Will Funeral Chapel

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 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Memorial services are pending at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell.

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02/08/2026

Patricia Lynn Burnham

Patricia Lynn “Pat” Burnham, age 80, of Brookings, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, in Brookings. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Will Funeral Chapel, with burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Pat was born on July 6, 1945, in Fairmont, Minnesota, to Maynard “Bunny” and Dorothy (Gilbert) Bolster. She grew up in Fairmont and graduated from Fairmont High School in 1963. She continued her education at the School of Practical Nursing at St. Joseph Hospital in Mitchell, South Dakota.

On October 24, 1964, Pat married David Burnham in Fairmont, MN. They shared 47 years of marriage before Dave’s passing in 2011 and built a life filled with family, friendships, and many shared adventures. Together they raised two children, Julie and Scott.

Pat began her career as a nurse, working at St. Joseph Hospital and later at Delaney Clinic in Mitchell. When her children were young, she transitioned into education, becoming a paraprofessional with the Mitchell School District. She began in the Early Childhood Special Education program at Longfellow Elementary and later moved to Mitchell Middle School. Throughout her years in the school district, Pat touched the lives of many students in special education through her patience, kindness, and steady encouragement, remaining at the middle school until her retirement in 2017.

Family was the heart of Pat’s life. She, David, and the kids enjoyed camping together, and Pat and Dave spent many years playing co-ed softball, volleyball, and darts. She also loved cheering on the Minnesota Vikings or settling in for a good movie on Netflix. Above all, Pat treasured time with family and friends. She never met a stranger and could talk with anyone, making people feel instantly at ease.

Pat found great joy in being a grandmother to Spencer, Laura, Mason, Mari, and Ian, and she was recently blessed to become a great-grandmother to Theo and Edyn. In October 2025, she moved to Brookings to be closer to family.

Pat was kind, thoughtful, and deeply caring. She devoted herself to caring for David during his years with Parkinson’s disease and endured her own health challenges with quiet strength and grace, never one to complain. She was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Julie Wermers and her husband, Brad, of Brookings, SD; her son, Scott Burnham and his wife, Jamie, of Grand Junction, CO; five treasured grandchildren: Spencer (Megan) Wermers of Severance, CO; Laura (Rhett) Larsen of Brookings, SD; Mason (Jamie) Burnham of El Paso, TX; and Mari and Ian Burnham of Grand Junction, CO; and her great-grandchildren, Theo Wermers and Edyn Larsen. She is also survived by her brothers, Jon (Tonya) Bolster and Tom Bolster, and her sister, Terry (Mike) Sathoff.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Burnham; her parents, Maynard and Dorothy Bolster; her step mother, Mary Bolster; her mother-in-law, Harriet Burnham; her brother, Richard “Dick” Bolster; her sister-in-law, Marge Bolster; and niece, Cindi McNair.

Memorials may be directed to MSD Caring Closet or MHS Food Pantry (821 N Capital, Mitchell, SD 57301).

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02/05/2026

Carol Ann Latza

Carol Ann Latza, 87, passed away on February 4, 2026 at Prairie View Healthcare Center in Woonsocket, South Dakota. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with burial at Butler Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Carol was born on May 30, 1938 to Willard and Carolyn (Oster) Mohr, and was raised in Alexandria, South Dakota. She moved to Mitchell after graduating from Alexandria High School in 1956 and worked as a telephone operator. She married Gene Latza on November 9, 1963. They farmed northeast of Letcher where they raised three children, Sherri, Barbie and Greg. Over the years Carol enjoyed bowling, sewing, crafting, counted cross-stitch, baking, growing flowers, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gene and Carol retired from farming and built a house in Mitchell in 1997. From there they went on many trips and bus tours around the country, and very much enjoyed their free time together. They were members of St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Letcher and later of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell.

Carol lost her husband to a heart attack in December 2011. She later moved to Countryside Living in Mitchell where she remained until she moved to Prairie View Healthcare Center in Woonsocket in July 2022.

Carol is survived by her children Sherri (Wes) Stekl, Letcher, SD, Barbie Nadeau, Rome, Italy, and Greg (Jodi) Latza, Sioux Falls, SD; her grandchildren Brett (Karrie) Stekl and Kurt Stekl, Letcher, Todd (Kenzie) Stekl, Mitchell, SD, Anna (Aaron Oberster) Latza, Marshall, MN, Luke (Taryn) Latza and Jack Latza, Sioux Falls, SD, and Nick and Matthew Nadeau, Rome, Italy; her great-grandchildren Hallie, Ethan, Sutter and Emmy Stekl; her brothers Tom (Peg) Mohr, Rochester, MN, and Dick Mohr, Sioux Falls, SD; and her brother-in-law Jim Anderson, Mitchell, SD. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Jerry (Jean) Mohr, Mitchell, SD, sister-in-law Betty Anderson, Mitchell, SD and brother-in-law Albert (Mildred) Latza, Pawnee City, NE.

