Barbara “Barb” Jean Olesen, 73, of Turkey Ridge, S.D., passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Sanford Hospice Cottage on April 9, 2023 after a brief courageous journey with cancer. A funeral service was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on April 13 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Hurley, S.D. Visitation was scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. April 12, also at the church. Interment will be at Spring Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery of rural Viborg, S.D, which overlooks the Turkey Ridge Valley and the Olesen Farm.

Paul K. Hofer, Jr. passed away at Freeman Regional Health Services on April 1, 2023 at the age of 75. Paul was born on July 24, 1947, at St. Joseph Hospital in Mitchell, S.D. He was the last of the 10 children born to Paul K. and Margaret (Gross) Hofer. He attended school in Spencer, S.D., graduating in 1965. After graduating high school, he started his career in farming with his brother Dwane Hofer while working part-time at the Spencer Elevator. In 1967, he bought his own farm where he raised crops, cattle and hogs for many years.

Calvin Ray Hofer was born to his parents John A. and Marie (Pullman) Hofer on Nov. 1, 1939. He joined two older sisters and two older brothers. He was later joined by two brothers and a sister who completed the family. Calvin grew up on the family farm with his siblings. He attended Cottonwood District 96, a rural country school ¾ of a mile north of Silver Lake through the eighth grade. He then attended Freeman Academy, graduating in 1957. Following graduation, Calvin enrolled at Freeman Junior College in the Teachers Education Course.

Luella D. Auch age 96 of Menno, S.D., passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023, at her son’s home. A funeral service will be held at 2 pm., Friday, March 10 at Salem Reformed Church, Menno, with Rev. Michael Hecht officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery.

Delores Bezug, 92, of Menno, S.D., died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at the Menno-Olivet Care Center after a lengthy illness. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Menno with Rev. Brian Mosemann officiating. Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel in Menno. Burial will be at the Menno Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

James R. Herman, 79, of Olivet, S.D., entered Heaven on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Freeman Regional Health Services after a short battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Olivet United Methodist Church in Olivet. Condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home of Menno is in charge of arrangements.

Frederick “Fred” Daniel Sarutzki, age 74, died on Feb. 16, 2023 at Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, S.D. A memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. on Friday before his service. 

Bob Schoenwald, 65 of Marion, S.D., passed away on Feb. 8, 2023 at the Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, S.D. A memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, February 20 at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church Hall, Marion. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.

Tara Lynn Sheldon, age 46 of Yankton, S.D., passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at her home. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Feb. 20 at the United Church of Christ (Congregational), Yankton, S.D., with Rev. Jacqueline Hickox-Morgan officiating. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Avon, S.D. at approximately 2 p.m., Monday afternoon. Visitations will begin at 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb.

DeWayne Graber, 84, of Freeman, S.D., passed away on February 4 at the Oakview Terrace in Freeman. A funeral service was held Wednesday, Feb. 8 at Bethany Mennonite Church in Freeman. DeWayne Larry Graber was born on March 23, 1938, to Albert and Mabel (Gering) Graber. DeWayne and his siblings, Lawrence, Terry, and Sharon, all grew up in Freeman on the family farm.