Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary and Death Notice Collection
GenealogyBuff.com - Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary Collection - 43
Posted By: GenealogyBuff.com Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at 8:35 p.m.
Shannon L. Christopherson
June 28, 1974 - January 20, 2016
Shannon L. Christopherson, 41, of Brookings passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at Brookings Health System. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 25, 2016 at GracePoint Wesleyan Church in Brookings, SD. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m., at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings, SD. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Shannon Louise Wood-Fleming was born on June 28, 1974 in Brookings, SD. She grew up in Brookings until the age of 11, at which point her family moved to Montevideo, MN. She graduated from Montevideo High School in 1992. She earned a degree in Dental Assisting from Minnesota West in Canby, MN. She worked for Dr. Paul Thompson and Dr. John Powers in Montevideo. In 2001 she moved back to Brookings and worked for Dr. Ben Gates, Curves and taught Zumba.
On January 17, 2007, she was united in marriage to Christopher Christopherson in Brookings. Shannon and Chris welcomed a baby boy, Tre Leonard on June 28, 2007. He was the best birthday present she could have ever asked for.
Shannon’s passion and zest for life was infectious. She loved spending time with her family, especially watching Tre’s baseball and hockey games. Her smile would light up the room and her laugh was contagious. She was always the life of the party.
She is survived by her husband, Chris; son, Tre; mother, Donita Fleming of Brookings; fathers, Mike (Sandra) Fleming of Montevideo and Roger Wood of Houston, TX; sister, Erin (Justin) Weinkauf of White, SD; brother, Ryan Fleming of Brookings; grandparents, Don and Jeannette Crapser of Brookings; 11 nieces and 8 nephews; aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a host of in-laws.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Fred and Helen Fleming and Leon and Elsa Wood.
Gerald "Jerry" G. Potthast
January 9, 1933 - January 31, 2016
Gerald "Jerry" Potthast, 83, of Brookings passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Brookings Health System. His Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2016 at Rude’s Funeral Home. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. There will be private family interment at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.
Gerald George Potthast was born on January 9, 1933 in Mitchell, SD, the son of Melvin and Muriel (Perkins) Potthast. He attended school in Brookings and graduated from Brookings High School. He went on to attend South Dakota State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts Education. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952 and served during the Korean War until he was honorably discharged in 1954. He was united in marriage to Rozella Karstens. He worked at Red Owl Butcher in Brookings and Britton, SD, before going to work for Perkins Transfer from 1961 until his retirement in 2002. He spent much of his retirement at the family cabin, located at Big Stone Lake.
Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and Rockhounding. He was a member of the Rockhound Club, Brookings Police Reserves, and a lifetime member of the Elks, VFW, NRA, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rozella; daughter, Beth (Joe) Hoseck of Great Falls, MT; three sons, Mark (Diane) Potthast of Aurora, SD, Brian (Lisa) Potthast of Littleton, CO, Craig (Betsy) Potthast of Columbus, NE; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn (Ray) Peake of Adrian, MI; special cousin, Clark Perkins of Brookings, SD and a host of other relatives.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Esther Krag; grandson, Kyle Hoseck.
Ronald Ray Bartels
October 16, 1944 - February 5, 2016
Ronald Ray Bartels, 71, of Brookings, SD passed away February 5, 2016 at Brookings Health System, Brookings, SD. A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00am Monday, February 8th, 2016 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings. Memorial Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the Celebration of Life. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Ronald Ray Bartels was born October 16, 1944 in Pierre, SD, the son of Ray and Lois (Palmer) Bartels. He grew up and attended school in Onida, SD, graduating from Onida High School. After graduating from high school, Ron attended South Dakota State University and Northern State College, graduating from Northern State College.
Ron was united in marriage to Donna Mae Wedge in December 1968, at Wessington, SD. They made their home in Pierre, SD before moving to Cottage Grove, MN. Donna Mae passed away in 1977.
On June 24th, 1978, Ronald was united in marriage to Juliann Jaeger in Cottage Grove, MN. After many adventures in many states, Ron retired to Brookings, SD.
