Barbara "Sally" Welter

Barbara “Sally” Welter, 96, of Yankton, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026 at the Avera Majestic Bluffs Sister James Hospice House. Visitation will be Thursday, May 28 from 5:00-7:00 pm with a 7:00 pm wake service all at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton and one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Funeral Mass will be Friday, May 29, at 9:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton with Rev. Thi Pham and Rev. John Fisher celebrants. Burial will follow the mass at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home of Yankton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Barbara Jeanne “Sally” Welter was born on May 16, 1930, in Sioux City Iowa, to Lt. Col. Bernard and Catherine (Dougherty) Brown. She attended school in Sioux City and Omaha before moving with her mother and brother to Webster, South Dakota, during World War II, while her father served overseas. After the family returned to Sioux City, she graduated from Central High School.

Sally attended the University of South Dakota, where she joined the Chi Omega sorority and met her future husband, Delvin N.J. Welter. The couple married and later made their home in Yankton, where she lived the remainder of her life.

Sally was an extraordinary woman - a devoted daughter, wife, mother of seven, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to many. She was known for her strong spirit and engaging personality; even her license plate warmly greeted the world with the word “SMILE.” A devout Catholic, she was deeply committed to her faith and her community, especially through Sacred Heart Church and Sacred Heart Schools where she served in the Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, Madonna Circle, Right to Life Ministry, Serra Club and two choirs. With Delvin, she co-founded the Daily Family Radio Rosary Program, which continues to air today.

Sally’s dedication to service extended throughout the Yankton community, where she led and supported numerous civic and charitable organizations including PEO, Questers, the General Federated Women’s Club, PTA, Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, the Red Cross, and Meals on Wheels. She served on the Advisory Boards for the Human Services Center and Sacred Heart Hospital, volunteered as a patient liaison, and contributed to the Republican Party as a Committee Woman. Additionally, she helped establish endowments at Yankton High School and Mount Marty College. In recognition of her outstanding service, she was honored as the GFWC Woman of Achievement in 2004.

Sally was an accomplished writer, a published poet and an avid bridge player.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Joan (Brad) Kirby of Granite Bay, California, and their sons, Ryan and Grant; five sons, Gary (Debbie) Welter of Sioux Falls and their children Nick and Betsy (Rentschler); Dr. Randal (Suzanne) Welter of Sioux Falls and their son Tony; Michael (Sue) Welter of Yankton and their children Olivia (Rubano), John, Matt, Joseph, James, and Mary; Mark Welter of Sioux Falls and his children Zakk, Anna, and Emily; and Thomas (Louise) Welter of Midlothian, Virginia, and their sons Blake and Jacob; as well as 21 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Sally was preceded in death by her husband, Delvin N. J. Welter, daughter SueAnn Welter, her parents Lt. Col. Bernard and Catherine Brown, and her brother Dr. Bernard A. Brown (Marian).

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate caregivers and staff of Avera Sister James Care and Hospice Centers.

Memorials may be directed to the Yankton Radio Rosary Program, 509 Capital Street, Parish Offices, Yankton, SD 57078.