Eldon “Smiley” Arnold Guericke, 75, was born on March 16, 1945 in Scotland, S.D. Eldon was the youngest of seven children to Arthur and Alice (Werning) Guericke. At two years old he lost his oldest sibling in a tragic car accident. This really took a toll on his parents’ lives, especially his adoring mom who had health issues, and passed away just before his ninth birthday.

Norma J. Hofer, 81, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 at Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls. Her funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 at First Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, and will be livestreamed on the First Lutheran YouTube channel. The church requires that all attendees wear masks and social distancing will be observed. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls.

Marion Estella Jorstad, 73, Sioux Falls, S.D., was received into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at the Centennial Cottage, in Sioux Falls, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. A funeral Service was held Wednesday, July 29, at Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, with burial in the Salem Community Cemetery, Freeman, S.D.

Robert “Bob” Thompson, 85 of Hurley, S.D., died Monday, July 20, 2020 in an automobile accident near Sioux Falls. A funeral was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 24 at the United Methodist Church, Hurley, with burial and military rites at the Hurley Cemetery. Because of COVID-19, family and friends are encouraged to wear masks while attending the visitation and service.

Irene B. Becker was called to her heavenly home on July 15, 2020. She was born March 22, 1931 in Mt. Lake, Minn. to Benjamin H. and Anna I. (Penner) Ratzlaff. Irene was the seventh child in a family of eight children. She graduated from Mt. Lake High School in 1949. After high school, Irene spent two years as a volunteer at the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) headquarters in Akron, Pa., where she met her future husband, Harold Becker. On Nov. 9, 1956, Harold and Irene were married at the Mt.

Wayne Walter Decker was born on Dec. 2, 1932 in Hutchinson County, South Dakota to John T. and Lydia (Walter) Decker. He attended Highland District #78 and Parkston High School. He abandoned his high school career at the age of 16 to work alongside his dad on the family farm near Milltown, S.D. He was drafted into the United States Army near the end of the Korean War and served his basic training in Fort Campbell, Ky. Because the war ended, he did not have to serve in active military service and was able to return home to his life on the farm.

Dr. Patty Sue Herman passed away peacefully at age 70 on June 24, 2020, after a long battle with a very rare neurological disease. She left this life to join her parents on the date of their wedding anniversary and will be greatly missed by her loving brother and sisters, as well as other friends and relatives. Patty is survived by her sister Joanne (the late David) Ziarek of New Berlin, Wis., brother James Herman of Menno, S.D., and sister Judy Herman (Greg Houda) of Moran, Wyo.

Larry Donald Graber, age 90, formerly of Yankton, S.D., died Monday, March 16, 2020 surrounded by his family at Oakview Terrace in Freeman, S.D. A memorial service was held Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Goglin Funeral Home in Yankton. Interment of ashes was in Freeman Cemetery.

Gwynn Marie Bodewitz was born on Jan. 10, 1949 in Sioux Falls, S.D. to Henry and Etoyle Aljets, the third of seven children. She passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loving family after a two-year battle with cancer. She was baptized on May 22, 1949 at Memorial Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls by Pastor Curtis Schleicher. She was confirmed at Memorial Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls on June 19, 1963 by Pastor Carl Paul. She attended elementary school in Sioux Falls until fourth grade and then continued at Valley Springs Elementary.

Myrtis Marie Miller, 89, of Freeman, S.D. passed away on June 19, 2020 at the Oakview Terrace of Freeman. Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. with COVID-19 guidelines and social distancing to be observed, followed by private family services at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25 at Walter Funeral Home in Freeman, with burial at the Missionary Church Cemetery to follow.