Ron was a loving husband, father and grandfather, he loved to peel apples with his granddaughter, Annabell, he was an avid SDSU Jacks sports fan and he was a "Great Cook".
Ron is survived by his wife, Julie Bartels of Brookings, SD; his children, Robert (Aaron) Bartels of Fallbrook, CA, Brenda Bartels of Brookings, SD and Zachary Bartels of Brookings, SD; one sister, Wanda (John) Wirtz of Brookings, SD; one brother, Hugh (Shelley) Bartels of Watertown, SD; two grandchildren, Ryan Bartels and Annabell Bartels along with many nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Donna Mae.
Yolanda Kim Maxwell
December 5, 1972 - August 9, 2016
Yolanda Kim Maxwell, 43, of Brookings, SD, passed away suddenly due to her illness of Epilepsy on Tuesday, August 9, 2016. Memorial Services have been set for 1:00pm Sunday, August 14th, 2016 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 12:00pm until the time of services at Rude’s Funeral Home. It was Yolanda’s wishes to donate her body to science for research. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. A trust has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank, Brookings, SD in Gerald and Jaqulynn Maxwell's names to support their future education. Gerald and Jaqulynn Maxwell Benefit Fund or Maxwell Benefit Fund at Wells Fargo Bank, Brookings, SD.
Yolanda Kim Mumby was born on December 5, 1972 in Tracy, MN the daughter of Robert and Darlene (Green) Mumby. She was baptized at Balaton United Methodist Church, Balaton, MN and was confirmed at First United Methodist Church in Arlington, SD.
She grew up and attended school in Arlington, SD graduating from Arlington High School in 1991. After high school she worked at the Country Kitchen in Brookings.
She was united in marriage to Daniel Molengraaf. They were later divorced. She then moved to San Diego, CA. She was united in marriage to Leonard Maxwell in San Diego, CA. They had two children together, Gerald and Jaqulynn.
Yolanda had a passion for gardening and animals. Her dedication to the helping of others was incredible. She couldn’t work because of her Epilepsy so she volunteered at many places in the community. She wasn’t just a mom. She was a best friend, counselor, life teacher and guardian. She had an electric, contagious personality. Her laugh was infectious. She impacted everyone she met like ripples in a pool. The most important thing to her were her children, they were her life.
Yolanda is survived by her children, Gerald and Jaqulynn; special friend, Todd Broschat; two brothers, Aaron (Tara) Mumby and his family and Rob Vandeveire and her mother, Darlene Mumby.
Lance L. Lengkeek
July 7, 1970 - August 18, 2016
Lance Lengkeek, 46, of Brookings passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2016. Funeral Services have been set for 10:30am Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Rude’s Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from 9:30am until the time of services. Burial will follow at Lake Campbell Lutheran Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Lance Loren Lengkeek was born July 7th, 1970 at the Estelline Hospital, the son of Leon and Janelle (Bidwell) Lengkeek. Lance attended school at Deubrook until 1980 when the family moved to Brookings. He graduated from Brookings High School in 1989.
After high school, Lance was employed at Brookings Tire Center as well as Nielsen’s Electric. Due to steadily failing health, Lance was unable to work.
Lance enjoyed fishing, working with anything mechanical, listening to music, above all else he loved his family.
Lance’s memory will be cherished by his parents; his son, Dylan; his sisters, Cheryl Brandsrud and Donna (Charles) Oleson; several nieces and nephews; as well as many friends including his special friend Donna Herron.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; a brother, Larry; twin brothers, Loren and Laron and a nephew, Casey Oleson.
Julie A. Tietjen
November 30, 1966 - May 3, 2017
Julie Anne Tietjen, 50, of Brookings, SD passed away Wednesday May3, 2017 at The Estelline Nursing and Care Center, Estelline, SD. Memorial Services have been set for 1:00pm Wednesday, May 10th, 2017 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 12:00pm until the time of services at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD.
