Virginia Ann Kleinheksel, 86, a beloved resident of Canton, SD, passed away on April 5, 2026 at the Veterans Administration Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD With her daughter Chris present, she touched the lives of many with her kindness, strength and adventurous spirit.

Virginia was born on April 26, 1939 in Canton, OH, the daughter of Otis Smith and Mildred (Schott) Smith. She graduated from Canton High School in 1957 and then joined the US Air Force, where she served as a radar technician until 1961. Her dedication to learning led her to Cleveland State College where she graduated from the X-ray Technician Program and later earned a degree in Auto CAD Drafting at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls.

Virginia married Dale Kleinheksel on June 25, 1983 and they lived on an acreage outside of Freeman, South Dakota for many years. She treasured her time spent traveling with Dale in their semi-truck with their Corgis Taz and Disco. Their marriage was filled with love, adventure and unwavering support for one another.

Virginia found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved sewing, reading, crocheting, knitting, solving puzzles, creating ceramics, horseback riding, auctions fairs and even skydiving. When Virginia was younger, she delighted in amusement parks and roller skating. She used to make clothes for us kids when we were little. She made her wedding dress that she married Dale in plus she made her granddaughter Karen’s prom dress.

She also used to make Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for family and friends.

She will be remembered for her warmth, curiosity and zest for life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Dale; her children, Chris (John) Steele of Freeman, SD and Joseph (Lucy) Dunikowski of Cleveland, OH; step-daughters, Lisa (Terry) Wendland of Wright, Wy and Michelle (Shane) Garry of Whitewood, SD; grandchildren, James (Betty) Spearow of Sioux Falls, Karen Spearow of Hartford, Mike (Brenda) Spearow of Sioux Falls, Joseph Dunikowski lll of Cleveland, Oh Beau Wendland, Kayla Wendland, Breanna Garry and Tessa Garry; great grandchildren, Vincent Burton, Aubrey Spearow, Keilani Spearow and Kassidy Spearow; two brothers, Eugene Smith of Mogadore, OH and Otis Paul Smith of Red Oak, Ok.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Jeff Wendland; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Smith and Mary Smith; brothers in law, Ed Kleinheksel and Roy Kleinheksel.