Will Funeral Chapel

06/05/2026

Melvin D Lubbers

Service will be streamed by the church.

Melvin Lubbers, 95, of Mitchell, S.D. passed away to eternity at Avera McKennan Hospital on June 4, 2026. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, June 8, 2026 at the First Reformed Church in Mitchell, SD with burial and military rites at Servicemen's Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Monday, June 8, 2026 at the First Reformed Church in Mitchell, SD.

Mel was a man of faith in so many aspects of his long life.

Born to Abba and Anna (Bunger) Lubbers on January 17, 1931, at home in Alexandria, S.D., Mel grew up in Alexandria and graduated high school there in 1949, after excelling in basketball.

He met the love of his lifetime, Nancy Sauvage, in the summer of 1950, literally picking her up after she fell at a local roller rink. Their courtship resulted in marriage on January 6, 1952 - a faithful relationship that would last an astounding 74 loving years.

Mel was also faithful to his country. He joined the U.S. Army just a few weeks after his wedding, eventually bravely fighting in the front lines of the Korean War, earning a Bronze Star medal.

After his military service, Mel and his bride moved to Mitchell and soon started a rapidly growing family, which would eventually total five children. To support them over the years, he worked for Reynolds Furniture in Mitchell for 20 years and was a salesman for Moorman's Feed another 19 years. Mel spent many years independently installing carpet and linoleum, in addition to being a hobby farmer after later moving the family to rural Mitchell.

A faithful servant of God, Mel was a founding member of First Reformed Church in Mitchell, where he held positions of an elder, deacon and Sunday school teacher. Sunday church attendance wasn't an option for his family, thus installing a deep Christian faith within his children.

His association with the military led him to become commander of the South Dakota Korean War Veteran's Association (East River Chapter), and a member of the American Legion and VFW in Mitchell. The miliary rewarded Mel later in his life, as he accepted an invitation of South Korea to visit the country in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. He spent 10 days being honored and touring battle sites with his only son, Duane, and other war veterans in 2013. Five years later in 2018, the former Army sergeant joined a flight of U.S. veterans through the Midwest Honor Flight, traveling with his daughter, Lori, from Sioux Falls to Washington, D.C. for a one-day tour and military tributes.

Mel traveled abroad during his military service, but also for pleasure. After 31 years of marriage, he and Nancy ventured to Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. Family camping trips and drives to visit relatives in California were also travel adventures.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Lubbers of Mitchell; son Duane (Lois) Lubbers of Chanhassen, Minn.; and daughters Lori (Gary) Heier of Aberdeen, S.D., Diane (Dan) Konrad of Wi******er, Tenn., Dawn {Rod) Gerlach of Spring Grove, IL, and Melissa (John) Schutte of Canton, S.D.; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Evelyn Thompson, of Napa, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Reformed Church, Mitchell, SD, Korean War Veteran’s Association or Midwest Honor Flight.

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06/03/2026

05/29/2026

Doyle D. Estabrook

Doyle Estabrook, 89, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Weskota Manor in Wessington Springs. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Interment to follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery near Storla. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral chapel.

Doyle was born on February 8, 1937, in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Arlo and Jetty Pauline (Sonne) Estabrook. He spent his childhood in the Letcher area, where he attended school through the eleventh grade before graduating from Mitchell High School in 1955. In 1955, Doyle was united in marriage to Carol Earles. They started their family soon after a move to the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area. Their union was blessed with five sons. There, he worked multiple jobs at a time to provide for his growing family. Construction became his lifelong trade, and he dedicated many years of service to Brown and Dyer in Cedar Rapids.

Doyle later returned to South Dakota, settling in Woonsocket, where he continued his career of service to his community. For more than twenty years, he was employed by the Sanborn County Drainage Ditch Board, a position he held until his retirement in 2019. In November of 1994, Doyle was united in marriage to Josefina San Buenaventura.