Lunch will follow the burial at the Stekl Shop.

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02/03/2026

Nyla Ann Thompson

Nyla Ann Thompson, age 84, of Mitchell, SD died Monday, February 2, 2026 at the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Will Funeral Chapel with military rites. Burial will be at the American Legion Cemetery in Mitchell, SD at a later date. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Nyla Ann (VanZee) Thompson, daughter to Dealus and LuElla (Winegarden) VanZee, was born October 21, 1941 in Miner County, SD. She grew up on a farm near Wessington Springs, SD. Nyla lived in Miner County, SD, Alpena, SD, Wessington Springs, SD, Garden Grove, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, Mitchell, SD, Mt. Vernon, SD, Salem, SD and final Mitchell, SD.

She attended Dale Center Country School and graduated from Alpena High School. Nyla received her LPN from St. Mary’s School of Practical Nursing and a degree in Clinical Laboratory Technician from Mitchell Technical College. She entered the US Army on October 18, 1960 and was honorably discharged on Mary 17, 1961. She continued nursing at the Methodist Hospital in Mitchell and private nursing in Colorado for 40 years retiring in 2001.

Nyla was united in marriage with Clair Thompson on January 20, 1964 in Wessington Springs, SD.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, cooking, knitting, reading, and working on her computer.

Nyla was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 18 in Mitchell, SD.

Grateful for having shared her life are her four children, Jodeen (Kevin) Brown, Ramona, SD, Trudy (Brad) Seamer, Sioux Falls, SD, Peggy Leighton, Madison, SD, Terry (Jennifer) Thompson, Colman, SD; her grandchildren, Skyler, Spencer (Shelby) and Ramsey Leighton, Cooper, Ryker and Tucker Seamer, Amanda and Stephany Brown, Isaak, Jakob and Kadin Thompson; a great grandson, Boyd Leighton; two brothers, David VanZee, Illinois, Donald VanZee, Kansas; a sister, Nancy (Dick) Gilbert, Englewood, CO.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clair Thompson on July 31, 2025; her parents; two sisters, Alyce and Lois.

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02/01/2026

Dennis Scott

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Dennis Quentin Scott, 81, of rural Letcher, South Dakota entered into the arms of his savior on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. A celebration of life service will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 9, 2026, at Storla Lutheran Church in rural Letcher. Memorial visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell.

Dennis was born to Harlan and Mona (Holter) Scott in May 1944. He attended Storla School in Belford Township, Aurora County, South Dakota, continuing on to high school at Augustana Academy in Canton, SD and graduating in 1962. He completed his Baccalaureate Degree in history and political science from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD and his Master’s Degree from South Dakota State University.

Dennis loved teaching, especially if it involved history. His teaching career spanned from Freeman Academy in Freeman, SD, to a Teacher’s Abroad Program in Botswana, Africa and culminating to the South Dakota State Training School in Plankinton, SD. Upon retirement, he devoted his time to tourism at the Friends of the Middle Border Museum and the Prehistoric Indian Village in Mitchell, SD. This earned him one of the 2018 South Dakota Governor’s Tourism Awards for his historical interpreting skills. He served his community on the Storla Sunset Home Board of Directors and the Belford Township Board.

His family, his church, and faith were important to Dennis. He began his walk with Christ at Storla Lutheran Church. He faithfully served in leadership and media ministry and was still serving when the Lord called him to his heavenly home on January 31, 2025 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and a younger brother, Harlan Jr. Among those left to honor his legacy are two sisters, Linda Scott and Sandra (Harve) Sankey; four nieces, Sara (Mark) Eisfeld, Rachel (Jonathan) Koski, Naomi (Nick) Schwaegerl and Rebecca (Ryan) Mollema, 13 great-nieces and nephews and 1 great-great nephew; his Uncle Ray Holter; cousins and friends.

Memorials may be directed to Gideons International. Samaritan’s Purse Mission Aviation, Storla Church Media Ministry or the charity of your choice.

