Heartland Funeral Home and Cremation Services

02/15/2026

02/15/2026

Kyle Henry Teunissen
August 9, 1981 ~ February 12, 2026

Kyle H. Teunissen, 44, Brandon, SD, died on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

August 9, 1981 ~ February 12, 2026 Kyle H. Teunissen, 44, Brandon, SD, died on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center, surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Celebration UMC, Bran

02/14/2026

Valentine’s Day & Grief

Valentine’s Day can be a beautiful day filled with love, flowers, and sweet memories. But for those who are grieving, it can also be one of the hardest days of the year.

When someone we love is no longer physically with us, days centered around love can magnify the ache in our hearts. We miss their voice, their smile, the traditions you shared, and even the quiet, ordinary moments.

If today feels heavy for you, please know that you are not alone.

The best way to walk through a day like today is to give yourself permission — permission to feel whatever comes. You might choose to:
• Light a candle in their honor
• Look through photos or write them a letter
• Share a favorite story about them
• Spend time with someone who understands your heart
• Or simply allow yourself to rest

Love does not end when a life does. The love you shared is still part of you — and always will be.

Today, be gentle with yourself. 🤍

We are holding space in our hearts for all who are missing someone they love this Valentine’s Day.

02/06/2026

In Loving Memory of:

Ronny “Ron” Lou Gillespie
March 2, 1959 ~ January 27, 2026

Ronny “Ron” L. Gillespie, 66, Sioux Falls, SD, was called home by God on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

March 2, 1959 ~ January 27, 2026 Ronny “Ron” L. Gillespie, 66, Sioux Falls, SD, was called home by God on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Fall

02/05/2026

Thank you for your testimonial!

02/03/2026

In Loving Memory Of:

Rheta Marie Kopecky
March 20, 1944 ~ February 1, 2026

Rheta M. Kopecky, age 81, Sioux Falls, SD, died peacefully in her sleep at home, on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

March 20, 1944 ~ February 1, 2026 Rheta M. Kopecky, age 81, Sioux Falls, SD, died peacefully in her sleep at home, on Sunday, February 1, 2026. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD. Burial will b

02/03/2026

In Loving Memory Of:

Joseph Michael Lingor
March 11, 1966 ~ January 29, 2026

Joseph M. Lingor, 59, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away from natural causes on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Sioux Falls.

March 11, 1966 ~ January 29, 2026 Joseph M. Lingor, 59, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away from natural causes on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Sioux Falls. A Celebration of Life Open House will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD, with a sho

02/02/2026

In Loving Memory of:

Tammy Lee Johnson
July 14, 1971 ~ January 17, 2026

Tammy L. Johnson, 54, Sioux Falls, SD, died on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Sioux Falls.

July 14, 1971 ~ January 17, 2026 Tammy L. Johnson, 54, Sioux Falls, SD, died on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Sioux Falls. Tammy Lee Andersen was born on July 14, 1971, in Sioux City, IA, to Richard Andersen and Patricia Burke. Tammy was known for her big heart and her open door. Being a c

01/29/2026

In Loving Memory of:

Donald “Don” Edward Johnson
April 1, 1936 ~ January 29, 2026

Donald “Don” E. Johnson, 89, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully at the Dougherty House in Sioux Falls on January 29, 2026, after powering through ongoing health battles.

April 1, 1936 ~ January 29, 2026 Donald “Don” E. Johnson, 89, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully at the Dougherty House in Sioux Falls on January 29, 2026, after powering through ongoing health battles. Services will be held at a later date. Donald “Don” Edward Johnson was born on Apri

01/28/2026

At the funeral, standing in the receiving line, a woman grabbed my hands and said, "I know how you feel. My divorce last year absolutely destroyed me."

My person was in a box six feet away.

She compared her divorce to this death. At the funeral. And went on for three minutes about her ex-husband and the custody battle because "loss is loss, right?"

No. Actually. It's not.

The grief Olympics need to end

When someone dies, everyone suddenly becomes a grief expert. They all have a story. And somehow, their story always manages to be worse than yours.

"You think that's hard? I lost both my parents."
"At least you got to say goodbye."
"My person was only 32."

When someone compares their loss to yours at your lowest moment, they're not connecting with you. They're making your grief about them. They're taking up space you don't have to give. They're turning your nightmare into an opportunity for them to be seen.

What's needed instead

Just shut up and sit there.
Say "This is awful and I'm sorry" and stop talking.

Don't make this about you, your ex, your dead cat, or your best friend who moved away in third grade.

Grief isn't a competition. Nobody's interested in competing. They're barely interested in surviving.

Keep your dead goldfish to yourself. Keep your divorce story for literally any other moment. Keep your one-upping for someone who has the energy to care.

Because right now? There's nothing left.
Written by: Aimee Suyko - In Their Footsteps