Johnson & Henry Funeral Home - Lake Preston Obituaries

A Legacy of Compassion and Care: Johnson & Henry Funeral Home - Lake Preston

Located in the heart of Lake Preston, South Dakota, Johnson & Henry Funeral Home has been a pillar of strength and support for families in their time of need. For generations, this esteemed funeral home has provided compassionate and personalized funeral services to the local community, earning a reputation for excellence and trust.

A Rich History of Service

Johnson & Henry Funeral Home has a long and storied history that dates back to [year]. Founded on the principles of dignity, respect, and compassion, the funeral home has remained committed to serving families with the highest level of care and professionalism. Over the years, the funeral home has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the community, while remaining true to its core values.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Roger Edward Christensen - May 08, 1954 - November 23, 2023

Departed: 11/23/2023 (Lake Preston)

Obituary Preview: Roger Edward Christensen, age 69, of Lake Preston, SD, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Society in De Smet. No services are planned at this time.

Roger was born May 8, 1954 in Lake Preston to Floyd E. and Mary Lucille (Roegiers) Christensen. He is survived by his brother, David Christensen of Lake Preston, SD ; one sister, Anna Troseth, of Belle Plaine, MN; 2 nieces and 3 nephews,

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, and  one sister.

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Clara Tena Wadsworth - October 06, 1955 - October 29, 2023

Departed: 10/29/2023 (Lake Preston)

Obituary Preview: Funeral services for Clara Tena Rieck Wadsworth age 68 of Mitchell, SD, will be Monday, November 6, 2023 at 10:30 AM at the North Preston Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Johnson-Henry Funeral Chapel in Lake Preston. Interment will be in the North Preston Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of Johnson-Henry Funeral Home. Clara passed away Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Avantara Nursing Home in Lake Norden, SD.

Clara was born October 6, 1955 in Lake Preston to Emil and Freida (Stolpe) Rieck. She grew up playing the piano and singing. Music was her life she played the piano for North Preston Lutheran Church for a number of years.

Clara graduated from Lake Preston High School in 1973. She attended SDSU for an RN degree in nursing graduating in 1979.

She married Ron Lane Wadsworth on October 4, 1997 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake Norden.

The couple lived in Watertown, SD. Clara continued her nursing career. Ron owned and operated Ron’s Fireworks. Ron passed away on December 1, 1998 at the age of 49. After Ron’s death Clara expanded the firework’s business to other locations.

Clara returned to her studies while still working full time as a nurse. On September 7, 2003, ELCA Ordination of Clara was held at the North Preston Lutheran Church. She was called to serve at Wilmot Lutheran Church, Wilmot, SD and then New Home Lutheran Church, Mitchell, SD. She continued living in Mitchell, SD working as a RN at several area nursing homes until 2019 a stroke forced her retirement.

Clara is survived by her brother, Allan (Shaunna) Rieck, of Lake Preston, nieces, Amber (Corey) Nelson of Lake Preston, Chelsey Buss (Talon Lee) of Madison, SD and Maddison Rieck. Great-niece and nephews, Lorayne Nelson, Treyanna Buss-Lee, Lawrence Nelson and Tavian Buss-Lee.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband Ron Wadsworth, infant brother Albert Rieck and her parents.

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Shari Ann Sass - May 22, 1957 - October 17, 2023

Departed: 10/17/2023 (Lake Preston)

Obituary Preview: Shari Sass, age 66, of Flandreau, SD (formerly of Lake Preston, SD) gained her angel wings on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. Shari was surrounded by her loving family until she was called to her heavenly home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnson-Henry Funeral Home of Arlington, Lake Preston and Oldham.

Shari Ann Sass was born on May 22, 1957 to Milburn & Lois (Beck) Sass in Lake Preston, SD. She attended special education classes in Arlington and DeSmet, SD. After school, Shari moved to Huron, SD and attended/worked at the Center for Independence. She then attended Advance in Brookings. She moved back to Lake Preston for a short time and then moved to Madison in 2009, to Dakota Sun Assisted Living in Volga in 2013, to Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Flandreau in 2014 and she currently was a resident at Riverview Healthcare in Flandreau.

Shari was blessed to be able to live an active life and to be able to have jobs that she enjoyed. She helped refinish furniture, made rugs, worked on a cleaning crew, babysat, washed dishes at Susie’s Cafe in Lake Preston, a cafe in DeSmet, and at the Crossroads in Huron, and did some packet assembly for Larson Windows in Brookings. Shari loved coloring fuzzy velvet posters, painting canvas art, doing latch hook, making pot holders, doing word find puzzles and competing in Special Olympic events. She excelled in swimming, fast walk and softball events and had many medals to prove it, especially gold medals that she loved to show off and display! She loved her family and friends and truly enjoyed spending time with them and also attending her niece’s and nephew’s events. Shari was a Minnesota Vikings fan and loved to sing, and boy...could she carry a tune! She had a contagious smile and a great laugh. Shari would want us to live by this quote by E.E. Cummings -“The most wasted of all days is a day without laughter!”

