Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary and Death Notice Collection
GenealogyBuff.com - Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary Collection - 39
Posted By: GenealogyBuff.com Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at 5:16 p.m.
Jeanne Nielsen
December 15, 1952 - June 25, 2017
Jeanne Loretta Nielsen, 64, of Aurora, SD, passed away June, 25, 2017 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
Memorial Services will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church, 2030 3rd St. Brookings, SD, on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at 10:30 am, with Pastor Teri Johnson officiating. Rude’s Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brookings Backpack Project at brookingsbackpackproject.org.
Jeanne was born in Hendricks, MN to Lowell and Joyce Hexum on December 15, 1952. She attended Hendricks High School and graduated in 1970.
She married David Nielsen on February 1, 1975.
Jeanne provided daycare services for many families; she was a secretary at SDSU and the First United Methodist Church and worked in the lunchroom at Medary Elementary.
Jeanne enjoyed baking the most delicious bread/buns, tea rings and sweets, spending time at the lake and most of all spending time with her family. She sewed, made beautiful needlepoint and was always doing for everyone else. She was a beautiful Mother to Kenny, Angie and Kari, but was like a mother to so many more. She was known by many for her unconditional love, baked goods, May baskets, candy drawer and so much more. Her grandchildren were a highlight of her life. We will never forget her infectious laugh and her great-sense of humor. Jeanne was a caring, giving, selfless lady; always putting everyone else’s needs above her own.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Hexum; two sisters, Wanda Johnston and Cheryl Rogers; brother, Mike Hexum and nephew Jared Sommervold.
Jeanne is survived by her husband David; son, Kenny Nielsen (Samira Karajic) of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Angie (Brian) St. Martin of Excelsior, MN; daughter, Kari (Aaron) Krogman of Brookings, SD; 12 grandchildren; Faith, Emra, Erna, Violet, Lejla, Jonah, Nolan, Ruby, Holden, Sadie, Annika and Evan; father, Lowell Hexum of Longmont, CO; sister, Wendy (Steve) Conder of Longmont, CO; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and so many family and friends that will miss her dearly.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, for their support in her final days.
Dona Mae Crocker
May 1, 1922 - June 5, 2017
Dona Mae Crocker, 95, of Lexington, SC, formerly of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away Monday, June 5, 2017 at Morningside Assisted Living, in Lexington. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am Saturday, June 10, 2017 at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church, beginning at 9:00 am. Interment will be at 12:30 pm at East Highland Lutheran Church, near Brandt, SD. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers please make donation to First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD, or your favorite charity.
Dona Mae Johnson was born on May 1, 1922, in Gary, SD, daughter of Arthur and Lottie (Martin) Johnson. She grew up in Gary, and graduated from Gary High School in 1940.
She was united in marriage to Cyril E. Crocker on May 27, 1940. The couple lived in various communities such as Gary, SD, Luck, WI and Watertown, SD.
Dona Mae went on to complete Cosmetology School, and spent many years as a hairdresser, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. The couple made their home in Inglewood and Sunnyvale, CA for more than 50 years, until Cyril’s health brought them to live in Sioux Falls, SD. Cyril died on July 16, 2008. Dona Mae continued to live in Sioux Falls, until she moved to Lexington, SC in 2015 to be closer to family.
She was a past member of Los Altos Lutheran Church, in California, and Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Dona Mae loved to play bingo, playing cards and any kind of board game.
She is survived by her sons, Roger Crocker (Crystelle) of Winfield, IL and Jack Crocker (Sharon) of Lexington, SC; six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Cyril, one sister, LaVerne Christensen; one brother, Merrill Crocker and her grandchild, Cyril Evan Crocker.
Sharon Ann Filholm
July 7, 1937 - June 30, 2017
Sharon Ann (Ruttum) Filholm, 79, of Brookings, SD, passed away June 30, 2017 at the United Living Community in Brookings, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Brookings on July 6, 2017 at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, where Sharon was a long time parishioner and dedicated volunteer. Her family will be hosting a celebration of her life at Rude’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 5 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Seven was Sharon’s lucky number: she was the seventh child of Anton and Elsie Ruttum, born in Hendricks, MN, on the seventh day of the seventh month of 1937. Raised in Astoria, SD, she earned her licensed practical nursing certification in Pierre, SD.
She married Douglas Filholm in Brookings on October 20, 1958 and proved herself a fine wife immediately, bagging two pheasants on the fly in one shot while on their honeymoon.
Sharon looked back fondly at her career of helping people: she worked at 3M for 15 years helping produce medical products and as an LPN in her early adult years. She and Doug also owned the Second-Hand Store on Main Street in Brookings, where she established lasting friendships with other merchants and customers.
