Donna Nichols, 71

Donna J. Nichols, age 71, of Brandon, SD, died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, following a long and courageous battle with chronic pain and COPD. 

A Celebration of Life open house will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, with a time of sharing beginning directly after. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls.

Donna is survived by her two daughters, Kimberly Johnson (daughter of her first husband, Leslie Johnson) and Amanda Christopherson; as well as her son, Jason, whom she did not raise but was very fond of and held close in her heart. She was a proud mother-in-law to Dave and Ezekiel; and a devoted grandmother to Caden, Jackson, Madison, Kennedy, Micah, and Ella. Her love also extended to her great-grandchildren, Oliver and Sapphire. She is further survived by her brother, Douglas Stelzer; her stepsister, Cora Martin; her dog, Lilah; nieces and nephews; and several cousins.

For online condolences, visit heartlandfunerals.com.