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01/30/2026

Christopher Lewis Scott

Christopher Lewis Scott, 53, of Mitchell, SD, passed away on January 29, 2026, at Ava’s House Hospice in Sioux Falls. Even during his brave, year-long battle with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, Chris stayed unmistakably himself, the person everyone knew him to be: the one with the smiling eyes, the loudest laugh in the room, and a heart that overflowed with love for his family and friends.

Chris was born on April 8, 1972, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Robert Lewis and Sharon Larene (Deinert) Scott, the first of four sons. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and remained a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Mitchell.

Chris graduated from Mitchell High School in 1990. In 1994, he graduated from Augustana College with a biology degree that earned him acceptance into the nation’s top optometry schools and, as he liked to joke, was a great help when selling red tractors. Named after his great-grandfather Lewis Emmanuel, who founded Scott Supply in 1915, Chris’s decision to carry on this legacy of hard work and service brought him profound joy for 32 years and afforded him abundant hours working alongside his dad and Grandpa Wally. His passion for Case IH equipment created a wide circle of friends that extended far beyond typical business relationships—company representatives who became confidants, farm customers who became family friends, and employees who knew they were working with someone who truly cared about them. His expertise and leadership were recognized across the industry, and he served on the Case IH Dealer Advisory Board and the Pioneer Equipment Dealers Association Board of Directors.

On July 12, 1997, Chris married his miracle, Tehra Lynne Setness. They were blessed with three daughters, Cailey Paige in 2001, Elle Nicole in 2003, and Lauren Tiana in 2005. Losing Elle shortly after her birth only brought them closer. Chris was the ultimate girl dad, cheering Cailey and Lauren on at swim meets and dance performances, playing duets with them at piano recitals, boating and jet skiing every Sunday on Lake Mitchell, and going to countless concerts, including Noah Kahan and Taylor Swift (four times!). Chris made every day an adventure; from family trips to Hawaii, the Cayman Islands, the Netherlands, Italy, and Australia, to the simple moments at home, breaking into song or begging for “just 30 seconds” of slow-dancing in the kitchen with his girls. He taught them to work hard, play hard, trust God, and love like there’s no tomorrow. This past year especially, Chris said again and again that what he is most proud of in life is his family. We will forever remember his advice to “Say I love you fast. Don’t save it.”

Chris’s brothers were his best friends. He had a rare gift for making everyone feel truly seen, known, and valued. Whether family or friend, each person felt they held a special place in his life. A natural storyteller and the life of every party, he proudly held many titles: “favorite uncle” to his nieces and nephews, “Squirrel” to his friends, and “the fun dad” to his confirmation group mentees and his daughters’ friends. He loved traveling with his brothers and friends to an annual Minnesota Vikings away game. As a lifelong fan, he rarely missed a home game after his dad bought season tickets when Chris was nine.

Chris is survived by his wife, Tehra, of Mitchell, SD; his daughters, Cailey and Lauren, both of Chicago, IL; his parents, Robert and Sharon, of Mitchell, SD; his brothers, Dave (Bryn) and sons, Ryan, Matthew, and Adam, of Eden Prairie, MN; Nick (Kara) and children, Jacob, Joseph, Noelle, and Caroline, of Sioux Falls, SD; and Rob (Jolene) and children, Ben and Stella, of Excelsior, MN. He is also survived by his wife’s family, father-in-law Ken Setness, of Mitchell, SD; mother-in-law Paige (Jim) Buckeye, of Jamestown, ND; sisters-in-law Tana Setness (Max) Hoefs and children, Jordan (Nicola) Setness, Morgan, Ainsley, and Jocelynne Hoefs, of Grand Forks, ND; Tia (Nate) Breske and children, Jherek, Keon, and Emsley, of Orchard Park, NY; and brother-in-law Cale (Brigitte) Setness and sons, Becks and Boyce, of Harrisburg, SD; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Elle; his grandparents, Walter and Corrine Deinert and Wallace and Gladys Scott; his uncle and godparent, Dennis Deinert, and aunt, Marjorie Goldhammer.

Services will be held at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm and conclude with a 7:00 pm prayer service on Friday, February 6, 2026. The funeral service will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

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01/28/2026

Doris Jean Anderson

Doris Jean Anderson, 95, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Avera Brady in Mitchell. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Stickney with burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at church. Will Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Cemetery in Stickney.

Doris Leonard was born in Armour, SD on May 9, 1930, to Clarence and Elizabeth (Robinson) Leonard and was the second of 11 children. She was raised on the farm one mile east of Armour, SD. She graduated from Armour High School in 1949 and along with her sister Kathryn, attended summer school at Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD to earn a certificate in teaching. She taught at a country school for 4 years.

