Thela K. Hansen, 78, of Mitchell, died Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. 

Funeral services were held Friday, May 10, at Zion Lutheran Church with burial at Riverside Cemetery.  Visitation was at Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Arrangements were under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel. 

Thela K. Hansen, daughter of Cleo and Ruth (Conrad) Brooks, was born Aug. 27, 1945, in Pierre. She graduated from Kimball High School in 1962. Thela attended Stewart’s Beauty School in Sioux Falls and began her career in Wessington Springs.

Thela was united in marriage with John Hansen in the late 1960s. The couple lived in Wessington Springs, and they later moved to the family farm north of Forestburg. From this marriage, one daughter, Jonda, was born.  

Following John’s death from cancer, Thela was later united in marriage with Harlow Hansen in the early 1970s, and they farmed together. From this marriage, two children were born, Jolene and John. Harlow later passed away from cancer.

After completing a degree at Mitchell Vo Tech, she worked in several administrative roles in Huron. She also worked in customer service at VanDyke’s (Cabela’s) in Woonsocket. After moving to Mitchell, she finished her career working for Home Instead.

Thela loved spending time with her family and friends.  She enjoyed traveling, antiquing, and spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids. Thela had a fondness for solving crossword puzzles, playing cards, and attending the annual “Old People’s Campout.” She was one of the first women to drive the trolley at the South Dakota State Fair. She was known for being a great cook and organizing family gatherings.

She was an active member of LCMS churches in Woonsocket, Huron, and Mitchell. Most recently, she enjoyed her weekly women’s Bible study and volunteering at Zion Lutheran Church and at various organizations in Mitchell.

Thela is survived by her three children, Jonda (Dan) Weise of Aurora, Jolene Hansen of Holmen, Wis., and John (T.J.) Hansen of Pipestone, Minn.; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Terry (Kathleen) Brooks of Chamberlain; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, John Hansen and Harlow Hansen; her parents, Cleo and Ruth Brooks; her brother, Conrad Brooks; her in-laws, John and Mary Hansen; and a sister-in-law, Elaine Walker.

Lloyd Hendrix, 94, of Artesian, died Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Prairie View Healthcare Center in Woonsocket. Visitation was Thursday, May 2, in the Bittner Funeral Chapel Community Room, with a prayer service. Burial was Friday, May 3, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian.

Lloyd Duane Hendrix was born Oct. 9, 1929, to Ralph and Gertrude (Bluhm) Hendrix in rural Artesian on the family farm. Lloyd attended high school in Mitchell.

Lloyd was united in marriage to Eleanor Kneen on July 28, 1950. To this union, sons Terry and Joel were born. After Eleanor’s passing, Lloyd later married Carol Earls on Dec. 8, 1993.

For two years, Lloyd worked with his brother, Lyle, at Lyle’s repair shop in Carthage, and then actively farmed and ran a custom hay moving business near Artesian until he retired.

Lloyd was a horse enthusiast. His love for horses began at a young age when he’d ride a horse to country school. His love for horses continued throughout his life training horses and attending horse shows. 

Lloyd was a long-time member of the Moose Lodge, Artesian Township Board, and assisted with the 4-H horse program. He also loved driving semi-truck coast to coast with his son, Joel, and helping his son, Terry at the Artesian Veterinary Clinic with building livestock equipment and using his horse, Larchwood, to help round up cattle with Terry at the farm and for clinic clients.

Lloyd is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Terry (Jan) Hendrix of Custer; stepsons, Richard Estabrook of Woonsocket, Terry Estabrook of Montevideo, Minn., and Steve Estabrook of Kuwait; nine step grandchildren; and two step great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor; son, Joel Hendrix; stepson, Bruce Estabrook; two brothers, Lyle and Robert (Bob); one sister, Frances Knust; two nephews, Dave and Jack Knust; and one niece, Carla Knust.

Kevin Dean Knutson, 69, of Letcher, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024. 

A visitation was held on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, April 22, at the Letcher Community Center.

Kevin was born on Oct. 23, 1954, to Darwin and Arlene (Edwards) Knutson in Mitchell. After graduating in 1972 from Letcher High School, he bought and successfully ran The Rec, an establishment on Letcher’s Main Street where kids and adults could hangout.  

He married his high school sweetheart, Shelley Putnam, on Nov. 1, 1975. Soon after, Kevin handed the reins of The Rec to Shelley and started his career with Terry’s Propane, dedicating nearly 32 years of service. Kevin went on to work for Big Green in Mitchell and later helped drive truck and farm machinery for friends and family.

Kevin was a devoted husband and proud father. His love extended beyond his immediate family. He was a friend in the truest sense, always ready to lend a hand. Kevin was an avid gardener and motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed traveling with his family.

Kevin is survived by his children, Katie (Keith) Ramm and J.D. (Tara) Knutson; sister, Lynette (Ron) Vermeulen; brothers, Mark (Elaine) Knutson and Keith Knutson; stepmother, Elaine Knutson; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Darwin and Arlene; a brother, Michael; and wife, Shelley Knutson in 2019.