John Sunding

John T. Sunding, 81, of Hermosa, South Dakota passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Memorial services for John will be held on Friday, August 16 at 7 p.m. at Nacinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday before the service.

John Theodore Sunding was born December 3, 1942, son of Clarence and Alvina (Voight) Sunding in Highmore, SD, where he grew up and then graduated from high school. As he began in the workforce he drove truck hauling cattle, then proudly drove dump trucks to build the Oahe Dam in Pierre, SD. He started working as a telephone repairman at Sulley Butes in Highmore, SD. He was married, and to this union two daughters, Kim and Jennifer were born, and the couple later divorced. John moved to Minnesota in 1971 working for GTE and took several courses to continue his education for the telephone business.

On April 26, 1975, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Heetland at the First Presbyterian Church in Lakota. The couple moved to Kiester, MN, where they had their two daughters, Sara and Lisa. His life was full, always being very involved in his community, from being an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and on their board, a Boy Scout leader, a member of the Kiester Community Ambulance (EMT), and the Kiester Fire Department. John was also an active member of the Albert Lea Elks Club, being an officer for many years, holding different chairs and was the Exalted Ruler of the Club.

In 2009, he then retired from Frontier Telephone Co. Kathy and John then decided to build a new home in Hermosa, SD where he enjoyed spending time with his family, doing projects, and helping the neighbors. With many other interests he then filled his time with 4-wheeler riding with visiting friends and family, fishing, ice fishing, playing cards, riding his motorcycle, camping, and hunting. He especially enjoyed his time with his grandchildren.

John is survived by his loving wife Kathleen of Hermosa, SD; 4 children: Kim (Joe) Balabon of AZ, Jennifer (Jon) Mutschler of Bricelyn, MN, Sara Salisbury (Tom) of Wells, MN, Lisa Sunding of Kiester, MN; 4 grandchildren: Brandon (Katy) Mutschler of Mounds View, MN, Blake (Brittany) Mutschler of Kiester, MN, Nicholas Sunding (Quinlin Tuttle) of Hermosa, SD, Cody Paal (Maddie Hassebroek) of Wells; 4 great-grandchildren: Lorelei and Soran Mutschler, Cal and Tripp Mutschler; sister-in-law Marilyn Mutschler; brothers-in-law: Bruce (Dawn) Heetland, Doyle Thompson, Bruce Sunding; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws: Ronald (Gretchen) Heetland; brother, Loren Sunding, sister, Joyce Thompson, grandson Jordan Mutschler; sister-in-law: Linda Sunding and brother-in-law Gary Heetland.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the following in memory of John: Stillwater Hospice, 3117 W Rapid St. Rapid City, SD 57702 or Adult Day Care Center of the Black Hills, 4110 Winfield Ct., Rapid City, SD 57701.