Will Funeral Chapel

04/21/2026

Kathryn "Kathy" Walz

Kathryn “Kathy” Walz, 81, of Mitchell, SD died April 20, 2026 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, SD. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, April 24, 2026 at the Will Funeral Chapel with burial at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Kathy Walz, daughter of Frank and Wilma (Briggs) Morgan, was born April 1, 1945 in Mitchell, SD.. She grew up on a farm near Plano, SD and graduated from Plano High School in 1963. After her schooling, Kathy was employed as a lab tech at St. Joseph Hospital.

Kathy was united in marriage with Charles “Chuck” Walz on December 4, 1965 in Mitchell, SD. After her marriage she continued working at St. Joseph Hospital. Kathy was a stay-at-home mom when her children were little, but later began working at Mitchell National Bank. Kathy continued as a Para Educator with the Mitchell Public School, a job she truly loved. In her retirement, she worked at M&H Gas Station.

Kathy enjoyed refinishing antique furniture and attending auction sales with her husband.

Grateful for having share her life are her three children, Tarisa Jacobs, Mitchell, SD, Amanda (Eddie) Nava, Mitchell, SD, Bryan (Kathy Christenson) Walz, Pierre, SD; seven grandchildren, C**ton Jacobs, Mitchell, SD, Aisha Jacobs, Sioux Falls, SD, Faith Jacobs, Mitchell, SD, Diana Nava, EJ Nava, Tina Nava and Carlos Nava, all of Mitchell, SD; and her two grand puppies, Kenzie and Karlie of Pierre, SD; three brothers, Dick (Doris) Morgan, Helena, MT, Dave Morgan, Rapid City, SD, Lyle (Diane) Morgan, Mt. Vernon, SD; two sisters, Sally Tollefson, Huron, SD and Jill (Jim) Kuper, Dell Rapids, SD; a sister-in-law, Sheryl Morgan, Beaver Creek, OR.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Walz on November 28, 2022; her parents; a sister, Laura and a brother, Paul.

View Kathryn "Kathy" Walz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/17/2026

Delmer Van Genderen

Delmer Van Genderen, 91, of Harrison, South Dakota passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Edgewood Memory Care in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 20, 2026, at Harrison Community Church in Harrison, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Burial at the Harrison Cemetery.

Delmer D. Van Genderen, son of Harry and Jennie (Tolsma) Van Genderen, was born January 3, 1935 on the family farm in Aurora County, SD. He attended country school. After his schooling, Delmer worked on the family farm.

Delmer was united in marriage with Loretta Schryvers on December 10, 1954 at her parent’s home in Corsica, SD. Later, he entered the US Army and serviced two years before he was honorably discharged. In 1957 they returned to Harrison, SD to farm and raise their family until 2018 when they both moved into Leisure Living in Corsica. He was a resident of the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Corsica until October of 2025, before moving to Edgewood Memory Care in Mitchell.

Delmer was a member of the First Reformed Church in Harrison, SD where he served as a deacon and elder.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and playing cards. Delmer was especially proud of being a cattle farmer. He loved elk hunting in Colorado and the years he coached softball. The highlight of his life was time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared his life are his three children, Kevin (Jan) Van Genderen, Corsica, SD, Linda (Delwin) Feenstra, Harrison, SD, Brian (Jean) Van Genderen, Harrison, SD; eight grandchildren, Brooke (Jim) Lefers, Beau (Jessica) Van Genderen, Dustin (Val) Feenstra, Brett (Robin) Feenstra, Cody (Savannah) Feenstra, Bobbi (Nick) DeWispelaere, Ashley (Ben) Sevigny and C**t (Emily) Van Genderen; 21 great grandchildren; his siblings, Robert Van Genderen, Stickney, SD, Mary (Alvin) VanderWerff, Lakewood, CO, Harlan (Judy) Van Genderen, Platte, SD, Norma (Roger) Feenstra, Corsica, SD, Marvin (Delores) Van Genderen, Plankinton, SD; sister-in-law, Margie Van Genderen, Stickney, SD; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta on March 1, 2022; his parents; a sister, Sarah Punt; a brother, Lloyd Van Genderen; a brother-in-law, Adames Punt and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Irene (Lloyd) VandenHoek.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to the Harrison Community Church or the Harrison Cemetery.

