Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Feb 25, 1959 – Sep 6, 2023
Joan Elaine Russell, 64, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Sanford Hospital, Sioux Falls, after a four-year hard-fought battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will take place at First Congregational Church, 300 S Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 1:00 PM. A Visitation with the family will take place at Heritage Funeral Home on Monday, September 11, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Joan was born February 25th, 1959 in Tyndall, SD to Dale O. and Arleen V. (Handel) Russell. She spent her childhood in Scotland, SD and at grandpa and grandma’s Hereford farm, North of town, graduating from Scotland High School in 1977 and from Yankton College a few years later. Joan moved to Sioux Falls to begin her career in television broadcasting, starting at KSFY TV as a reporter and eventually anchoring the 6 PM and 10 PM Eyewitness news each week night. She later had the opportunity to work at KELO, KDLT, and SDPB.
Joan paved the way for many female journalists in Sioux Falls and South Dakota. She was known as one of the strongest, most hard-working and honest journalists during her years with each broadcasting network. And she advanced her successful career while raising her first-born son as a single mom, and later while raising two more children. She supported her children in everything they pursued. Joan had a passion for finding the lead story, an affinity for music, a loyalty to her rural roots, and a natural confidence that cannot be taught. Both in her work and her own life, Joan was constantly investigating, reading, learning, and editing. She even corrected her children’s grammar in text messages and revised her own birthday card messages to loved ones. She was inspiring, witty, articulate, and kind. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Joan is survived by her three children, Jeff (Sarah) Russell, Patrick Wilka (Jade Christensen), and Claire Wilka (Ryan McFall), all in Sioux Falls; seven grandchildren Ayden, Fey, Dez, EJ, Jalen, Kennedy and Declan; three siblings John (Susan) Russell, Susan (George) Sedlacek, and Kay MacClure; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and father.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Reach Literacy program in Sioux Falls, SD, or the Banquet in Sioux Falls, SD.
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When Joan was married to my brother we were pretty close. She was a lot of fun and gracious host. My thoughts and prayers to my niece and nephew and families. I love you all.
Mary Boykin
September 13, 2023 | Coal City, IL | Family
We are truly sorry for your loss. Joan was a great lady and absolute tour de force. She was an inspirational woman who we will never forget. We have so many memories of Aunt Joan and feel blessed for the time we had with her.
Elizabeth Balderas
September 12, 2023 | Downers Grove, IL | Family
I first saw Joan when she would come to the Sioux Falls Public Center (Police Department) as a reporter. She did a great job reporting the news. She was indeed a very beautiful lady. May the Lord be with her family these days and the day to follow. Dora Valdez-Halter. Retired Sioux Falls Police Department.
Dora Valdez-Halter
September 12, 2023 | SIoux Falls, SD
My deepest sympathy to all of Joan’s family. She was such a vital part of that class of 1977 of which my older brother was a part. I so admired her talents in band, play productions and even as a lifeguard to name a few. She was a wonderful person and we all knew she would share her talents with the world and she did. May you rest in peace Joan.
Susan Bies
September 12, 2023 | Yankton, SD | Friend
My deepest sympathy to all of her family. Joanie was a friend & classmate. SHS Class of 1977 voted her “most outgoing”, and her personality continued to shine throughout her life. I have fond memories of times spent with her, and
our class reunions will never be the same without her. Sending hugs to her family. Rest in Peace old friend.
Pat (Arens) Dringman
September 11, 2023 | Deadwood, SD | Friend
I met Joan at KSFY during my first-ever job in TV news, and we quickly became fast friends. She was a great mentor for me then and only chuckled once or twice at my rookie mistakes. :-) Joan was a rarity in the business: not only a skilled and trusted anchor, but a driven reporter who would just as soon be outside the studio covering news, which she often did. She had a love for journalism, writing, and great video, and her exclusives were legendary. I always admired the journey of her early...
Marcia Coffey Turnquist
September 11, 2023 | Portland, OR | Friend
I met Joan on a few occasions in connection with our respective careers and I admired her so much. If only I had her confidence and dedication! I understand her fights against cancer also. I am praying for Joan and all who love her. You leave a stellar legacy Joan, rest well now in Heaven!!
Sara Burnette
September 11, 2023 | Sarasota, FL
Joan was a great friend. We met as brand new reporters at KSFY and stayed in touch off-and-on through the years. She was just a wonderful human being and such a good friend. I had never lived in the heartland before, always on the East and West coasts and she made me feel at home. I once laughed at her when she told me how she had gone on a school trip to Chicago and took photos of yellow taxis because she had never seen them before. Then I stopped for a moment and said "Joan, would you...
marilyn deutsch
September 10, 2023 | Portland, OR
Joan it was wonderful to know you! You are definitely a fighter against cancer! I will miss you . My prayers are for you and your family! 7
Jan Blumhoff
September 09, 2023 | Sioux Falls, NS | Friend