawn. She leaves behind the love of her life, Donald Spawn; her five devoted children: Rebecca Bartunek (Jeff), Deborah Nitzel (Grant), Christopher Spawn, Elizabeth Stotler (Brad), and Vanessa Slivken (Josh); her cherished grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, with two more expected soon; her dear brother: Carl "Manny" Turco; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Mass and Celebration of Peeker's life will be held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral on August 6^th, at 10:00 A.M.