Doyle found his greatest joy in the outdoors. Whether fishing, hunting, or simply spending time in nature, he appreciated the beauty and peace that came from God's creation. He was never happier than when he was outdoors enjoying the simple pleasures of life. He was a current member of Amazing Grace AFLC in Mount Vernon, South Dakota.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Josefina of Woonsocket; sons, Richard (Gisela) Estabrook of Woonsocket, Daniel (Ann) Estabrook of Sioux Falls, Steve (Marietta) Estabrook of North Carolina, and Terry (Ilene) Estabrook of Montevideo, MN; mother of his children, Carol Hendrix of Mitchell; step daughters, Juyon (Patrick) Donovan of Sioux Falls and Heeson (Darnell) Pitts of Sioux Falls; daughter-in-law, Anita Estabrook of Menno, SD; grandchildren, James, Derek, Erik, Carl, Dominique, Kassandra, Stephanie, Benjamen, Tyler, Tannor, Alexia, and Olivia; brother, Dennis (Geneva) Estabrook of Huron; and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlo and Pauline; son, Bruce Estabrook; and siblings, Carl and Jean.

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05/26/2026

Peggy Ann Larsen

Peggy Ann Larsen, 69, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on May 23, 2026. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Additional obituary information will be available in the coming days.

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05/26/2026

RoseMary Boehmer

RoseMary (Kayser) Boehmer passed away on May 20, 2026 at Mesa Valley Estates in Mesquite, Nevada at the age of 90 years and 11 months. The celebration of RoseMary’s life will be held in Alexandria, South Dakota at St. Mary’s Church. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM followed by a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 10:30 AM and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.

And remember, celebrations always include bright colors and comfortable shoes!!

RoseMary aka “Rosie” was born on June 20, 1935 in Emery, South Dakota, the 9th of 10 children of Felix and Sophia (nee Krier) Kayser. She attended elementary boarding school, staying with her grandmother during the week. Rosie graduated from Alexandria High School in 1953 and then attended Mount Marty College for a year before working at Dan Dugan Trucking in Sioux Falls. Rosie and Linus met at a dance during the summer of 1956, began dating, and were engaged at Christmas that year. They were married on August 31, 1957 and lived in Brookings while Linus finished college and Rosie worked for the Dean of Pharmacy. They then moved to Windom, Minnesota.

While in Windom, Rosie and Linus adopted their 3 children: Ann, Paul, and Joan. The kids were always told “you are extra special because you are adopted” and what a blessing that has been!!

During their time in Windom, Gregory, Chamberlain and Pierre, Rosie was always bringing joy and care and love to the people she knew. She loved helping others! Holidays and birthdays with family and friends were all celebrations to be planned and enjoyed! From special birthday cakes to celebration banners, Rosie always had something going to make events special. She would organize all of her friends for dinner parties and caroling groups, where she would dress up like an angel or Santa Claus to add that special touch. Many of us remember the sing-a-longs at family gatherings around the piano or get togethers around the campfire.

Rosie was “the life of the party” and in later years at family gatherings it was always fun telling stories and watching her get the giggles until she had tears running down her cheeks. Linus and Rosie’s marriage of almost 69 years welcomed four grandchildren, Tylor Hanzlik (Dani), Blake Hanzlik (Brianna), Clayton Hanzlik (Kaycee) and Kali Peterson Squires (Steve), and seven great grandchildren, Charlee Rae, Weston, Calvin, Emersyn, Jamesyn, Ridge, and Rosie. The last great granddaughter being named after her great grandmother Rosie!

She was also very active with music in the church, planning, coordinating, and playing the organ/keyboard. She did many other things for the parishes they lived in, but her focus was always family first. While living in Pierre, RoseMary worked at The Right Turn, a career counseling center. She truly enjoyed watching the students get their GED, and helping the non-traditional students pursue education opportunities. She made their graduations special events with the programs and music she put together. RoseMary was also involved in the Stephen’s Ministry program.

RoseMary was preceded in death by her parents and all nine of her siblings. She is survived by her husband, Linus and daughter, Ann of Mesquite, Nevada; son, Paul (Cheryl) of Maple Grove Minnesota; daughter, Joan (Hollie) of Powell, Wyoming; and her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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05/25/2026

Such a special part of our team for many years as well.

