Cheryl Kae Moore, age 81, of Mapleton passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Mapleton.
    A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Rosary at 10:40 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mapleton. Father Richard D. Ball and Father William A. McCarthy will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Jordan Cemetery in rural Soldier.
    Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Mapleton is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com
    Cheryl Kae Moore was born on August 4, 1944, in Yankton, SD, the only child of Robert Joseph and Edna (Martin) Dobesh. She spent her childhood in Tyndall, SD, where she graduated with the Tyndall High School Class of 1962.
    Cheryl continued her education at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, earning a bachelor's degree in social science. She dedicated her professional life to serving others as a social worker for the State of Iowa, specializing in nursing home care.
    Cheryl met the love of her life, Keith Moore under memorable circumstances as he entered a Victorian home in Onawa, greeted by Cheryl asking, "Have you seen my cat, Taffy?" That day, Cheryl found both her cat and her future husband. Cheryl and Keith were married on November 24, 1973, in St. John's Catholic Church in Onawa with Father Thomas Malloy officiating.
    The couple welcomed a son, Mark and Cheryl treasured her time as a mother and homemaker. The family made their home in Mapleton where Keith managed the local Bomgaars for 22 years. Cheryl and Keith shared a love for history and travel. Cheryl was passionate about touring Victorian and Plantation homes throughout the United States. Cheryl cherished visiting one-on-one with loved ones and adored her pets: cats, Taffy and Snoopy, and her Australian Shepherd, Princess. She also found great joy in journaling, often reading her writings aloud to Keith as they reminisced about adventures from years past. These journals remain treasured keepsakes for her family.
    Cheryl's faith remained a constant source of strength and comfort throughout her courageous battle with brain cancer. Cheryl and her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported and uplifted her during her journey, including Burgess Clinic, Hospital, and Hospice, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the staff at Maple Heights Nursing Home, the employees at Mapleton Bomgaars, Father Richard Ball, Father William McCarthy, Pastor Dale Wolf, Pat Sullivan, Eucharistic Minister who faithfully brought Cheryl the Blessed Sacrament, David Kruse for his assistance to Keith while Cheryl was at home, Roger Krohn and family, and to her son Mark for his love and compassion, along with the many others who offered kindness, prayers, and helping hands throughout Cheryl's illness.
    A faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mapleton, Cheryl kept her trust in God's goodness, and took her Lord and Saviors hand on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Cheryl was welcomed into her heavenly home by her parents Robert and Edna Dobesh, along with aunts, uncles, and extended family.
    Those left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 52 years, Keith Moore of Mapleton; son Mark (Melissa) Moore of DuBois, PA; granddaughters Katlyn and Elaina; and dearest friend Nancy Belger of Rock Island, IL.

    Gary E. Sawin, age 86, of Oto passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at his residence.
    A Memorial Mass was held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation held prior to the service in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Anthon. Father Michael J. Erpelding officiated. Inurnment followed in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Oto.
    Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Anthon & Mapleton was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com
    Gary Edward Sawin was welcomed into the world on January 28, 1940, by his parents, Willerd and Helen (Gothier) Sawin. From a young age, it was clear that Gary was a man of the land destined to farm and to care for God's creation through his deep commitment to conservation.
    Gary grew up on the family farm in the Anthon-Oto area where his lifelong knowledge of farming and the outdoors began. He attended school in Anthon and graduated from Anthon High School with the class of 1958. On December 29, 1960, Gary married the love of his life and true soulmate, Karen Nielsen at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Anthon. Together, Gary and Karen built a life on the family's century farm where they raised their two children, daughter Jana and son Aaron.
    Farming was not just Gary's livelihood, but his passion. Beyond the fields, he generously gave his time to the Woodbury County Conservation Board and shared his love of nature by educating children at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center's outdoor classroom. Gary also served on the WiaTel Board, was well known for frying fish at local fundraisers, and delighted many with his "Gary's Famous Beans."
    Gary will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, his dedication to farming, and his love of fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors. He also enjoyed lapidary work and rock hunting, a hobby that reflected his deep appreciation for the natural world. Above all, he will be cherished for his unwavering love for his family and the land he so faithfully tended.
    Gary was preceded in death by his parents Willerd and Helen Sawin.
    Survivors include his devoted wife of 65 years, Karen Sawin of Oto; children Jana Sawin of Anthon and Aaron (Maryann) Sawin of Lincoln, NE; granddaughter Autumn (Kevin) Bruning of Des Moines; great granddaughter Lydia Bruning; sisters Mary Ellen, Kathleen, Gloria, and Valerie; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.