D. R. “Russ” Buehler, 91, of Sioux Falls, died Oct. 27, 2019.

Remembrance services will be held at Dow Rummel Village Halladay-Peterson Chapel on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 10:30 a.m. 

Russ Buehler was born on Feb. 3, 1928, at Pocatello, Idaho to Richard and Della Buehler. He attended schools at Pocatello. In October of 1943, at age 15, he entered the U.S. Navy, serving aboard ships in the South Pacific and Alaska. Two months after his 18th birthday, the Navy honorably discharged him in April 1946. Russ began a career in the farm equipment field beginning in 1947 with Allis Chalmers. He moved his family many times, living in Montana, Wyoming, California and South Dakota.

Russ married JoAnn Wheeldon in Pocatello in 1947, and by September 1952, they had three children: John Russell, Barry Richard and Robert Jay. During their 40 years of marriage, Russ and JoAnn enjoyed the small-town atmosphere that Brookings offered to raise their three boys. They owned and operated the Charm Beauty Salon. They were members of the Elks Club, The Country Club, and Bridge Club. Russ and JoAnn traveled around the state supporting the Brookings High School sporting teams including football, basketball and baseball. They both enjoyed pheasant hunting and fishing.

He married Phyllis Senska, of Forestburg, in 1987 in Sioux Falls. Upon retirement, they purchased a winter home in Tucson, Ariz., and spent the winters there from 1992 to 2013. During their 30 years of marriage, they traveled extensively.

Russ is survived by his three children, Jack, Barry and Bob; and Phyllis’ children, Wanda (Dale) Swenson, Gwen Senska, Cullen Senska and Neil (Jeri) Senska.

Erick James Van Pelt, 49, of Watertown, passed away on Oct. 16, 2019.

Visitation and funeral services were held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. There was a Celebration of Life Service honoring Erick on Sunday, Oct. 27, at Hope for Life Community Church in Watertown. Reverend Dr. Carl Van Voorst presided at both services.

Erick was born in Mitchell at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Jan. 7, 1970 to Clifford “Karl” and Gertrude “Gertie” (Welchert) Van Pelt. Erick grew up in the Fedora/Artesian area and graduated from Artesian High School in 1988. He attended the University of South Dakota and majored in psychology. Following college, he moved to Wall and worked at the Cactus Café and Lounge. Erick then moved to Oelwein, Iowa, and worked with his brother, Nick, at XL Specialized Trailers until 2008. From Oelwein, Erick moved to Watertown and worked as the head of maintenance at McDonald’s for many years.

Three of Erick’s greatest joys in life included the great outdoors, his love of all people and his never-ending faith.

Erick is survived by his sisters Kariena (Wyatt) Eaglefeather of Bridgewater, Karyla Dahl of Spearfish, Kathy (Dave) Halter of Brandon, Krissy (Donald) Van Pelt Smith of Jupiter, Fla., Kalicia (Chris) Hoffman of Erie, Ill.; brothers, Tim (Linda) Van Pelt of Mitchell, Jeff (Deb) Van Pelt of Tripp, Brad Van Pelt of Fedora, Toby (Lori) Van Pelt of Sioux Falls, and Barron Van Pelt of Gillette, Wyo.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Gertie Van Pelt; brother, Nicholas Todd Van Pelt; and nephew, Thomas Karl Van Pelt. 

Donald Nelson, 91, of Huron, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at Avantara Huron (formerly SunQuest Healthcare Center) in Huron.

His funeral was Friday, Oct. 18, at the American Lutheran Church in Huron with burial in Carthage. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Donald Lyle Nelson was born on March 24, 1928 in Huron to Lionel and Olga (Johnson) Nelson. Don graduated from Carthage High School in 1948. He graduated from Huron College in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and post graduate from Northern State University.

Don was a high school teacher for 24 years, teaching English, music vocal glee clubs and business education. He taught in Bancroft and Forestburg. He also worked for the Bradfield-Leary Counseling Center, the Dakotaland Museum, the Pyle House, and he taught classical piano as part of the Huron Area Music Teachers Association.

Don was in the Sons of Norway and was their pianist. Don was with the 3rd Infantry Division during the Korean War. Later, he was in the National Guard for 17 years and was honorably discharged with the rank of E-5, Sgt. He was also a member of the American Legion and the VFW.

Don enjoyed his years in the American Lutheran Choir and was a member for 30 years. He also served on the Huron Symphony Board. Don was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed music by Mozart, Chopin, and many more.

Don is survived by his sister-in-law, JoAnne Nelson of Huron; nephews, Gary (Joan) Biever of Iroquois, Craig (Becky) Biever of Huron, Ken Nelson of Plymouth, Minn., Keith Nelson of Plymouth, Minn. and Larry (Terri) Nelson of Minneapolis, Minn.; a niece, Diane (Steve) Soderman of Iroquois; and many cousins and grand nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Maxine Biever; brother, Jerry Nelson; a stillborn sister; brother-in-law, Bob Biever; and many friends.