Obituaries

Richard Dean Dvorak, 83, passed away on January 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. A lifelong Christian and devoted family man, Richard’s life was marked by service, storytelling, and a deep connection to the land he called home.

Patricia (Stricker) Roller, 56, of Marty, died unexpectedly at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Funeral services were Tuesday, January 6 at the Marty Community Center. Burial was in the Native American Church Cemetery, rural Wagner.

Wake services for Amelia Zephier, 27, of Sioux Falls, were held Wednesday, December 31 at the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Wagner. Funeral services were January 1 at the church.

Janis Nedved, 90, of Wagner died at the Scotland Good Samaritan Society, under hospice care on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Funeral Mass was Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wagner. Burial was in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.

Helen O'Connor, 77, of Lake Andes, died Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the Lake Andes Senior Living Center in Lake Andes. Funeral services were Monday, January 5 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Marty. Burial was in St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery, Marty.

Funeral services for Myrtle Mae (Pelton) Reiff, 95, of Avon will be held Wednesday, January 7 at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Burial is in the Tyndall Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon.

Gayland Duane Ashes, 60, of Alabaster AL, passed away at his home Sunday, December 28, 2025. He was born May 13, 1965, at Community Bailey Hospital, Chamberlain to Narcisse Roger 'Chuck' Ashes and Linda Jane Allen.

Native American Church funeral services for Marcus Sheilds, 'Waha Canka Hoksila,' 50, of Rapid City, were held Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the White Swan Community Center in Lake Andes. Burial was in the Native American Church Cemetery, rural Wagner.

Carole Lea Bartunek, 88, of Yankton, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, surrounded by family. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, Carole’s warmth and laughter touched all who knew her.

Visitation with a sharing of memories for Sharon (Ratzlaff) Jespersen, 81, of Freeman, will be held Saturday, January 3 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Friedensburg Bible Church, rural Avon. Burial is in the Friedensburg Cemetery. Peters Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.