Shari was preceded in death by her parents, Milburn & Lois Sass; her fraternal and maternal grandparents; her nephew, Travis Sass; several aunts/uncles, cousins and friends.

She is survived by her siblings: Susan (husband Lanny) Olson, Terry Sass, Deborah (husband Blaine) Miller all of Lake Preston; Becky (husband Dale) Schroeder of Flandreau, Tammy (Sass) Kerr of Spencer, SD, and Audra (husband Roger) Wilson of Badger, SD; many nieces and nephews (Chad Olson, Andrea Miller, Teresa Olson, Marcia Olson, Michele Beattie, Joey Miller, Brad Olson, Brian Kerr, Joshua Sass, Kayla Kerr, Kylie Lustfield, and Gage Wilson; and great-nieces/nephews (Colby Olson, Elijah Miller, Shelby Olson, Maddie Olson, Landon Beattie, Colton Kerr, Grant Kerr, Brianne Kerr and Lindie Wilson).

A joyful Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2024. Burial will be held at that time in the Lake Preston Cemetery in Lake Preston, SD.

Memorials can be made to the Lake Preston Cemetery, the Lake Preston American Legion, the Special Olympics, or to your favorite charity in honor of Shari.

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Phillip Stanton Howe - October 05, 1955 - September 19, 2023

Departed: 09/19/2023 (Lake Preston)

Obituary Preview: Phillip Stanton Howe age 67 of Lake Preston passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from results of a motorcycle accident. Arrangements are with Johnson-Henry Funeral Home of Arlington, Lake Preston and Oldham.

He was born October 5, 1955 in the District of Columbia, to Stanton and Neva (Otten) Howe.

He is survived by two children, Shara Stump of Virginia Beach, VA and Jon Howe of California.

There are no services planned at this time.

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Judith "Judy" McGarvie - June 03, 1940 - September 11, 2023

Departed: 09/11/2023 (Lake Preston)

Obituary Preview: Funeral services for Judith “Judy” McGarvie, age 83, of Lake Preston, will be 10:30 AM Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Lake Preston Lutheran Church in Lake Preston. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Lake Preston Cemetery under the direction of Johnson-Henry Funeral Home. Judy passed away September 11, 2023, at the Madison Regional Health System.

Active pallbearers will be Dan Rowen, Dan Hasche, Mike Duffy, Mike Bumgardner, Rocky Wieczorek, Jay Pifer, Terry Steuck.

She was born June 3, 1940, at home north of Roslyn to Julius and Esther (Aspen) Nygaard.

She graduated from Bristol High School in 1959, and went on to get her teaching certificate from Northern College in Aberdeen. Judy went on to teach in Castlewood, Minnesota, and Bryant. While teaching in Bryant she met Ronnie on January 1, 1971.  They were united in marriage in August of 1972, at the Bryant Lutheran Church. She was a devoted farm wife, daughter, sister, and aunt. Judy was a an active member of the Lake Preston Lutheran Church, where she shared her strong faith in our Lord.

Judy and Ronnie enjoyed traveling to see family. They even traveled to Germany to see Judy’s sister. Judy loved family dearly. She always remembered birth dates and anniversaries.  Judy had a way to make people feel special.

Judy is survived by her husband, Ronnie, sister, Sheryl Elfrink, brother, David Nygaard, sister in laws, Elaine Bergheim and Virginia McGarvie, many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, Donald, Donald II and Loren, sister, Janice, brother in laws Gerald McGarvie and Merle McGarvie.

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Gary Lee Buer - November 11, 1954 - June 14, 2023

Departed: 06/14/2023 (Lake Preston)

Obituary Preview: Gary Lee Buer, age 68, of Lake Preston, SD, passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at his home. Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the Lake Preston Lutheran Church with Pastor Kris Larson officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Church. Military honors will be provided by the Lake Preston American Legion Post # 63. Inurnment will be in the Lake Preston Cemetery under the direction of Johnson-Henry Funeral Home of Arlington, Lake Preston, Oldham.  This service will be live streamed via our website.

Buer died June 14 at his home in Lake Preston following a lengthy illness.

He was born Nov. 11, 1954, in Brookings to Norbert and Anna (Johnson) Buer. He spent his early years on the Buer homestead near Lake Thompson. The family later moved to an acreage near Lake Preston. He attended Lake Preston elementary school and high school. On Dec. 15, 1972, he joined the Army and was stationed in Heilbronn, Germany, where he served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic in the motor pool. Buer received a national defense service medal for being a M-16 sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged on July 25, 1978.

Buer married Susan Wilde on Aug. 27, 1977, at the United Methodist Church in Lake Preston.

He was employed as a truck driver and worked for Wilde Construction, Green Thumb Commodities, Prairie Ag Partners and Folkens Trucking. He was most recently employed with Virchow Farms near Lake Preston.

Buer was a member of Porter L. Rich Legion Post #63 in Lake Preston, where he also served as commander. He was a member of the Lake Preston Volunteer Fire Department for more than 25 years and also served as a driver for the Lake Preston Ambulance Service. He served several terms as a councilman on the Lake Preston City Council.