05/25/2026

Betty Lou Schabot

Betty Lou (Schryvers) Schabot, age 81, of Plankinton, SD died Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Aurora Brule Nursing Home. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday, at the Plankinton United Methodist Church with burial at Mizpah Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at the Plankinton United Methodist Church with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Betty Lou (Schryvers) Schabot, daughter of Henry and Berteries (Johnson) Schryvers, was born February 7, 1945 on a farm in Douglas County, SD. She was the youngest of two. The family moved from Douglas County to Aurora County. Betty attended Carber Country School in Aurora County. After her schooling she helped on the family farm.

In 1964 Betty was united in marriage with Robert “Bob” Schabot and the couple made their home on a farm north of Plankinton, SD. To this union two sons were born, Rodney Lee Schabot and Kevin Jay Schabot.

Betty babysat for the neighbors and also worked at I-90 Motel until she and Bob retired. The couple then worked as Janitors at the bank in Plankinton. She was a very loving person, but she especially loved her family and grandchildren. She will be missed very much.

She was a great lover of all animals, but mainly she liked her ducks, geese, cows and deer. Betty loved flowers but especially peonies. She even had a row of flowers in the garden.

She was a member of the Plankinton United Methodist Church where she was also baptized.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband Robert “Bob” Schabot; a son, Rodney (Kristi) Schabot; a grandson, Loren Schabot; a granddaughter, Breann Schabot and friend Daniel; a brother, Donald (Margie) Schryvers; a niece Kari (Lance) Olson; many other relative and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Schabot; her parents and one sister, Mable.

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05/11/2026

Thelma Ann Hofer

Click Here to view Thelma's Funeral Mass / Will be availalbe until 7/15/26

Thelma Ann Hofer, age 93 of Mitchell, SD was reunited with her husband Wilbert in Heaven, May 9, 2026 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Friday, May 15, 2026 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM.

Thelma Ann (Blankenship) Hofer, daughter of Bryan and Lucille (Buetel) Blankenship, was born August 16, 1932 in Carroll, IA. She grew up on a farm near Carroll, later moving with her family to the Alexandria, SD area. Following Thelma’s graduation from Alexandria High School, she was employed at Mae’s Café in Alexandria. While working at Mae’s Café she met her future husband.

Thelma was united in marriage with Wilbert Hofer on January 11, 1951 in Alexandria, SD. The couple farmed south of Alexandria and later SE of Mitchell. In 1968 they purchased a farm east of Mitchell. In the early 1970’s the couple moved to Pineview Hall where they took care of the day-to-day operations. Thelma did all the cooking, accounting and event booking for the business. In 1985 they made their home in Mitchell. While in Mitchell, Thelma and Wilbert attended craft shows with his wood working products and both worked at the Pheasants Locker.

She enjoyed gardening, sewing, embroidery, bird watching, baking bread, making noodles and craft shows. Thelma truly loved watching the Twins, Timberwolves and Jeopardy on television. She was also very fond of playing Black Jack and Bingo at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Her biggest joy was her family whom she loved with all her heart. She never stopped worrying about them, no matter their age or her age.

Thelma was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Grateful for having share her life are her five children, Dennis (Linda) Hofer, Mitchell, SD, Ila (Jeff) Gordon, Sioux Falls, SD, Brian (Julie) Hofer, Mitchell, SD, Mark (Teresa) Hofer, Hartford, SD, Brenda McCallan, Dakota Dunes, SD; 14 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; a brother, Alfred (Sue) Blankenship, Alexandria, SD; a sister, Doris Grady, Rapid City, SD along with many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Wilbert on February 9, 2021; her parents; five brothers, Marvin, Harold, Robert, Paul and Richard; and two sisters, Judy and Darlene.

