Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Heritage Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, SD.
Service: A Celebration of Lisa’s Life will begin at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, SD.
Livestream: Click here
Lisa Marie Ekberg -Van Dame was born in the early hours of March 2, 1975, under brightly shining stars of a cold crisp morning in Gregory, South Dakota. She was the first child of Chad and Nancy. Lisa passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and determination.
Lisa’s life was marked by her dedication to helping others and her adventurous spirit. She attended grade school in Gillette, Wyoming. Moving to South Dakota in 1987, she attended Madison Junior High, and graduated from Madison High School in 1993.
She excelled in several customer service roles throughout her career, earning the admiration and respect of coworkers and customers alike. Most recently, she was employed at Pathward (formerly MetaBank) as a Quality Assurance Analyst in Sioux Falls. Independent and strong-willed, Lisa embraced new challenges and experiences with enthusiasm. She often reminisced about her time as an over-the-road trucker, proudly hauling treasures from border to border. It was a profession she adored, despite her early driving lessons in the hayfields of Hamill, South Dakota, where she humorously opted to drive into the hay bales rather than around them.
In addition to her professional achievements, Lisa found great joy in her community work. She was a passionate volunteer with SiouxperCon, a role that brought her immense fulfillment and allowed her to connect with others who shared her interests. She approached every aspect of her life—whether professional, personal, or volunteer work—with warmth, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Lisa’s proudest accomplishments were her sons, Gabriel Lee and Nathan Michael, who brought her boundless joy, pride, and love. She cherished every moment with them and celebrated their successes as her greatest triumphs.
Lisa is survived by her sons, Gabriel and Nathan; their father, Bruce Van Dame; her parents, Darrel and Nancy Presuhn of Madison, South Dakota, and Chad and Suzi Ekberg of Gillette, Wyoming; and her siblings, Amy (Doug) Buitenbos and their sons Samuel, Benjamin, and Joseph; Daniel Ekberg; and Kim Ingber. She is also survived by her step-siblings, Stephanie (Jason) Terwilliger and their children Cassidy, Harris, Autumn, and Charlotte; Mike (Leanne) Torsney and family; James (Jennifer) Torsney and family; and Sarah (Bill) Hewes and family; as well as her aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends, Randi Ayers, Ruth Hamann, and Larayna Honea.
Lisa was preceded in death by her grandparents, Albin and Laurene Ekberg and Bill and Louise Lydic, brother-in-law, Jason Ingber, and sisters-in-law Jeannie Ramirez and Cricket Corbin.
Lisa’s strength, humor, and boundless love for her family and friends will forever be remembered. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and an indomitable spirit that touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
A visitation with family present will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 5:00-7:00PM at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls. A Celebration of Lisa’s Life will begin at 2:00PM, Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison SD. In order to help with ongoing and future expenses, please consider a donation to $GabeAndNathan on Cash App, @GabeAndNathan on Venmo, or spot.fund/SupportForGabeAndNathan. A livestream of Lisa’s service can be found at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83529393944 www.heritagesfsd.com