Verlyn LeRoy Lindell, 94, of Sioux Falls, SD died surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 2nd at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 2001 S. Elmwood Ave, Sioux Falls, SD. The funeral will take place the following morning, Wednesday, June 3rd at 10:00 am at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at 12:30 pm at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, 2001 E. 12th St., Sioux Falls, SD.

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Verlyn LeRoy Lindell was born on April 16, 1932 in Denver, CO to Edward G. and Estella (Lundin) Lindell. He was baptized and confirmed at Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver. Verlyn graduated from North Denver High School in 1951 and from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS in 1955 with a B.S. in chemistry.

Verlyn taught mathematics and chemistry at Luther Junior College in Wahoo, NE from 1956 to 1962. In 1958, he earned an MA in mathematics from the University of Denver. While at Luther, he met Nora Haiwick, dean of women and instructor in business education. They were married on December 16, 1961.

He taught mathematics at Carthage College in Carthage, IL, where daughter Karin was born and at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA, where daughter Lisa was born. He completed his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Denver in 1966. In 1967, Verlyn and his family moved to Sioux Falls, where he joined the mathematics faculty at Augustana University. He taught at Augustana until his retirement in 2005, shaping generations of students through his love of mathematics and his patient, thoughtful teaching. He often found himself running into former students who remembered him fondly.

Throughout his career, Verlyn gave generously of his time and leadership, serving on numerous college committees, including Due Process, Education, Religious Affairs, and the Bush Faculty Development Grant. He also served on the Curriculum Council, chaired the Personnel Council, and represented the faculty on the Augustana Board of Regents. He was chair of the mathematics department from 1979 to 1987 and again from 1991 to 1992.

Verlyn wrote successful proposals for and directed five summer teachers' institutes funded by the National Science Foundation. He presented at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics and also reviewed grant proposals for the US Department of Education.

Faith and church were central to Verlyn's life. He was active at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, serving on committees, church council, and as church treasurer. He served on the Executive Board of the Red River Valley Synod of the Lutheran Church in America and was elected as a voting delegate to three national churchwide assemblies in Boston, Seattle, and Denver.

Verlyn was honored to receive the Bethany College Alumni Award of Merit in 2006 and the Luther Junior College Faculty Achievement Award in 2011.

Verlyn found joy in many interests and hobbies. He loved model trains, a passion inspired by his father's work on the Rio Grande Railroad. He enjoyed coin collecting, researching family history (especially Swedish), and writing his memoirs. Blessed with a phenomenal mind, he was a wonderful storyteller who could vividly recall people, places, and events from decades past. Family and friends treasured the stories he shared and the warmth, kindness, and wisdom he brought to every interaction. Above all, he loved his family deeply.

Verlyn is survived by his beloved wife Nora, daughters Karin of Sioux Falls and Lisa of Brookings, sister-in-law Patty of Northfield, MN, nephews Paul (Rebecca) of Rochester, MN and Erik (Sally) of Northfield, and cherished extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Edward.

We are deeply grateful to the Sanford Home Hospice team, whose compassionate care and support meant so much to our whole family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Mark's Lutheran Church Endowment Fund or the Edward G. and Estella Lindell Scholarship at Augustana University.