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05/07/2026

Sharon Ulmer

Sharon Ulmer, 74, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. A casual open house luncheon in Sharon's honor will be held in the fellowship hall of the Harvest Community Church of the Nazarene in Mitchell from 11:00 - 1:00 on Saturday, June 6, 2026. While not necessary, Sharon's daughter Angela would appreciate RSVPs being sent to 719-331-9107 to help in preparations. A small graveside gathering will be held later in the afternoon at Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Delmont.

Sharon Lee Ulmer was born on March 18, 1952, in Parkston, South Dakota, to Harold and Leontina (Pietz) Ulmer. She grew up on a farm outside of Delmont where she developed the strong work ethic and feisty spirit that would define her throughout her life. She attended Hope Lutheran Church as a child and graduated from Delmont High School before completing coursework at Stewart School of Cosmetology in Sioux Falls. She later pursued an accounting degree from Mitchell Technical College.

Sharon spent more than 30 years working at the Mitchell Coborn's, originally Randall’s Grocery, where she built lasting connections with customers who regularly waited patiently to have her as their cashier. As a single mother, she worked hard to provide for her household and to raise her daughter Angela. Sharon loved the Lord deeply and found comfort and strength through prayer and time spent reading her Bible. She was an attendee of the Harvest Community Church of the Nazarene before retiring and was passionate about sharing her faith with others.

In 2016, Sharon moved into Firesteel Healthcare Center, where she continued to share her quick wit and lively personality with residents and staff alike. Always one to keep her hands busy and mind active, she enjoyed reading mystery novels, crocheting, and pouring her creativity into handmade gifts and doll clothes for her grandchildren. She also lovingly made baby blankets for newborns she knew, giving each one as a gift made with thoughtfulness and pride. Sharon had her own way of making people feel seen and cared for, and quite a few of those near to her benefited from her evening round of messages that often included a funny photo, a quick update, or a simple assurance of her love. Sharon is survived by her daughter, Angela (David) Harding of Colorado Springs, Colorado; her four grandchildren, Camden, Ellie, Alaina, and Annabelle Harding; her sisters, Dianne (Dennis) Peters of San Jose, California, and Vicki (Randy) VanZee of Armour, South Dakota; and her brother, Stan (Joyce) Ulmer of Harlan, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sharon lived with honesty, humor, and heart, and she never hesitated to let people know exactly where she stood. Those who knew her best will remember her resilient nature and her unwavering faith in her Heavenly Father. Her family and friends will miss her spirited personality in the days to come, but she leaves behind a lifetime of memories filled with laughter, creativity, and love.

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05/02/2026

Jeffery Wayne Smith

Jeffery Smith, 63, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell.

Jeff was born on July 31, 1962, in Brownfield, Texas, to Darrell and Donna (Daywitt) Smith.

He was united in marriage to Lynn Hysell on May 10, 1980, and together they welcomed three children: Kenni, Jeff Jr., and Ashley. Throughout his life, Jeff was known for his sense of humor and exceptional mechanical skills; if something was broken, he could always fix it.

After many years of farming in Ideal, SD, Jeff found joy in working with his hands. Whether it was tinkering with farm equipment or vehicles, he found true happiness in fixing, building, or breathing new life into things. When the family moved from the farm to town (Winner, SD), that same enthusiasm continued. Most notably, he found a passion for collecting and restoring old Coleman lanterns. According to his loved ones, however, that care was perhaps most evident in the kitchen, where he spent time canning, baking, and cooking, and sharing what he made with the people around him. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: a cold Busch Light, country music, hosting friends and family in the backyard, and finding a good deal online. If he could get anything for a penny cheaper, he would.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Jeff (Janelle) Smith of Mitchell, Kenni Smith of Plankinton and Ashley (Jeff) Hanson of Mitchell; 12 grandchildren, six great grandkids, siblings, Sherry (Bill) Shreiner of Gregory, SD and Kay (Curt) Jacobsen of Dallas, SD; Brother in-law Boyd (Kay) Hysell of Stewartville, MN and a host of nieces, nephews, and additional family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Donna; his siblings, Ionia (Bob) Klein, Jody L. Smith, and James A. Smith; his niece, Melissa Brunmeier; and his great-nephew, Tyler Brunmeier.

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