Mary Noralene (Klos) Lienhard was born on January 8, 1938, in Clear Lake, South Dakota, to Frank Klos Jr. and Amy (Ruesink) Klos. She passed peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Alcester Care and Rehab Center in Alcester, South Dakota, with family by her side.

A visitation will be held at Miller Funeral Home Westside Chapel (6200 W. 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD) on August 24, 2026, from 5PM - 7PM. A funeral will be held the following morning, Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home Westside Chapel at 10AM.

Mary grew up in Castlewood, South Dakota, alongside her brothers, Gene Klos, Maynard Klos, Francis Klos, and Roger Klos (Linda) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She graduated from Castlewood High School; shortly after graduation, she met William Howard Lienhard of Hayti, South Dakota. The two were married on September 15, 1956.

Following their marriage, Mary and Bill briefly lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, before returning to South Dakota. They eventually made their home in Sioux Falls, where they began their family and raised five children: Debi (Jeff) Oleson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Larry (Cindy) Lienhard of Alexandria, Minnesota; Lisa (Paul) Tunge of Marion, South Dakota; Kevin (Laurie) Lienhard of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Travis (Jodi) Lienhard of Hartford, South Dakota.

Mary and Bill's family grew to include 11 grandchildren: Sarah Oleson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Elisha (Ryan) Revell of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Elizabeth (Terry) Britton of New Richmond, Wisconsin; Amy (Trent) Hagen of Mitchell, South Dakota; Bradley (Logan) Tunge of Valley Springs, South Dakota; Jordan (Serena) Tunge of Brandon, South Dakota; Ellie Lienhard of Hartford, South Dakota; Ganon Lienhard of Hartford, South Dakota; Will Lienhard of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Olivia (Rick) Naus of Wayzata, Minnesota; and Racquel (Cam) Dearing of St. Michael, Minnesota. She was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren: Payton Revell of Sioux Falls, SD, Marissa Lienhard of New Richmond, WI, Ayden Britton, of New Richmond, WI, Aleah Britton of New Richmond, WI, McKenna Britton of New Richmond, WI, Hayes Hagen of Mitchell, SD, Amelia Hagen of Mitchell, SD, Tarynn Tunge, Jett Tunge, Laynn Tunge, Vann Tunge all of Valley Springs, SD, Raylee Tunge of Brandon, SD, Oliver Harding, Callum Dearing, and Nova Dearing all of St. Michael, MN along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother. She spent her early years at home with Bill raising their family before beginning a 30-year career as a cashier at K-Mart, where she eventually retired. In retirement, Mary and Bill enjoyed spending time together working on small house projects, watching the birds at the feeder out her kitchen window and dedicating their time to their children and grandchildren. They loved to go to church, Bill in a suit and Mary in her Sunday best, go wandering through stores, taking drives around the city, people watching, going out to eat, sitting in the driveway watching traffic, having coffee with friends and family, and taking trips in their beloved little camper to Lake Pahoja or hanging out with their kids at Lake Thompson, almost always accompanied by their precious little dog Skeeter.

Mary was the true definition of “Sugar and Spice”, she loved being a “girly girl” always being sure her hair, make-up and nails were done, wearing perfume, jewelry, sparkly shirts and shopping for shoes and purses.

When Mary was blessed with her first four grandchildren, all girls, she made a tradition of having her ears pierced alongside each of them, so they never had to do it alone. By the end, both of Mary's ears were decorated from top to bottom with diamonds, pearls, and plenty of sparkly, dangling earrings. She loved layered necklaces and would fill nearly every finger with colorful, sparkly gemstone rings.

She loved having “slumber parties” with her grandkids and hiding treats, usually cookies, in her oven. She was quick to laugh and was almost always up for mischief of some kind, including getting her first tattoo, a butterfly on her shoulder, with her daughter Lisa at 72, but she was just as excited to hear about someone else’s adventures.

She loved fiercely and gave affection freely. She was quick to give you a hug, hold your hand or play with your hair. During the quiet times relaxing at home watching a movie, she would tickle your arm or trace circles around your face and ears lulling you into a peaceful sleep making you feel safe, loved and at home.

She was someone you could talk to and confide in. She encouraged you to go out into the world to experience and explore. She supported you during life’s lessons and was quietly generous in times of need or simply just because she wanted to be.

At just over 5’ tall she could be feisty and was not afraid to stand up for what she thought was right. She was quick to share her opinion or let you know when she thought something was off and needed to be addressed. She wasn't particularly interested in being told what to do. She disliked having her picture taken and didn’t hesitate to ask the why behind the decision. She let you know where she stood and did so proudly; strong, competent and capable, small but mighty.

She always had room for one more at her table and even people not related to her called her mom or grandma. But she was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved, and loved her, the most.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, strength and family. She will be deeply missed—not only for the love she gave so freely, but for her antics, her unmistakable laugh, the mischievous sparkle in her eye, her oh so stubborn streak, and even her legendary sneeze that would wake an entire room.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Klos Jr. and Amy Klos; her brothers, Gene, Maynard, and Francis; and her loving husband, Bill.

She leaves behind a family who was fortunate enough to know her, love her, learn from her, laugh with her, and be loved by her. Her greatest legacy will always be the people she loved and the love she poured into them.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

“I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.” 2 Kings 20:5

“Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.” Isaiah 35:5