Will Funeral Chapel

04/06/2026

Lauren J Olson

Lauren Olson, age 66, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, April 11, 2026 at First Lutheran Church with burial at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, April 10, 2026 at First Lutheran Church.

Lauren was born on November 8, 1959, in Germany, to James Olson and Viva “Annette” Olson. He was the oldest of two children. He spent his childhood in Davis and Hurley, South Dakota, where he graduated from Hurley High School in 1978. Following high school, Lauren attended South Dakota State University, earning a degree in communications.

On April 16, 1983, Lauren married the love of his life, Debora Johnson. Together, they built a life centered on family and were blessed with two children, Andrea Leslie and Jordan James. Lauren cherished being a father. He never missed an event and could often be found behind a video camera, capturing life’s candid and meaningful moments.

Lauren made his home in Mitchell, South Dakota, where he dedicated 35 years of his career to McLeod’s before retiring in November 2025. His strong work ethic and commitment were evident throughout his career.

Lauren had a deep love for the outdoors and for spending time with his family. He enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, watching sports, and making annual trips to the Frozen Four with his son, Jordan. He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, and Augustana hockey. Lauren was also an avid television and movie enthusiast, rarely missing an opportunity to enjoy a good film or show.

Faith and service were important parts of Lauren’s life. He dedicated many years volunteering at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell, where he contributed his time running sound and video, assisting with setup for services and events, singing in the choir, and helping wherever needed. One of his favorite events was running the sound for the First Lutheran Preschool Christmas program and graduation.

Lauren will be remembered for his deep love of family, his dedication to others, and his gift for storytelling.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Debora Olson; his children, Andrea (Dillon Giedd) Olson of Pukwana, South Dakota, and Jordan Olson of Rapid City, South Dakota; his sister, Machelle (Galen) Albers, Howard, SD; his mother-in-law, Carmen Johnson, Mitchell, SD; his sister-in-law, Cathy (Trevor) Jurgensen, Amarillo, TX; his nieces, Ann Gilbert, Dell Rapids, Brook (Larry) Meyer, Harrisburg, SD, Candance (Aaron) Kleinsasser, Brookings, SD, Amanda (Brian) Lorenz, Amarillo, TX and Alicia (Bryce) Scroggins, Amarillo, TX; as well as many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Viva “Annette” Olson, and his father-in-law, Leslie Johnson.

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04/03/2026

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04/01/2026

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03/23/2026

Kenneth Backes

Please check below for the service. It will be available to view until June 29.

Kenneth Backes, 65, of Emery, South Dakota passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from health complications. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. prayer service on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 30, 2026, also at Will Funeral Chapel.

Kenneth Backes, son of Elmer and Esther (Heiman) Backes, was born November 20, 1960. He graduated from Emery High School and later attended Mitchell VoTech. He enjoyed doing construction jobs with his brother, John and worked on many homes and projects through the years. He enjoyed older country and rock and roll music from the 60’s and 70’s. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with friends. He has been a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell.

Left to cherish his memory are his siblings, John Backes of Emery, Todd (Dee Dee) Backes of Sioux Falls, and Mavis Hofer of Sioux Falls; many nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Esther.

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03/21/2026

After 50 years of service, Rodney Clarambeau reflects on a lifetime of volunteering

03/16/2026

Duane R. Butrum

Duane Butrum, 70, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Memorial visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell.

Duane Robert Butrum, son of Robert and Lorraine (Peterson) Butrum was born May 28, 1955, in Mitchell, South Dakota. Duane spent much of his life in Mitchell and also lived for a time in Garretson, South Dakota. He was a hardworking man with a knack for fixing nearly anything and tinkering with motors. Over the years he worked in a variety of roles including with the Burlington Northern Railroad in Garretson, Log Cabin of Mitchell, over the road trucking, State of South Dakota, and then Trail King. He also spent time helping assemble bikes for Ron’s Bike Shop.

On August 31, 1991, Duane was united in marriage to Kristi (Krietlow) Hoeltzner.