Sharon, indeed, was friend to all she met. Her infectious laugh, gift of "gab", warm smile and genuine compassion were known to many, including those she volunteered with at the Police Auxiliary, United Way, Catholic Daughters, Legion Auxiliary, and AA. She was very proud of her 31 years of sobriety and touched many lives as a mentor and sponsor, including those of refugee families and inmates at the county jail. She loved bawdy jokes and music; she taught herself piano, sang in the church choir and could not listen to the radio without tapping her foot in time. She was a fun and loving mother to five, grandmother to 14, and great-grandma to a lucky seven! She leaves a legacy of kindness and community, having taught her family by example the values of forgiveness, honesty, cooperation, positive thinking and a sense of humor.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Elsie Ruttum; brothers, Talwin Ruttum, Wayne Ruttum and Richard Ruttum; sisters, Audrey Nelson and Irene Orrick; seven brothers-in-law, seven sisters-in-law and a daughter-in-law, Nancy Filholm.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Doug of Brookings, SD; daughter, Jacquelyn (James) McCord of Brookings, SD; four sons, Michael and Anthony Filholm of Brookings, SD, Patrick (Elizabeth) Filholm of Warner-Robins, GA and Talwin (Lisa Lane) Filholm of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Fabian (Lindsay) McCord, Marielle (Sean) Downes, Chaz Filholm, Nick (Amanda) McCord, Sarah (Kyle) Maurer, Ryan (Akane) Filholm, Mariah Filholm, Haley Filholm, Jacob (Maxine) Filholm, Rachel Powell, Amy Filholm, Delilah Filholm, Augie Filholm, and George Filholm; plus seven great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Brinley, Griffin, Weston, Gracie, Bradan and Baby Maurer (expected any day!); a sister, Esther Dawson of Columbus, OH; a brother-in-law, Dave (Carolyn) Filholm of Huron, SD and numerous nieces and nephews.
Brett W. Huber
January 12, 1992 - June 11, 2017
Brett Warner Huber, Jr, 25, suddenly and regretfully passed away Sunday June 11, 2017 surrounded by family and loved ones. Private family Services will be held. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Brett was a deeply spiritual man who believed in sharing love and compassion with all who came into his short, but fruitful, life. Brett believed in treating others with only the upmost respect and compassion regardless of differences in beliefs or opinions. He gave when he had nothing, cared when nobody else would, and made an unforgettable impression on countless people lives through his loving and joyful heart.
Brett’s love of learning greatly surpassed his graduation from Spearfish High School in 2010. He made a point to gain knowledge from every book, place, experience, and person he encountered. Brett shared his humility and humor openly.
Keeping the Lord close and doing the Lord’s work was immensely important to Brett and a focal point of his life. He volunteered regularly at whichever church he attended and truly believed in being the Lord’s tool to help others less fortunate than himself. Brett’s service went beyond the boundaries of church activities, as he truly lived out the Great Commission by how he treated others and sacrificed his time and money to strangers daily.
Brett received the most joy from his life by spending time with family and loved ones, connecting with people, experiencing new things, and finding adventure in every day while searching for his life’s meaning.
His life will forever be cherished and remembered every second of every day in the lives of his mother Renae Berkland Huber; father Brett (Paula) Huber Sr; sister Sarah Allbright and her husband, Chris and their three children, Ryder, Mykal, and Paxton; brother Benjamin and his fiancé, Libby; grandparents Walter and Brigitte Huber; along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Brett was preceded in death by his grandparents, Evelyn and Norman Berkland.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made for Brett’s memorial. Please contact Brett’s brother Benjamin Huber at (605) 569-0417 for further information.
Elsie Jean Jacobson
May 9, 1919 - June 9, 2017
Elsie Jacobson died on Friday, June 9, 2017, at United Living Community in Brookings where she had resided since February, after living a full and eventful life. Family and friends will remember Elsie’s quiet strength and resilience, her love for gardening, baking, teaching, sewing, crocheting, reading and Scrabble. Throughout her 98 years, she was a supportive wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and treasured friend
Elsie Jean was born to George and Cora Patton in Riverside, California, and grew up on a farm near Esmond, SD, with her siblings Harold and Louise.
Both parents died before her 16th birthday.
She subsequently graduated from Iroquois High School and then received a one-year teaching certificate from Northern Normal and Industrial School in Aberdeen (now Northern State University). She taught in rural schools near Conde, Andover and Bristol, boarding with local families.
It was during her stint at Sunbeam School south of Andover, boarding with Michael and Clara Jacobson, that she met and became engaged to their son Sidney. They married in 1943 and raised four children on that same family farm.
After Sidney’s death in 1970, she moved to Bristol and resumed her career, now as a teacher’s aide in the Bristol school system, where she worked until her marriage to Halftan Jacobson in 1981 (who was coincidentally a cousin to Sidney!).