View Delmer Van Genderen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/14/2026

Elaine Mathis

Elaine Mathis, 90, of Watertown, South Dakota, formerly of Mitchell, South Dakota, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Elaine Joan Mathis was born on October 4, 1935 to Edward and Martha (Heckenlaible) Hoerth on a farm northeast of Wessington Springs in Dale Township. The family moved into Wessington Springs in the fall of 1942 where Elaine started school and graduated high school in 1954.

Elaine worked as Deputy Register of Deeds at the local courthouse from 1957 to 1960. She then worked at the local co-op as a bookkeeper until 1963 when she moved to Mitchell and worked at Geyerman’s until her marriage to Ivan Mathis of Mount Vernon on April 9, 1965. They lived and farmed northeast of Mount Vernon. She loved to garden, sew, crochet and take in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. After Ivan passed away on April 1, 1995, Elaine moved to Mitchell in 1997 and lived there until 2004 when she moved to Watertown, SD to be closer to her daughter Juliane and family. In Watertown, Elaine enjoyed going to the Senior Center and Salvation Army.

Elaine is survived by her six children, Janis (Kevin) Anderson of Sturgis, SD, Jim Mathis of Mount Vernon, Jolene (Doug) Vavra of Winner, SD, Jerry Mathis of Beresford, SD, Juliane (Jim) Lloyd of Watertown, SD, and Jason Mathis of Sioux Falls, SD; 12 grandchildren; three great grandchildren with one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Edward and Martha Hoerth; husband, Ivan; two brothers, Laverne and Glen Hoerth; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Hoerth, Pearl Mathis, Mavis Mathis, Frances Mathis, and Flo Mathis; brothers-in-law, Marvin Mathis, Vern Mathis Sr., Delbert Mathis; and grandson, Bradley Anderson.

View Elaine Mathis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/13/2026

Linda Hargan

Linda Hargan, 77, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, under the care of hospice. Private family services will be held at a later date.

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04/13/2026

Michael R. Alvarez

Michael Raymond Alvarez, age 70, of Mitchell, SD died peacefully surrounded by his family under hospice care. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Burial at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2026, also at Will Funeral Chapel.

Michael Raymond Alvarez, son of Joe Chavez Alvarez and Dorothy Ethel Crane Alvarez, was born July 16, 1955 in Rapid City, SD. He moved with his family to Belle Fourche, SD, returned to Rapid City, SD before returning to Belle Fourche. Michael graduated from Belle Fourche High School. After high school, Michael moved to Spearfish, SD and attended Black Hills State University for several years pursuing a Degree in Art.

Michael was united in marriage with Peggy Le La Cheur on June 17, 1977 in Belle Fourche, SD. The couple moved to Mitchell, SD in 2000 and continued to make their home here until his death. He worked in the Automotive Industry as a Service Writer for 20 years, retiring in 2020.

He was a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church and the Crazy Horse Scholarship Honor Roll.

Michael enjoyed Art, playing the keyboard and Astronomy. He truly loved studying the word of God and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

Grateful for having shared his life, are his wife, Peggy Alvarez, Mitchell, SD; four children, Rachel Johnson, Sterling, VA, Jacqlynn (Adam) Claggett, Bridgewater, SD, Michael Alvarez Jr. Bridgewater, SD, Angela Carranza, Mitchell, SD; his mother, Dorothy Alvarez, Rapid City, SD, 13 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; his siblings, Mary (Calvin) Barnett, Puyallup, WA, Joseph (Judy) Alvarez, Rapid City, SD, Stella (Tom) Moeller, Deadwood, SD, Gil (Pat) Alvarez, Rapid City, SD, Leo Alvarez, Rapid City, SD, Tina (Jim) Horton, Rapid City, SD, Julie (Bob) Weinberger, Rapid City, SD; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Alvarez; brothers, John and Richard; a sister, Barb Ronek; and a granddaughter, Resilience Johnson.

View Michael R. Alvarez's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/11/2026

Ruth L. Hodges

Ruth Hodges, 88, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. Private family services will be held. Additional obituary information will be available in the coming days.

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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.

The family requests that memorial be directed to First Lutheran Church.

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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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