In his free time, Duane enjoyed the simple things that brought him happiness. He loved watching sports, especially NASCAR, and could often be found relaxing with classic westerns such as Gunsmoke. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and hunting.

Duane will be remembered for his steady presence, hardworking spirit, and the many friendships he built throughout his life.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Al Butrum, Mitchell, SD, Ricky (Jennifer) Hoeltzner, Watertown, SD, Lisa (Russ) Ennor, Brandon, SD, Amy Hoeltzner, Mitchell, SD, and Corey Butrum, Mitchell, SD, nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister, Joleen (Donald) Facile of Garretson, SD; and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lorraine; wife, Kristi; and brother, Roger (Charleta) Butrum.

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03/13/2026

Annette Marie Kost

Annette Marie Kost, age 70, of Mitchell, SD died Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Services are pending under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel.

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03/09/2026

Randy Jo Newcomer

Randy Jo Newcomer, 67, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 under hospice care at Firesteel Healthcare in Mitchell. Randy will be remembered for his stories, his hardworking spirit, and the love he had for his family and friends. A private funeral service will be held at a later date in Flandreau, SD.

Randy Jo Newcomer was born January 12, 1959, in Flandreau, South Dakota, to Dorothy and Eugene “Newky” Newcomer. He attended Flandreau High School and later graduated from Southeast Technical College. He worked for many years as a bartender in his hometown, becoming well known in the community.

On October 13, 1985, Randy welcomed his son, Timothy Eugene Newcomer, proudly passing along the family name. On July 19, 1995, he married the love of his life, Mary Newcomer. Through their marriage, Randy was also blessed with the opportunity to raise Mary’s daughter, Kati Howard (Muntefering), whom he loved as his own.

Randy enjoyed attending the local Friday night races; cheering on known racers, watching Nascar on Sundays and sharing a cold beer with friends. He was also a proud and dedicated Journeyman plumber for 19years. Randy often shared stories with family and friends about the unique places his work had taken him, the remarkable experiences he had and the many outstanding people he met along the way.

Randy is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, Tim (Jennifer); his stepdaughter, Kati (Josh); five cherished grandchildren; as well as many friends and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Eugene, and his siblings: Denis, Sandy, Terry, and Deanna.

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03/01/2026

Lois Elaine Hilton

Lois Elaine Hilton, age 93, of Mitchell, SD, died Friday, February 27, 2026, at her home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel, with burial at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel.

Lois Elaine (Brandenburg) Hilton, daughter of Harry and Marie (Polawski) Brandenburg, was born April 17, 1932, in Alpena, SD. She grew up on a farm near Lane, SD, and attended Lane Public School, graduating in 1950. Lois then attended Methodist School of Nursing in Mitchell, graduating in 1953, where she received her RN degree. She was employed by Methodist Hospital for two years before moving to California, where she was employed by Alhambra Community Hospital for six years. She returned to Mitchell, SD, and continued her employment at Methodist Hospital for 30 years. After the hospital closed, Lois was employed at Firesteel Healthcare for three years before retiring.

She was united in marriage to Darrell Hilton on February 28, 1954, in Lane, SD. The couple was married for 62 years and raised seven children: Carol, Teresa, Mark, Michele, Harry, Jerry, and Rick.

Lois was a member of First Lutheran Church, the Methodist Hospital Alumni, the American Red Cross, and the DAR. She volunteered her time after retirement with the Caregivers and Piece Makers groups at First Lutheran Church.

She enjoyed bowling in two leagues, darts, golfing, and working in her yard. One of Lois’s greatest joys was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was especially involved with the day-to-day activities of her 3 granddaughters Aylah, Emmarie, and Harlow, who live in Mitchell.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children: Teresa (Jim) Brynes, Renner, SD; Mark (Shari) Hilton, Thonotosassa, FL; Michele (Kurt) Kittleson, Scottsdale, AZ; Harry Hilton, Mitchell, SD; Jerry (Kellie) Hilton, Mitchell, SD; and Rick Hilton, Brandon, SD; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Bernice Seaman, San Antonio, TX.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell Hilton, on May 17, 2016; a daughter, Carol Thomas; a granddaughter, Jessica; her parents; a sister, Irene; and brothers-in-law, Glen and Earle.

