Karen VanLaecken-Brinker, 66, of Mitchell, died Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at her home under hospice care in Mitchell. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Karen Marie VanLaecken-Brinker was born Jan. 15, 1955, to Lawrence and Irena (Christian) VanLaecken at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls. She grew up in Letcher with her brother, Rodney. She attended Letcher High School but graduated in Colorado. After high school, Karen attended both Dakota Wesleyan University and Augustana University for a year.

Karen met Rick Brinker and became the mother of four children. Rick and Karen were together for 37 years.

Karen loved country music; George Jones was her favorite. Every summer Karen could not wait to camp with her children and grandchildren and visit her siblings in Texas.  

Karen is survived by her husband, Rick; sons, James and John both of Mitchell; daughter, Laurie Briel of Mitchell; 13 grandchildren; brothers Bruce, Vince, and Howard of Texas; sister, Tammy of Texas; and multiple nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepdaughter, Angela Finney; and brother, Rodney VanLaecken.

Edward Houlihan, 90, of Huron, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at Huron Regional Medical Center in Huron. 

His Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, March 27, at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish with burial at St. Wilfrid’s Cemetery in Woonsocket. Military Honors were provided by the Huron Veteran’s Council. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church. A rosary service was on Saturday. Edward’s service was live streamed through the Welter Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Edward Houlihan was born on Sept. 24, 1930, to Timothy and Helen (Gutzmer) Houlihan, in rural Lane. Ed graduated from Lane High School in 1949. Ed served in the United States Army from 1952-1954 and served during the Korean War on the front lines in artillery. When Ed returned home, he worked at meat packing facilities, Armour, Swifts and Dakota Pork.

Edward married Agnes Mary Nunes in Santa Rosa, Cali. on May 1, 1982. Ed and Agnes were members of St. Martin’s Catholic Church and later Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Huron. Ed took care of the alter and sanctuary candles for many years at the church. He enjoyed photography, taking care of his yard and flowers, and traveling to California.

He is survived by his wife, Agnes of Huron; brother, Milo (Betty) Houlihan of Hastings, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Doug (Bonnie) Houlihan; sisters, Dorothy (John) Morgan and Hope (Marvin) Whites. 

Marvelyn “Marvy” J. Salmon, 72, of Gillette, Wyo., died on March 15, 2021, at Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette, Wyo. 

A visitation was held at Gillette Memorial Chapel, at Gillette, Wyo. on Thursday, March 18, and on Monday, March 22, at Welter Funeral Home in Huron with a burial that followed at Restlawn Memory Gardens in Huron. 

Marvy was born in Wessington Springs on Dec. 14, 1948, to Arthur and Dorothy (Hickens) Maxwell. She graduated from Wessington Springs High School and soon after, married Gary Lee Salmon of Huron. A short time later she gave birth to their daughter, Malisa. While in Huron she worked at Metz Bakery and Lewis Drug where she found her passion for photography. In 1983, Marvy and Gary moved to Gillette, Wyo. Marvy then discovered her passion for baking and decorating while working at grocery stores; Decker’s, Dons, Dans. She loved traveling on her motorcycle with the Bike Club (Roadrunners), riding horses, and doing crafts. Throughout the years, Marvy collected Elvis memorabilia, coke products, and trinkets of her favorite animal, the Bald Eagle. 

Marvy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Gary Salmon of Gillette, Wyo.; daughter, Malisa Salmon Redfield of Lovington, N.M.; brother, Gary Maxwell of Sheridan, Wyo.; sister, Sandy (Mitch) Madrid of Grande Junction, Colo.; brothers-in-law, Bob Salmon of Kimberly, Utah, Gene and Ron Salmon of Gillette, Wyo., and Jim Salmon of Huron; sister-in-law, Marsha Hanson of Forestburg; stepbrothers, Nels, Ron, and Bob Peterson; three granddaughters; three great-grandchildren and another on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Marvy was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Dorothy Maxwell; parents in law, Duane and Loretta Peterson; brother, Monty Maxwell and his wife Donna Maxwell; sister, Sharon Pearson; and brothers-in-law, Roger Hanson and Steve Peterson.