Julie Anne Tietjen was born on November 30th, 1966, in San Pedro, CA. She grew up in Brookings, SD, and graduated from Brookings High School in 1985. Julie went on to work for Mesaba Airlines/Northwest Airlines as an outstation customer service agent in 1985 and retired at the senior level of customer service agents from the airlines in 2012. Julie was a valuable and committed team member for Mesaba/Northwest and loved her job very much.
Julie enjoyed reading and was a movie buff at heart. She was a loyal Oakland Radiers fan, and had a soft spot in her heart for all animals. She was particularly fond of her Golden Retriever, Baily. Julie had an infectious smile, and made friends very easily. Her laugh will always be remembered by anyone that knew her or met her. Julie carried her Faith in God with her everywhere that she went, and was a devout Christian.
She is survived by her parents, Robert Lee and Marie Jo Tietjen, of Volga, SD, her brothers Steven (Karen) Tietjen of Volga, SD, Robert S Tietjen (Jody Moad) of Brookings, SD, and Michael (Christina) Tietjen of Volga SD. She had several nieces and nephews whom she adored.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents William and Clara Flisrand; John and Margaret Tietjen.
John W. Moriarty
January 3, 1921 - December 6, 2015
John Willibald Moriarty, 94, a lifelong resident of Brookings, SD, entered eternal life on December 6, 2015, on the feast of St. Nicholas, surrounded by his children. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, December 14, 2015, the feast of St. John of the Cross, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, in Brookings. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Sunday, December 13, 2015, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with a rosary and prayer service beginning at 7:00 pm.
John W. Moriarty was the oldest of five children born to John Jeremiah and Cecilia Anna Maria (Eibner) Moriarty in their Brookings home on January 3, 1921. John’s parents were the inspiration for the family’s entrepreneurial spirit, always asking what the next endeavor would be. He received his education in Brookings and graduated from South Dakota State College with a degree in Pharmacy. In 1947, John married Bernice Goven, a farmer’s daughter from Turtle Lake, ND. They settled in Brookings and had a family of nine accomplished children.
He worked as a pharmacist before founding Moriarty Construction with his youngest brother Paul in the early 1950’s. John and Paul laid sidewalks, constructed houses and built some of the earlier apartment buildings in Brookings. One of the homes was the first entirely electric house in the area. In the early 1960’s, John and Paul opened the Bunny Wash ‘n Dry to service the campus community. John and his brothers, Joseph, James, Paul, and brother-in-law, Cyril Multhauf, opened the Campus Pharmacy on Medary Avenue where he worked as a pharmacist. Thereafter, in the mid-1960’s, the family developed the City Plaza shopping center and opened a new store, The City Drug.
During this time, John and his family continued to build housing in Brookings to serve the needs of its residents, and develop commercial properties for industries seeking to relocate to Brookings. In the early 1970’s, the Moriarty family expanded the City Plaza and added several more businesses to meet the growing needs of Brookings. In addition to planning many future developments for Brookings, John worked in the retail businesses at the City Plaza until the 1990’s.
Simultaneously, he and his brothers, working together, ventured into agriculture and this became one of his greatest passions. This led to related endeavors, including raising livestock and poultry, and in the 1980’s, with foresight and regard for others, he planted an expansive apple orchard which became the scene of apple pickings for community groups and annual family reunions in the fall. He also established the first Farmers’ Market in Brookings on the City Plaza parking lot and until just recently, John could be found there on Wednesdays and Saturdays selling his apples and farm fresh eggs.
Although he had many successful ventures in business, real estate, and agriculture, his greatest source of pride was the family that he and Bernice reared and the many beautiful grandchildren that followed. The latter loved to spend as much time as they could with their grandpa in his orchard on the creek. John was a lifelong member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus. John and Bernice were both inducted into the equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in 1982. He was also a member of Rotary International for many years and a member of the SDSC ROTC Drill Team, later known as the ’44 Kings.