Buer enjoyed spending time with his grandsons. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing pool and cards. However, his passion was drag racing and he spent many weekends racing and supporting other drivers at Oahe Speedway in Pierre and Thunder Valley Dragway in Marion.

Survivors include his wife, Susan; one daughter, Stacy (Michael) Nuzum-Jenkins; a son, Joshua Buer; and five grandsons, Konner, Kannen, Kutler, Tyson and Logan.

Buer was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Kristian Nuzum.

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A Commitment to Personalized Service

At Johnson & Henry Funeral Home, every family is treated with the utmost respect and care. The dedicated team of funeral professionals takes the time to listen to each family's unique needs and preferences, working closely with them to create a personalized tribute that honors their loved one. From traditional funeral services to cremation options and memorial celebrations, the funeral home offers a range of choices to suit every family's style and budget.

A Facility Designed for Comfort and Convenience

The funeral home's facility at 107 Main Ave N, Lake Preston, SD, 57249 is designed to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for families and friends to gather. The spacious chapel, comfortable visitation rooms, and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces all contribute to a sense of peace and tranquility. Ample parking and convenient accessibility features ensure that all guests can easily attend and participate in services.

Expert Guidance and Support

The staff at Johnson & Henry Funeral Home is comprised of experienced and licensed funeral directors who are dedicated to guiding families through the funeral planning process. With their expertise and compassion, they help families navigate the often-complex arrangements involved in saying goodbye to a loved one. From selecting a casket or urn to creating a meaningful obituary, the funeral home's team is always available to offer guidance and support.

Celebrating Life's Stories

At Johnson & Henry Funeral Home, every life is celebrated with dignity and respect. The funeral home's team believes that each person's story is unique and worth telling, and they work closely with families to create personalized tributes that reflect their loved one's personality, passions, and accomplishments. Through thoughtful attention to detail and creative storytelling, they help families honor their loved ones in a way that is both meaningful and memorable.

Community Involvement and Outreach

Johnson & Henry Funeral Home is deeply rooted in the Lake Preston community, and its staff is actively involved in various local organizations and initiatives. From supporting area charities to participating in community events, the funeral home is committed to giving back to the community it serves. This commitment extends beyond funeral services, as the staff seeks to build relationships with local families and provide resources that promote healing and growth.

A Promise of Quality and Excellence

Families who choose Johnson & Henry Funeral Home can be confident in the knowledge that they will receive exceptional service from a team of dedicated professionals. The funeral home's commitment to quality and excellence is reflected in every aspect of its operations, from the meticulous attention to detail in its facilities to the compassionate care it provides to each family it serves. By choosing Johnson & Henry Funeral Home, families can trust that their loved one will be honored with dignity and respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, accomplishments, and funeral or memorial services.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to notify friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a lasting tribute to the deceased and can be a valuable resource for genealogists and historians.

Who typically writes an obituary?

The task of writing an obituary usually falls to the family members or close friends of the deceased. In some cases, a funeral home or newspaper may offer assistance with writing and publishing the obituary.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, and names of surviving family members. It may also mention their occupation, hobbies, achievements, and any notable accomplishments.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and the wishes of the family. Typically, it ranges from a few sentences to several paragraphs.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many newspapers and online obituary platforms allow you to include one or more photos of the deceased. This can help make the obituary more personal and meaningful.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department directly to find out their submission guidelines and deadlines. You may need to provide the written obituary, along with any photos or other requested materials.

Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes, there are many online platforms that allow you to publish an obituary, such as Legacy.com or Tributes.com. These sites often provide templates and guidance to help you create a meaningful tribute.

Is it necessary to publish an obituary in a newspaper?

No, while traditional newspaper obituaries are still common, many people choose to publish online only or use social media to share news of a loved one's passing.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost varies depending on the publication and the length of the obituary. Online platforms may offer free or low-cost options, while newspapers may charge by the word or line.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary as a way to ensure their life story is told accurately and with dignity. This can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflecting on one's life.

What is a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, often including only the most basic information such as name, age, and date of death. It may be published in addition to a full obituary.

What is the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?

An obituary is a written notice announcing someone's death, while a eulogy is a speech or written tribute delivered at a funeral or memorial service to celebrate the person's life.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include humorous anecdotes or personality traits in an obituary to make it more personal and reflective of the deceased person's spirit.

How do I handle sensitive information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive issues or family conflicts involved, it's best to approach the writing of the obituary with tact and discretion. Consider consulting with other family members or a trusted advisor for guidance.

Can I update an existing obituary?

If new information becomes available or errors need to be corrected, it may be possible to update an existing obituary. Contact the original publication or online platform for guidance.

How long will an online obituary remain available?

This varies depending on the platform or website. Some online obituaries may remain available indefinitely, while others may be archived after a certain period of time.

Can I create an online memorial page?

Yes, many websites offer tools to create online memorial pages where friends and family can share memories, photos, and condolences.

What is the purpose of an online guestbook?

An online guestbook provides a space for people to leave messages of condolence, share memories, and express their sympathy for the family.

Can I link multiple online memorials together?