Russell “Donk” Beste

YANKTON, S.D. — Russell “Donk” Beste, 47, Yankton, S.D., died July 17, 2020, at his home.

Visitation and a wake service were Sunday at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and On-Site Crematory, Yankton.

Mass of Christian Burial was July 20 at Sacred Heart Holy Family Catholic Church, Wynot, with Rev. An. D. Phan officiating, with masking and social distancing practiced. Services were also live streamed at https://www. facebook.com/opsahlkostel/live.

Cremation followed the service and a private family committal took place July 21.

Russ was born Feb. 13, 1973, to LeRoy and Sally (Burbach) Beste at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S.D. He graduated from Wynot Public Schools in 1991 and attended Northeast Community College, Norfolk, for two years earning a degree in diesel mechanics.

Russ worked as a farmer and trucker throughout his life.

His favorite hobby was riding his Harley Davidson 76 Super glide – shovel head.

Survivors include his son, Grant Beste, Yankton, S.D.; parents, LeRoy and Sally Beste, Wynot; siblings, Sue Ellen Beste, Minneapolis, Minn.; Jane (Bob) Lewton, Sturgis, S.D.; Jeff Beste (Teri), Dallas, Texas; and Pam Beste (fiancé, Rod Rohde), Emerson; niece, Paige Bennett (Tanner Johnson) and baby, Vincent LeRoy Johnson, born July 15, 2020; and a step nephew and several step nieces.

Russ was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gus and Laura Beste, and Werner and Marjorie Burbach.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.