John is survived by his children, David (Jennifer) of Brookings, Mary Moriarty of Salt Lake City, UT, Patrick Moriarty, MD of Bemidji, Minnesota, the Hon. Joan Moriarty (Gregory) and husband Thomas of St. Louis, MO, Leo (Eleanor) Moriarty, DDS of Webster City, IA, Gerard (Jean) Moriarty of Brookings, SD, and Michael (Maya) Moriarty, DDS of Seward, AK, grandchildren, David, Daniel, Marie, Paul, Mark, Patrick, Joseph and Cecilia Moriarty, Patrick (Katie) Thronson, Gregory, Matthew and Natalie Moriarty, Veronica Gregory, Michael, James (Kristen), Kathleen and Bridget Moriarty, Caroline, Nicholas, Elizabeth, Gabrielle, Bernice and Teresa Moriarty, Maille and M. John Moriarty, and great-granddaughter, Marleigh Moriarty, brothers, Dr. Joseph (Mary) of Coon Rapids, MN, Dr. James (Patricia) of North Oaks, MN, and Paul (Doris) Moriarty of Brookings and many nieces and nephews, and godchildren.
Late in life, he married LaVonne Schaefer of Brookings. He is also survived by the many friends he made and cherished.
John is preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Bernice (Goven) Moriarty, sons, John Gregory Moriarty, MD, Charles X. Moriarty, DDS, and infant sons, Mathew, Mark, and Phillip, his daughter-in-law Michele (Karaba) Moriarty, his parents, John and Cecilia Moriarty, his sister, Cecilia E. Multhauf and brother-in-law, Cyril J. Multhauf, MD.
John grew up in a home filled with faith, love, and a proud work ethic. Everyone was taught to get along and work together to build for future generations. It was this foundation that shaped his life and the person he became. John’s legacy to his family and the people of Brookings was a life filled with kindness, care, mercy, and love for all. Those wishing to honor this legacy may pass on a charitable act of their time, talent, or treasure to someone they meet along life’s journey, encouraging them to do the same.
Janet Kay Larson
September 14, 1979 - January 2, 2016
Memorial Services for Janet Kay Larson, 36, of Sioux Falls, SD will be held at 2:30 pm Saturday, January 9, 2016, at Rude’s Funeral Home, in Brookings. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings.
Janet Kay Larson was born in Brookings, SD on September 14, 1979, the daughter of Jim and Peggy (Minor) Larson. On January 2, 2016, Janet passed away at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
On June 2, 1980, Janet was baptized at the First Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD. Janet grew up in Brookings, SD where she attended school grades K-12. In 1998, Janet graduated from Brookings High School. While in high school, Janet enjoyed time with friends and family and was employed as a house keeper. Following high school, Janet was employed at Falcon Plastics in Brookings for a couple years and she later moved to Sioux Falls, SD. While living in Sioux Falls, she worked for Sunshine Foods and then Hy-Vee. Janet was presently employed at Hy-Vee for the past five years. While employed at Hy-Vee, Janet held various management positions and was recently the account manager. While working and raising a family, Janet attended Colorado Technical Institute in Sioux Falls for a period of time majoring in Criminal Justice.
Janet loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed playing board games with her children and attended their school activities. Some of Janet’s favorite outdoor activities included going camping and sitting around the campfire with her children. She also enjoyed fishing and summer time fun at the pool with her kids. Janet was well-known for her goofy antics, fun-loving personality, her big heart, honesty in her words, and her love for her family. Janet was a light that shined bright in our lives and will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She was a wonderful and loving mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt and friend.
Janet is survived by her three children, Cameron (18), Kaylee (10), and Chloe (6), all of Sioux Falls, SD; her parents, Jim and Peggy Larson, Brookings, SD; one brother, Jay (Nikki) Larson, Sioux Falls, SD; one sister, Jennifer (Kevin) Moravetz, White, SD; one sister-in-law, Misty Larson, Volga, SD; maternal grandfather, Richard Minor, Brookings, SD; several nieces and nephews, Jeorgia, Nevada, Mackenzie, Braydon, Avery, Ryan, Miranda, and Alexis; step-nephew and niece, Derrick and Mariah; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Janet was preceded in death by her brother, Jeff Larson; paternal grandparents, Robert and Mary Jane Larson; maternal grandmother, Jean Minor; and aunt, Janice Larkin.
