Will Funeral Chapel

04/13/2026

Linda Hargan

Linda Hargan, 77, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, under the care of hospice. Private family services will be held at a later date.

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04/13/2026

Michael R. Alvarez

Michael Raymond Alvarez, age 70, of Mitchell, SD died peacefully surrounded by his family under hospice care. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Burial at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2026, also at Will Funeral Chapel.

Michael Raymond Alvarez, son of Joe Chavez Alvarez and Dorothy Ethel Crane Alvarez, was born July 16, 1955 in Rapid City, SD. He moved with his family to Belle Fourche, SD, returned to Rapid City, SD before returning to Belle Fourche. Michael graduated from Belle Fourche High School. After high school, Michael moved to Spearfish, SD and attended Black Hills State University for several years pursuing a Degree in Art.

Michael was united in marriage with Peggy Le La Cheur on June 17, 1977 in Belle Fourche, SD. The couple moved to Mitchell, SD in 2000 and continued to make their home here until his death. He worked in the Automotive Industry as a Service Writer for 20 years, retiring in 2020.

He was a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church and the Crazy Horse Scholarship Honor Roll.

Michael enjoyed Art, playing the keyboard and Astronomy. He truly loved studying the word of God and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

Grateful for having shared his life, are his wife, Peggy Alvarez, Mitchell, SD; four children, Rachel Johnson, Sterling, VA, Jacqlynn (Adam) Claggett, Bridgewater, SD, Michael Alvarez Jr. Bridgewater, SD, Angela Carranza, Mitchell, SD; his mother, Dorothy Alvarez, Rapid City, SD, 13 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; his siblings, Mary (Calvin) Barnett, Puyallup, WA, Joseph (Judy) Alvarez, Rapid City, SD, Stella (Tom) Moeller, Deadwood, SD, Gil (Pat) Alvarez, Rapid City, SD, Leo Alvarez, Rapid City, SD, Tina (Jim) Horton, Rapid City, SD, Julie (Bob) Weinberger, Rapid City, SD; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Alvarez; brothers, John and Richard; a sister, Barb Ronek; and a granddaughter, Resilience Johnson.

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04/11/2026

Ruth L. Hodges

Ruth Hodges, 88, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. Private family services will be held. Additional obituary information will be available in the coming days.

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04/06/2026

Lauren J Olson

Lauren Olson, age 66, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, April 11, 2026 at First Lutheran Church with burial at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, April 10, 2026 at First Lutheran Church.

Lauren was born on November 8, 1959, in Germany, to James Olson and Viva “Annette” Olson. He was the oldest of two children. He spent his childhood in Davis and Hurley, South Dakota, where he graduated from Hurley High School in 1978. Following high school, Lauren attended South Dakota State University, earning a degree in communications.

On April 16, 1983, Lauren married the love of his life, Debora Johnson. Together, they built a life centered on family and were blessed with two children, Andrea Leslie and Jordan James. Lauren cherished being a father. He never missed an event and could often be found behind a video camera, capturing life’s candid and meaningful moments.

Lauren made his home in Mitchell, South Dakota, where he dedicated 35 years of his career to McLeod’s before retiring in November 2025. His strong work ethic and commitment were evident throughout his career.

Lauren had a deep love for the outdoors and for spending time with his family. He enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, watching sports, and making annual trips to the Frozen Four with his son, Jordan. He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, and Augustana hockey. Lauren was also an avid television and movie enthusiast, rarely missing an opportunity to enjoy a good film or show.

Faith and service were important parts of Lauren’s life. He dedicated many years volunteering at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell, where he contributed his time running sound and video, assisting with setup for services and events, singing in the choir, and helping wherever needed. One of his favorite events was running the sound for the First Lutheran Preschool Christmas program and graduation.

Lauren will be remembered for his deep love of family, his dedication to others, and his gift for storytelling.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Debora Olson; his children, Andrea (Dillon Giedd) Olson of Pukwana, South Dakota, and Jordan Olson of Rapid City, South Dakota; his sister, Machelle (Galen) Albers, Howard, SD; his mother-in-law, Carmen Johnson, Mitchell, SD; his sister-in-law, Cathy (Trevor) Jurgensen, Amarillo, TX; his nieces, Ann Gilbert, Dell Rapids, Brook (Larry) Meyer, Harrisburg, SD, Candance (Aaron) Kleinsasser, Brookings, SD, Amanda (Brian) Lorenz, Amarillo, TX and Alicia (Bryce) Scroggins, Amarillo, TX; as well as many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Viva “Annette” Olson, and his father-in-law, Leslie Johnson.

The family requests that memorial be directed to First Lutheran Church.

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04/03/2026

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04/01/2026

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03/23/2026

Kenneth Backes

Please check below for the service. It will be available to view until June 29.

Kenneth Backes, 65, of Emery, South Dakota passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from health complications. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. prayer service on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 30, 2026, also at Will Funeral Chapel.

Kenneth Backes, son of Elmer and Esther (Heiman) Backes, was born November 20, 1960. He graduated from Emery High School and later attended Mitchell VoTech. He enjoyed doing construction jobs with his brother, John and worked on many homes and projects through the years. He enjoyed older country and rock and roll music from the 60’s and 70’s. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with friends. He has been a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell.

