Jerome E. Kleinsasser was born to Joe D. and Anna Hofer Kleinsasser on September 20, 1936 in Marion, S.D. Jerome was baptized on May 27, 1951 and became a member of Hutterthal Mennonite Church. Jerome attended Freeman Academy, and after graduation in 1954, he enrolled in the one-year Teacher Education Program at Freeman Junior College. He received his Elementary Teaching Certificate. After graduation from Freeman Junior College, Jerome went into 1-W Service at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Merlyn Van Hove, age 76, passed away Wednesday May 19, 2021 at his home of rural Freeman, S.D. Merlyn had a passion for all things related to his family, friends and the wellbeing of livestock and had an incredible and overwhelming wealth of knowledge related to all things cattle.  

Merlin L. Hofer passed away peacefully,  surrounded by his family at his home, on Sunday, May 16 at the age of 87. There will be a celebration of life service later this summer.   

Charles Bauerle, age 71, of Marion, S.D., went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 14, 2021. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Walter Funeral Chapel in Marion, S.D. A funeral service will be Thursday, May 20 at 10 a.m. at the First Church of God in Marion, with a graveside service to follow at the First Church of God Cemetery.

Sharon Dorene Wollman, 74, of Bridgewater, S.D., passed away on May 14, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. A memorial service was scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 19 at Neu Hutterthal Mennonite Church of rural Bridgewater.

Darlene Kost, 79, of Letcher, S.D., died Thursday, May 6, 2021, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, S.D. A funeral service was held Tuesday, May 11 at Bittner Funeral Chapel, with burial at a later date. Darlene Kost was born Oct. 18, 1941 to Emil and Katherine (Gabel) Schaeffer in rural Menno, S.D. Darlene spent her youth growing up in rural Menno. She attended and graduated from Scotland High School (Scotland, S.D.).  On January 3, 1960 Darlene was united in marriage to Dennis Kost. To this union, Sherri and Melody were born. 

Yvonne Kathleen Swensen, 72, of Irene, S.D., died Monday, April 19, 2021 at her home. A funeral service was held Friday, April 23 at Riverview Reformed Church in Yankton, S.D., with burial in the Turkey Valley Baptist Cemetery, rural Irene.

Duane Wrage, 94, of Sioux Falls, S.D. and formerly of Canistota, S.D., passed away on April 23 at Sanford Hospice Cottage. Visitation was scheduled for Wednesday, April 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church at 2425 S Western Ave, Sioux Falls, with the family present. A  service will be Thursday, April 29 at 10 a.m. at the Calvary Reformed Church in Monroe, S.D.

Janice Stahl, 89, formerly of Flandreau, S.D., passed away on April 27 at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls, S.D. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 1 at 2 p.m. at the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church (27844 443rd Ave) of rural Freeman, S.D. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the church on Saturday prior to the funeral service. Arrangements by Walter's Funeral Home. Janice Berg married Dr. Peter Stahl in 1950. Peter passed away in 2017.

Sherri Sherard, 59, died Sunday, April 11th, 2021 in Chamberlain, S.D. A funeral was held on Thursday, April 15 at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Marion, S.D., with arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home.