Thomas J. Haigh, 50, of Sioux Falls, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Prairie View Healthcare Center at Woonsocket.

His funeral service was held Tuesday, April 6, at the Kuhler Funeral Home in Huron. Visitation was two-hours prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. The service was live-streamed on the Kuhler Funeral home website. 

Thomas “Tommy” Haigh was born Oct. 28, 1970, to Jack and Mary (Bartell) Haigh at Martin. Tommy lived in various places while growing up, including Martin, Rapid City, Wessington, Huron and Sioux Falls. He graduated from Huron High School in 1990. On Sept. 18, 1993, Tommy married Dixie Reetz. They lived most of the next 14.5 years in Sioux Falls. While in Sioux Falls, Tommy started his career in car sales. His final employment was with Billion Automotive of Sioux Falls.

Survivors include his mother and step-father, Mary (Douglas) Horn of Huron; one brother, Bill (Lisa) Haigh of Lubbock, Texas; two sisters, Lori (Dale) Heller of Huron and Michele Haigh of Sioux Falls; many nieces and nephews; his ex-wife, Dixie Reetz; and his special friend, Shelley Knippling.

Tommy was preceded in death by his father, Jack Haigh; a brother, Jeffery in infancy; and his grandparents, Howard and Laura Haigh.

Ray Douglas Hanson, 73, of Mt. Vernon, died Monday, March 29, 2021, surrounded by family after a battle with cancer at Prairie View Healthcare Center in Woonsocket.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 2, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Burial was at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in rural Mt. Vernon. A festival of life was held at Resurrection Lutheran Church on Thursday, April 1. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Ray Douglas Hanson was born Sept. 5, 1947, in Herrick to Carl and Rose (Fiala) Hanson of Mt. Vernon. He attended Avery Country School for two years. He then attended Mt. Vernon High School and graduated in 1965. After high school, he attended Dakota Wesleyan University and South Dakota State University, where, as a freshman, he won the prestigious award of “Corn King.”

Ray joined the South Dakota National Guard in 1967, where he served his country for 36 years. With his skilled maintenance position, he became a leading expert in many areas of his field. He retired from the South Dakota National Guard in 2003.

Ray met Rhoni (Meng) Adam, and they were married Jan. 8, 2003. After retirement, Ray and Rhoni traveled down to Arizona every winter for eight years.

Ray dedicated many hours to local Alcoholics Anonymous groups where he was an active board member. He was 33 years sober at the time of his passing.

Ray loved hunting, the color red, and farming. He was a kind, patriotic, faithful man who loved his family. Ray’s passion for farming began at a young age, caring for livestock and the land. He was an active member in 4-H, and showed livestock at the South Dakota State Fair.

Ray is survived by his wife, Rhoni; six children, Jason (Rita) Hanson of Alexandria, Melinda Hanson of Lombard, Ill., Eric Hanson of Sioux Falls, Adam (Susie) Hanson of Renner, Jordan Adam (Dan Diede) of Woonsocket, and Jessica (Nick) Lachnit of Mitchell; eleven grandchildren, with one on the way; siblings, Linda Hanson of Fulton, Nancy Hanson Brady, Debra (Mike) Sudbeck and Todd Hanson, all of Mt. Vernon; father and mother in-law, Lloyd and Shirley Meng of Yankton; brothers-in-law, Jason (Virginia) Meng of Montana and Jess (Debbie) of Wisconsin; and sister in-law, Lauren (Erick) Walker of Yankton.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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.