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02/16/2026

Daniel Diede

Daniel Diede, 45, of Woonsocket, South Dakota passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, surrounded by family at his home following a two year courageous battle with cancer. Memorial visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 20, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. A celebration of life with time of sharing will conclude the visitation at 7:30.

Born on February 2, 1981, to parents Tim and Lori, he was a devoted individual known for his big heart and unwavering willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need. Daniel's sense of humor touched the lives of many, ensuring that laughter was often a part of the fabric of his relationships.

Daniel was a dedicated employee for C Eagle Construction. His professional life reflected his personality—dedicated, hardworking, and always ready to support those around him. He had a deep passion for fishing and was a true gearhead, taking pleasure in tinkering with anything mechanical. Many will remember him fondly for his enthusiasm for teaching his children, passing on his love for exploration and adventure to them.

He leaves behind his mother, Lori (Jerry) Van Den Oever of Wessington Springs, SD; significant other, Jordan Adam of Woonsocket; children, Kaden Nicholson of Mt. Vernon, SD, Lincoln Diede of Woonsocket, Gage Diede of Woonsocket, and Mavis Diede of Woonsocket; brother, Nick (Jess) Diede of Letcher, SD; sister, Rebecca (Ryan) Edwards of Letcher, SD; half-brothers, Daxton Diede of Vermillion, SD and Deric (Khayiah Paye) Diede of Miller, SD; step-brothers, Andy (Ashley) Van Den Oever of Huron, SD and Adam Van Den Oever of Spirit Lake, IA; along with a host of extended family and friends who mourn his loss.

Daniel is preceded in death by his father, Tim Diede and his brother, Andrew Diede.

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02/10/2026

Jeanne Rita Pool

Jeanne Rita Pool, 81 of Gilbert, AZ died February 4, 2026 at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Friday, February 13, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Michell, SD with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday February 12, 2026 at the Will Funeral Chapel with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM.

Jeanne was born to J.C. (Jack) and Lorraine Thurman on February 25, 1944, in Mitchell, SD. She passed away on February 4, 2026, at Mercy Gilbert Hospital in Gilbert, AZ. Jeanne grew up as a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church and attended Notre Dame Academy, both in Mitchell. She was proudly "the twelfth of fifteen children,” as she loved to say.

Jeanne moved to Lincoln, NE, in 1964, later moving to Long Beach, CA, for several years before returning to Lincoln to raise her family. She was the mother of four children: Bethany, Kayleen, Shane, and Collins.

She was employed as a phlebotomist and then as a histology technician at Lincoln General Hospital for the better part of fifteen years, after which she began her career as a businesswoman in the retail auto industry in Lincoln. She owned Jeanne's Auto Sales and Lease before working for Anderson Ford Auto Group and later Branker Buick Nissan Hyundai and Misle Husker Auto Group. Jeanne was recognized with countless regional and national sales awards during her career.

In 2015, Jeanne moved to Gilbert, AZ, where she continued to enjoy socializing through work until her health forced her to slow down in September of 2025.

Although her vigorous work ethic allowed little free time, Jeanne enjoyed gardening, cooking, and following her children’s activities. Most dear to her heart were the times spent with her family and friends, who she loved fiercely. Second to which was her love for animals, meaning she was never without a furry friend tucked on her lap as she shared with loved ones her many stories of life growing up on the family farm with her parents and siblings.

Jeanne was so full of life and effervescence that, despite knowing that her time with us was nearing the end, the loss of her light still feels abrupt to all who loved her.

She modeled for her children how to be strong, perseverant, and hard-working in everything they did in life. Her laughter and beautiful spirit, along with her charming sass, will be greatly missed by her family and many friends who adored and admired her unique mix of glamour, warmth, and fun.

If her Irish beauty didn’t immediately give away her heritage, of which she was so proud, her quick wit and stunning comedic timing certainly did, all delivered with that twinkle in her eye which we’ll miss forever.

