Lee Pommerville, age 79, of Lesterville, S.D., died Thursday, March 10, 2022, at his home in Lesterville.

Leona Belle (Zeigler) Dowden passed away March 7, 2022, at the age of 98. There will be a time of visitation and viewing on Tuesday, March 15 beginning at 5 p.m. at Walter Funeral Home in Freeman with a chapel service to follow at 7:00 p.m. A committal service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at the Arlington City Cemetery.

Brian Lee Gunderson, 59, of Hot Springs, S.D., formerly of Freeman, S.D., passed away on February 22, 2022. Brian was born on January 10, 1963 in Yankton, S.D. to Ray and Amelia (Pedde) Gunderson. He graduated from Freeman High School and University of South Dakota Springfield with a Degree in Automotive Technology. Brian worked as a mechanic and a truck driver until he retired in 2018. He enjoyed camping, traveling, working on cars, carpentry, and spending time with his dog Max.

Maynard Yoder, 61, of Freeman passed away March 9 at his home under hospice care. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 19 at the Salem Mennonite (South) Church of rural Freeman. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 18 at the church with a prayer service and time of sharing at 6:30 p.m.  

Amos Sam Schultz, age 86 of Menno, S.D., passed away Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022 at the Menno-Olivet Care Center in Menno. A funeral service was held Saturday, Feb. 26 at Peace Christian Reformed Church in Menno with the Rev. Michael Hecht officiating.  Burial followed in the Menno Cemetery.  Amos was born in rural Freeman, S.D. on April 15, 1935, to Fred and Maria (Hofer) Schultz. Amos attended Freeman Elementary School and completed the eighth grade. He then farmed with his parents south of Freeman. 

Cole William Svartoien (Coley) was born on Jan. 4, 1986 to Roland and Jean (Zaun) Svartoien. Upon his birth Cole received his first award, “First Baby of the Year” at Freeman Community Hospital in Freeman, S.D. Cole began his Christian walk with the Lord upon his baptism and continued with his Confirmation of his faith at Salem Free Lutheran Church of rural Freeman. Cole remained a faithful member and served as a deacon, usher and enjoyed working with the music ministry at church.  Cole attended Freeman Public School and graduated from high school in May 2004.

Norma Letcher, 79, of Freeman, S.D., passed away on Feb. 5 at Avera McKennen Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10 at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Emery, S.D. Visitation was scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Walter Funeral Home in Freeman. 

Bernice Pfeiffer was born on April 16, 1926 in Freeman, S.D. She was the first child of Bruno and Minnie Baer. Bernice was baptized May 13, 1926 and confirmed on May 17, 1940 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Freeman.

Lloyd Sorlien, age 81, of Scotland, S.D., passed away Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at his residence surrounded by family members. A funeral service was scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 27 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church (Stone Church) in Menno, S.D., with Rev. Dani Jo Bierwagen officiating. Burial will be in the Our Saviors (West) Cemetery, rural Menno. Visitations will begin at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Jan.

James Wesley Pfeiffer of Sioux Falls, S.D. and The Villages, Fla., 70, died unexpectedly at his home in Florida on Jan. 7, 2022. The son of Ruben and Hertha (Ulmer) Pfeiffer, he was born on April 1, 1951. Jim’s life was blessed by three children from his first marriage: Angie, Robbie and Tony. He was united in marriage to his life partner and best friend, Pam Bierwagen, on April 27, 1995. They were a great team in both work and life and spent 31 years together.