James “Jim” Harold Sandness, 76, of Woonsocket, passed away on Sept. 17, 2022, at his home, unexpectedly. 

Jim was born on Oct. 28, 1946, in Mitchell, to Evelyn (Jarding) Hjelm and Harold Sandness. He was raised on a farm south of Woonsocket in the Twin Lakes Area, the eldest sibling to four brothers and two sisters. At a young age, his father, Harold, passed away, and his mother remarried Duane Hjelm. Jim went to country school and completed his education in Woonsocket. After high school, he joined the United States National Guard. Jim met Mary K. Goebel, of Faulkton, in Mitchell at a corner pizza parlor. They were married on May 2, 1970, in the St. Wilfrid parish in Woonsocket. 

Jim’s interests and hobbies were family and farming. Jim and Mary purchased a farm south of Woonsocket, calling it Hilltop Dairy. His dairy operation consisted of a 125-cow herd from 1971-1989. His humble beginning of a five-stall grew to a ten-stall automatic parlor. Many memories were created with weekend gatherings and family fun. A highlight to wrap up the summer was always hauling the camper to the South Dakota State Fair in Huron. 

After semi retiring, Jim’s farm was still his sanctuary caring for all kinds of livestock. He looked forward to hosting the out-of-state hunters during pheasant season that developed into long lasting friendships over the past 25 years. In his daily routine, he could be found zipping around the farm in his tractor or ATV checking that season’s crop with his furry friend, Putter. Planting his annual pumpkin patch and watching them grow gave him lots of joy.

Jim was active in the local community, serving on the Woonsocket School Board, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, St. Wilfrid Church Choir, Twin Lake township board, and as a High School CCD mentor and 4-H Volunteer. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; five children, Jen (Gary) Sandness of Rapid City, Amy (James) Hook of Griswold, Iowa, Steve (Amber) Sandness of Chester, Anne Sandness of Mt. Vernon, and Joe (Anna) Sandness of Rapid City; 11 grandchildren; his siblings, Bill (Deanna) Sandness of Sioux Falls, Evelyn Johnson of Sioux Falls, Mary (Randy) Schabot of Woonsocket, and David (Connie) Hjelm of Woonsocket; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Sandness of Sioux Falls and Agnes Goebel of Huron; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas Richard; his parents, Harold Sandness and Evelyn Hjelm; in-laws, Raymond and Kathleen Goebel; brothers, John and Ted Sandness; stepfather, Duane Hjelm; and brother-in-law, Jim Goebel.

James “Jim” Sandness, 75, of rural Woonsocket, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at his home. 

Visitation was held on Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Wilfrid Catholic Church in Woonsocket, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, at St. Wilfrid Catholic Church.

Waldo “Wally” Elbridge Burrill, 94, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away on Sept. 15, 2022, after complications from COVID-19.

Wally’s celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, at Mount Olympus Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Wally was born in Forestburg, on Sept. 11, 1928. He graduated from Forestburg High School, attended Dakota Wesleyan College in Mitchell, married his sweetheart Constance “Connie” Webster in 1949, and built his insurance business for more than 35 years while also raising cattle and horses.

Wally’s early years were spent on the back of a pony, gallivanting and delivering papers. He was a whiz on roller skates and met the love of his life at Ruskin Park. Wally was a “tony” dresser and an impressive whistler. He and Connie loved music and usually ended up dancing. Wally went from riding horses to riding a golf cart, and he achieved every golfer’s life ambition by getting a hole-in-one in Palm Springs, Calif., where Wally and Connie lived for 30 years. He was a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church and served as an elder. Earlier this year, Wally and Connie moved to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Wally is survived by his wife of 73 years, Connie; their children, Jeff (Cathy) Burrill, Bob (Mary) Burrill, Lauren (John) Mehlhoff, and Joan (Jay) Krueger; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Anne Burrill; sisters, Elaine (Wayne) Krueger and Donna (Doug) Carpenter; and granddaughter, Callie Burrill.