Jeanne is lovingly remembered and survived by her four children, Bethany (Tim) Sandvig, Florissant, CO, Kayleen (John) Mazour, Albion, NE, Shane Lair (Quita Clinton), Redding, CA, Collins (Cari) Parrish, Gilbert, AZ; 12 grandchildren, Ben Colacito (Amanda Cobabe), Shannon (Stephen) Holdren, Jessilyn (Kyle) Larson, Rachel (Jason) Tisthammer, Jacob (Destiny) Lair, Colton Mazour, Tanner (Sierra) Mazour, Wyatt (Dana) Mazour, Talyn (Derick) Wilson, Shayna (Garrett) Heard, Jackson Parrish, Ava Parrish; 15 great grandchildren, Hayden, Everly, Cecily, Kacey, Barrett, Madilyn, Finn, Summer, Lucy, Colette, Joelle, Josiah, Noah, Jude, and Robin; nine siblings, Donald (Jean) Thurman, Richard Thurman, Maureen (Paul) Brown, Patrick (Becky) Thurman, James (Jill) Thurman, Kathleen (Wayne) Olson, Michael (Bonnie) Thurman, Peggy Richarz, Kevin (Louise) Thurman; Jeanne is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lorraine Thurman; siblings, John Thurman, Beverly Bruce, Barbetta Beckwith, Denis Thurman, Thomas Thurman; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John Bruce, Richard Beckwith, Carol Thurman, Lorena Thurman, and Linda Thurman.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.

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02/09/2026

William "Bill" Smith

William "Bill" Smith, 81, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, following complications from surgery at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Memorial services will be 2:00 PM Friday, April 10, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, followed immediately by a reception with coffee and cookies. The family hopes you will join them to share stories of Bill.

Bill was born in Alexandria, South Dakota, to Laurence and Irene Smith on November 17, 1944. He was the youngest of their four children and quickly joined his siblings in learning how to persevere in the hard work that is required to live as a farming family. During high school, Bill loved playing baseball and enrolled in the engineering program at South Dakota State University upon graduation in 1962. Bill also acquired practical engineering experience during this time working as a surveyor for the pipeline and being a foreman for crews that laid the original tracks of I-90.

Bill then met and fell in love with Carol Vilhauer from Tripp, South Dakota, at Charlie’s Pizza in Mitchell. Their shared understanding that life is both joyful and hard work led them to unite in marriage on May 27, 1967. They established their permanent home in Mitchell, which soon included their son, Troy, and daughter, Teri. Bill contributed his analytical skills to the growth of Dakota Pump Inc. in the position of engineer for 40 years. His practice of perseverance continued throughout his life. Bill modeled what it means to live with honor, respect, and fairness despite external circumstances. His wit was as sharp as his engineering skills. His one-liners, devilish smirk, and gentle eyes melted those that were lucky enough to receive them. Bill’s favorite place on earth was just being with family and his beloved pets on his deck enjoying a couple beers, BBQ chicken, and admiring the seasonal changes of nature and wildlife. He was a man who asked for so little yet did so much.

Bill died as he had wanted to, as a life-long resident of South Dakota. Bill’s spirit lives on through those he loved most, his beloved wife, Carol (Vilhauer); son, Troy; daughter, Teri and son-in-law Bill Rose; granddaughter, Jordyn Smith; aunt, Dolores Smith; sisters-in-law, Margaret Smith, Esther Weber, Joyce Harms, and Lilian (John) Larsen; brother-in-law, Glen (Darla) Vilhauer; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Laurence; mother, Irene (Harding); sister, Anna Mae Christensen; brother, George “Jim”; sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Moe; father-in-law, Edgar Vilhauer; mother-in-law, Erna Vilhauer; brothers-in-law, Rodney “Chris” Christensen, Jim Moe, Don (Ann) Vilhauer, Tony Weber, and Doug Harms; nephews, Carl Christensen, Corey Christensen, Brice Vilhauer, and Jeff Harms; and goddaughter, Chelsea Vilhauer.

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