Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29 at Anderson Funeral Home, Canton, SD

Service: Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Canton Lutheran Church. 

Barbara Jean Rikansrud, age 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Trail Ridge Senior Living Community in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by the love of her family and the grace of the Lord she faithfully served throughout her life. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Canton Lutheran Church. Visitation, with family present, will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.

Barb was born on November 21, 1940, in Arlington, South Dakota, to Gunnar and Elva (Lager) Soderman. After graduating from Arlington High School, she attended beauty school in Sioux Falls. She began her career as a cosmetologist at Marinello Beauty Shop in Rapid City before later working in Madison, SD.

Barb married Gary Rikansrud on June 3, 1967, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arlington. Together they made their home on a farm west of Canton, where they farmed and raised their two children. In addition to helping on the farm, Barb spent many years as a devoted nanny for a local family, caring for children with the same warmth and kindness she shared with everyone she met.

Barb found joy in gardening, canning, crocheting, playing Bunco, and, most of all, spending time with her family. She also enjoyed sharing her musical talents by playing the accordion at area nursing homes alongside two dear friends, bringing smiles to countless residents through the gift of music.  A woman of deep and steadfast faith, Barb was a longtime member of Canton Lutheran Church. She lived her faith each day through her caring heart, humble spirit, and unwavering love for her family and community.

Above all else, Barb will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend whose gentle spirit, servant’s heart, and steadfast faith touched countless lives. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the many people whose lives were made brighter simply by knowing her.

Barb is survived by her son, Travis (Amber) Rikansrud; her daughter, Tami Rikansrud; her three beloved grandchildren, Ashton, Adella, and Gunnar; many cherished nieces and nephews; and numerous other relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary, in 2004; her parents, Gunnar and Elva Soderman; her sister, Beverly Nelson; and her brothers, Darwin Soderman and Dale Soderman.