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.

Lori Y. (Davis) Geier, the daughter of Howard and Carolyn Davis, was born Jan. 8, 1970 and died Jan. 3, 2022. She had a hard-fought battle at Avera McKennen Hospital but lost that battle. Lori is at peace now and will always be remembered for her bright smile and loving nature.

Scot Jacobson went to meet his Heavenly Father on December 27, 2021, at the age of 62 at Freeman Regional Health Services. A celebration of life was held Friday, Dec. 31 at the Salem Free Lutheran Church, Freeman. Scot Allen Jacobson, 62, also known by many as “Jake” or “Wiener,” went to meet his Heavenly Father on Dec. 27, 2021 at Freeman Regional Health Services due to complications from being a life-long diabetic. He was born to Charles and Mary Ellen Jacobson on Dec. 6, 1959 in Viborg, S.D.

Tammy Benjamin, 51, of Freeman passed away on Dec. 20th at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 28th at 10:30 am at the Salem Zion Mennonite Church of rural Freeman. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Monday, Dec. 27th at the church. Tammy Benjamin, 51, of Freeman SD passed away peacefully on December 20th, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital with her family at her side. 

Preston C. Hofmann, 53 years old from Yankton, S.D., passed away Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton of complications from COVID-19. A funeral service will be held on Monday, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Bethany Mennonite Church in Freeman, S.D. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26 at the church with a time of sharing at 4 p.m.