Left to cherish his memory are his siblings, John Backes of Emery, Todd (Dee Dee) Backes of Sioux Falls, and Mavis Hofer of Sioux Falls; many nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Esther.

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03/21/2026

After 50 years of service, Rodney Clarambeau reflects on a lifetime of volunteering

03/16/2026

Duane R. Butrum

Duane Butrum, 70, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Memorial visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell.

Duane Robert Butrum, son of Robert and Lorraine (Peterson) Butrum was born May 28, 1955, in Mitchell, South Dakota. Duane spent much of his life in Mitchell and also lived for a time in Garretson, South Dakota. He was a hardworking man with a knack for fixing nearly anything and tinkering with motors. Over the years he worked in a variety of roles including with the Burlington Northern Railroad in Garretson, Log Cabin of Mitchell, over the road trucking, State of South Dakota, and then Trail King. He also spent time helping assemble bikes for Ron’s Bike Shop.

On August 31, 1991, Duane was united in marriage to Kristi (Krietlow) Hoeltzner.

In his free time, Duane enjoyed the simple things that brought him happiness. He loved watching sports, especially NASCAR, and could often be found relaxing with classic westerns such as Gunsmoke. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and hunting.

Duane will be remembered for his steady presence, hardworking spirit, and the many friendships he built throughout his life.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Al Butrum, Mitchell, SD, Ricky (Jennifer) Hoeltzner, Watertown, SD, Lisa (Russ) Ennor, Brandon, SD, Amy Hoeltzner, Mitchell, SD, and Corey Butrum, Mitchell, SD, nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister, Joleen (Donald) Facile of Garretson, SD; and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lorraine; wife, Kristi; and brother, Roger (Charleta) Butrum.

View Duane R. Butrum's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/13/2026

Annette Marie Kost

Annette Marie Kost, age 70, of Mitchell, SD died Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Services are pending under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel.

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03/09/2026

Randy Jo Newcomer

Randy Jo Newcomer, 67, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 under hospice care at Firesteel Healthcare in Mitchell. Randy will be remembered for his stories, his hardworking spirit, and the love he had for his family and friends. A private funeral service will be held at a later date in Flandreau, SD.

Randy Jo Newcomer was born January 12, 1959, in Flandreau, South Dakota, to Dorothy and Eugene “Newky” Newcomer. He attended Flandreau High School and later graduated from Southeast Technical College. He worked for many years as a bartender in his hometown, becoming well known in the community.

On October 13, 1985, Randy welcomed his son, Timothy Eugene Newcomer, proudly passing along the family name. On July 19, 1995, he married the love of his life, Mary Newcomer. Through their marriage, Randy was also blessed with the opportunity to raise Mary’s daughter, Kati Howard (Muntefering), whom he loved as his own.

Randy enjoyed attending the local Friday night races; cheering on known racers, watching Nascar on Sundays and sharing a cold beer with friends. He was also a proud and dedicated Journeyman plumber for 19years. Randy often shared stories with family and friends about the unique places his work had taken him, the remarkable experiences he had and the many outstanding people he met along the way.

Randy is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, Tim (Jennifer); his stepdaughter, Kati (Josh); five cherished grandchildren; as well as many friends and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Eugene, and his siblings: Denis, Sandy, Terry, and Deanna.

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03/01/2026

Lois Elaine Hilton

Lois Elaine Hilton, age 93, of Mitchell, SD, died Friday, February 27, 2026, at her home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel, with burial at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel.

Lois Elaine (Brandenburg) Hilton, daughter of Harry and Marie (Polawski) Brandenburg, was born April 17, 1932, in Alpena, SD. She grew up on a farm near Lane, SD, and attended Lane Public School, graduating in 1950. Lois then attended Methodist School of Nursing in Mitchell, graduating in 1953, where she received her RN degree. She was employed by Methodist Hospital for two years before moving to California, where she was employed by Alhambra Community Hospital for six years. She returned to Mitchell, SD, and continued her employment at Methodist Hospital for 30 years. After the hospital closed, Lois was employed at Firesteel Healthcare for three years before retiring.

She was united in marriage to Darrell Hilton on February 28, 1954, in Lane, SD. The couple was married for 62 years and raised seven children: Carol, Teresa, Mark, Michele, Harry, Jerry, and Rick.

Lois was a member of First Lutheran Church, the Methodist Hospital Alumni, the American Red Cross, and the DAR. She volunteered her time after retirement with the Caregivers and Piece Makers groups at First Lutheran Church.

She enjoyed bowling in two leagues, darts, golfing, and working in her yard. One of Lois’s greatest joys was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was especially involved with the day-to-day activities of her 3 granddaughters Aylah, Emmarie, and Harlow, who live in Mitchell.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children: Teresa (Jim) Brynes, Renner, SD; Mark (Shari) Hilton, Thonotosassa, FL; Michele (Kurt) Kittleson, Scottsdale, AZ; Harry Hilton, Mitchell, SD; Jerry (Kellie) Hilton, Mitchell, SD; and Rick Hilton, Brandon, SD; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Bernice Seaman, San Antonio, TX.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell Hilton, on May 17, 2016; a daughter, Carol Thomas; a granddaughter, Jessica; her parents; a sister, Irene; and brothers-in-law, Glen and Earle.

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