She and Halftan resided on his farm east of Minot, ND, until his death in 2002. She continued to live on the farm until 2007, when she moved to The View, an assisted living complex in Minot. Finally in February 2017, she moved to United Living Community in Brookings. She was a long-time member of Bristol/Butler United Methodist Church and was affiliated with Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Brethren Church in Minot, during her many years in North Dakota.
Elsie was predeceased by her parents, sister, brother, and both husbands, in addition to stepson Warren Jacobson, son-in-law Ed Hamilton and granddaughter Renelle Jacobson. She is survived by her children: Allan Jacobson of Aberdeen, SD; Janet Peterson (Loren) of Duluth, MN; Karen Kinder (Keith) of Brookings, SD; and Myrlene Hamilton Hess (Eric) of Bayville, NJ; her stepchildren: Wesley Jacobson (Kathy) of rural Minot, ND; Phyllis Stratton (Ralph) of Spokane, WA; and Howard Jacobson (Mary) of Orlando, FL; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The public is invited to a visitation with the family on Friday June 16 from 5-7 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 714 17th Ave. S. in Brookings. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Bristol/Butler United Methodist Church, 3rd Street in Bristol, followed by a graveside service at Prairie Mound Cemetery in Butler, and lunch at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Prairie Mound Cemetery or the Bristol/Butler United Methodist Church.
Paul D Evenson
June 3, 1934 - June 12, 2017
Paul Evenson, resident of Brookings passed away Monday, June 12, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls. He was 83. Funeral Services have been set for 10:00am Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at Ascension Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Habitat for Humanity fund at Ascension Lutheran Church or to the Brookings Children’s Museum. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Paul David Evenson was born on June 3, 1934 to Emil and Doris (Pierce) Evenson in Bertha MN, the fifth of ten children. He moved several times during his youth, living in Minnesota, Iowa, and eventually Wisconsin, where he graduated from Stoughton High School in 1952. The following year, Paul moved to Omaha, Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy in 1957, and a Master’s degree in soils and plant science in 1959.
While attending graduate school in Lincoln, Paul met and married the love of his life, Ellie (Larkins) on April 11, 1959.
Shortly after, Paul and Ellie moved to Brookings where Paul began work towards his doctorate degree at South Dakota State. Soon after his arrival he was asked to substitute teach a statistics class for a professor who was leaving the University. Forty years later, he was still "substitute" teaching statistics. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he also served as a statistician for the SDSU Experiment Station. His greatest reward was working with graduate students and staff on research projects and graduate theses. Paul ended his teaching and research career in 1999.
In retirement, Paul pursued many passions. He joined the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity where he worked many years as a member of the foundation crew and later, as a fundraiser that helped build over 40 homes in Brookings County. He took great joy in helping young families get a start in their new homes and loved working with the many volunteers and staff at Habitat. Paul often referred to the Habitat crew as his "band of brothers."
Paul also enjoyed wood carving where he spent countless hours carving special projects for family, friends and for his own enjoyment. One of his greatest gifts was presenting hand-carved clocks to each of his children.
Perhaps his strongest passion was photography. Whether it be at home taking pictures of birds and flowers or on "bucket list" trips to Glacier National Park in Montana, or a land/sea cruise to Alaska, he captured nature in its finest glory. He often said that being a wildlife photographer was his dream job.
Paul was also active in Sons of Norway where he served one term as President, the Brookings Area Genealogical Society and Ascension Lutheran Church, with which he was a charter member (1962). He also loved spending time coaching baseball for his sons, cross country skiing in northern Wisconsin with the "Norwegian Family Ski Team, " listening to classical and jazz music, being an active participant with the Brookings Swim Club and helping friends and family with home building projects.
Whether one knew Paul their entire life or just one day they would have to agree that his greatest attribute was his tremendous sense of humor. Sometimes it came in the form of a crazy prank, a surprise poke, or a goofy face, whereas other times it came as a self-effacing comment followed by a mischievous grin. No matter the situation, Paul was always on the lookout for the perfect joke or story to make people laugh and feel good about themselves. When friends and family were struggling he was an encourager, counselor and persistent seeker – he never gave up on those he loved who were struggling with life issues and did whatever it took to help those in need, without any judgement.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Doris Evenson and sisters, Margaret Boyd and Virginia Larson.