On February 14, 1953, Doris married Rex Anderson Jr. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour, SD. Rex was currently enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Washington State where they lived for two years. Upon Rex’s discharge from the Navy, they moved back to Stickney, SD where Rex took over his family farm located 7 miles southwest of Stickney. They had 6 children, 5 boys and one girl. She and Rex lived on the farm until Rex’s death in 1992. A year later, she moved to the town of Stickney where she lived until 2019.

Doris was a happy and fun-loving person who always greeted you with a big smile and love in her voice. She greatly enjoyed being with people, playing cards, or enjoying a cup of coffee. She was active in her faith community at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stickney, teaching catechism and as member of the Altar Society and Catholic Daughters. She served as a local election board member and was an active member of the Red Hat Society.

Doris is survived by her sons, Mike (Mavis) Anderson, Mitchell, SD; Jerry (Mary Kay) Anderson, Papillion, NE; Jim (Maral) Anderson, Grand Island, NE; Mark (Merri) Anderson, Sioux Falls, SD; and David (Colleen) Anderson, Snohomish, WA; daughter, Colleen(David) Glissendorf, White Lake, SD; along with 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Weerheim, Emmett, ID; Margie (Jim) Whetham, Armour, SD; brothers, James (Janet) Leonard, Armour, SD; Dennis Leonard, Bonesteel, SD; Larry (Carol) Leonard, Armour, SD; brother-in-law, Don Flakus, Lake Havasu, AZ; and sister-in-law, Vonnie Leonard, Armour, SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers, Gerald and Leo Leonard; sisters, Kathryn McElroy, Colleen Rickert, and Emily Flakus, and brothers-in-law, Jerry McElroy, Al Rickert and Harry Weerheim.

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01/27/2026

Robert Balcom

Robert Lynn Balcom passed away peacefully at his home on January 26, 2026. To honor his wishes there will not be a public visitation or funeral services. Memorials to the family may be directed to Will Funeral Chapel c/o Dona Balcom at 210 E. Green Dr., Mitchell, SD 57301

We will all greatly miss him. He was a smart, honest and hardworking man. When he wasn't at work you would find him in his shop working on motorcycles whether it was his or someone else's. Motorcycles were his passion and if he wasn't riding one, he was either working on one or sitting in his shop talking about them. He looked forward to his yearly trip to Sturgis with his close friend Perry. Dad rode his motorcycle or trike to the Sturgis rally every year that he went except one and he went there for over 40 years straight. Aside from motorcycles he could make or fix just about anything. If he needed a special tool to fix something he usually made the tool he needed to fix it.

In March of 2022 he suffered a stroke that affected his right side. Through physical therapy and the determination to regain his independence he was able to walk with a cane and do most other things independently. He was able to return to the garage and tinker on things again. He always took pride in his motorcycles and keeping them clean and enjoyed spending time polishing them.

Then in 2025 he was diagnosed with cancer and endured 5 rounds of chemotherapy. He had three separate types of cancer and unfortunately, they resisted the chemo and he had to stop after five sessions. It was then that we made the decision to take him home and make him comfortable for his remaining time here with us.

He is survived by his wife, Dona of over 50 years; his children, Ericka (Tony) and Levi (Kristin); two very special granddaughters, Madyson and Ellee; his dog/best couch potato buddy, Mr. Bones; siblings, Art (Marsha), Esther (Bob) and Elaine (David); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, a niece, and his mother-in-law.

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01/27/2026

Esther Meinen

Esther Meinen, 100, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Edgewood Memory Care in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 30, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell.

Esther Elizabeth Dorale, daughter of Ben and Marie (Lauck) Dorale was born September 15, 1925. She grew up in the Spencer area where she attended country school. She helped out on the farm which become a lifelong commitment of hard work and dedication following her marriage.

Esther was united in marriage with Melvin “Mel” Meinen on May 4, 1955 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Spencer, SD. They lived on the farm in Hanson County until 1998 when the couple moved to Mitchell, SD. She later became a member of First Lutheran Church in Mitchell.

Left to cherish her memory are her brother, Donald Dorale of Bridgewater; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mel Meinen; brothers, Walter, Leroy, and Albert (Virginia) Dorale; sisters, Myrtle (Floyd) Terveen, Mable (Robert) Jacobsen, and Lavon (Harold) Zelmer; sister-in-law, Jean Dorale; and a host of extended family.

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01/22/2026

Here are a couple throw back Thursday photos to celebrate our 50th anniversary of Will Funeral Chapel's location on Green Dr.