He is survived by his wife Ellie of 58 years; four children: David (Markel) Evenson of Marshall MN; Shirley (Calvin) Woods of Ham Lake, MN; Dale (Sis) Evenson of Garrison, ND; and John Evenson of Newtown, PA; and twelve grandchildren: Dara, Brad (Lindsey), and Isac Evenson; Christy, Michael, Jackie, Keith, Justin, Josiah, Stephen, Jubilee, and Juliana Woods; five brothers: Emil of Eau Claire, WI; Erwin (Lois) of Janesville, WI; Donald (Connie) of Loveland, CO; Robert (Vicki) of Red Feather Lakes, CO; Eric (Karen) of Yardley, PA; and two sisters: Marion Cunnington of Edina, MN and Karen (Chris) Eastlund of Raritan, NJ; and numerous nieces, nephews, loving relatives and friends.
Gloria F. McCarthy
November 12, 1928 - June 4, 2017
Gloria F. McCarthy, 88, of Brookings, SD, passed away Sunday, June 4, 2017 at the Brookings Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, June 8, 2017 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, in Brookings. Visitation will be from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at Rude’s Funeral Home, with a Liturgical Wake Service beginning at 7:00 pm.
Gloria F. McCarthy was born on November 12, 1928 in Merna, NE, the daughter of Merle L. and Della E. (Cox) Parr.
Gloria graduated from Longfellow High School in Kearney, NE, in 1946 and began her employment at the Kearney Loan and Finance Company where she remained for several years.
She was united in marriage to LaVerne McCarthy on September 6, 1947 in Kearney.
In 1956, they moved to Brookings, SD where they remained and raised their family. She was employed at the South Dakota Press Association for five years and at the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce for 16 years until her retirement in 1990.
She was a member of St Thomas More Catholic Parish, a past member of the Business and Professional Women Club, and the Brookings Firemen Auxiliary. She enjoyed cooking, reading and music. She was grateful to have her children living close by and loved seeing her grandchildren growing up. Her great-grandchildren were a wonderful blessing, too, and she always enjoyed their visits.
Gloria is survived by her three sons, Tim (Donna) of Sioux Falls, SD, Steve (Dawn) of Brookings, SD and John (Linda Starr) of Reno, NV; four granddaughters, Erin (Stephen) Mohring, Elkhorn, NE, Megan (Nick) Cook Sioux Falls, SD, Kayla (Drew) Ekeland, Brookings, SD and Valerie (Tyeler Anderson) McCarthy, Casa Grande, AZ; and 5 great-grandchildren, Jeremiah, Joshua and Jacob Mohring of Elkhorn, NE and Madelyn and Carlee Cook of Sioux Falls, SD, as well as nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one grandson, Andrew McCarthy and her brother, Gerald Parr.
Karla M. Tuttle
May 2, 1954 - May 23, 2017
Karla M. Tuttle, 63, of Arlington, SD passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, at her home in Arlington, under hospice care, following a 17 year battle with cancer. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arlington, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 am.
Karla Myrtle Josephsen was born on May 2, 1954 in Volga, SD, the daughter of Joseph Marvin and Myrtle (Meisel) Josephsen, the youngest of six children. She grew up on the family farm in rural Arlington and attended country school through fifth grade, before attending school in Arlington. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1972. She was actively involved in band, where she played the flute, which took her to Winnipeg and Europe. She then attended Atlantic Mountain Flight Attendant Academy in Kansas City, KS. She moved to Arlington and began her career at 3M in Brookings, where she held many positions, spending a majority of her time in Shipping and Receiving. She retired after 37 years of employment.
She was united in marriage to Curtis Tuttle on August 3, 1973 in Arlington, SD. They were blessed with four children, Ryan, Angela, Jason and Jennifer.
Karla’s true love in life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed golfing, quilting, sewing and attending sporting events. She loved the many family vacations she took with her family over the years taking them to Minneapolis, to watch the Twins and Vikings, ski trips to Colorado, golf trips to Arizona with Curt and friends, and many other family vacation destinations. She was an avid fan of Jackrabbit Athletics, holding season tickets for basketball and football. She enjoyed her shopping trips with her family and friends.
She had a heart of gold, always giving her talents for others to enjoy. She would make costumes, quilts and her lemon and chocolate chip cookies for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Karla started the Backpack Lunch Program in the Arlington School District, and put in many hours to ensure that no child would go hungry over the weekends.
Grateful for having shared her life is her husband, Curt Tuttle, of Arlington, SD; two sons, Ryan (Kristin) Tuttle, of Harrisburg, SD and Jason (Heather) Tuttle of Victoria, MN; one daughter, Jennifer Tuttle, of Sioux Falls, SD; four grandchildren, Nathan, Kadin, Peyton and Porter; three brothers, Dale (Dee) Josephsen, of Arlington, SD, Dennis (Cindy) Josephsen, of Brookings, SD and David (Karen) Josephsen, of Arlington, SD; two sisters, Kathy Nielsen, of Arlington, SD and Karen (Rolly) Vostad, of Volga, SD and a host of nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Angela Tuttle and her parents, Joseph Marvin and Myrtle.
