Brian Edelman

Brian Edelman, 62, of Sioux Falls, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Memorial services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, SD with Rev. Susan Fox officiating. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial of his cremated remains will take place in the Carlson Cemetery, rural Viborg later in the spring. The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Onsite Crematory, Yankton, SD is assisting with the service details. Online condolences may be sent at www.okfhc.com.

Brian was born on December 2, 1963, in Yankton, South Dakota to Leon and Ruby (Johnson) Edelman. He was baptized at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Menno on April 18, 1964 and later confirmed on October 29, 1978. Brian moved to Menno with his mother and his brother (Royce) at the age of four after his father’s passing. His mother later married Victor Lehr on April 23, 1972. Through this marriage, Brian was blessed with two younger brothers, Doug, born in 1973, and Dale, born in 1975.

Brian attended school in Menno. After his school years, he moved to Hot Springs, South Dakota, where he worked at a behavioral health facility offering his time and care to others. Following his time in Hot Springs, Brian returned to Menno and began working at Fensels in Freeman where his love of flowers and plants brought him great joy. He then worked at the Salem Home in Freeman, South Dakota where he loved caring for others and his dedication and kind heart touched everyone around him. On November 6, 1999 Brian was united in marriage to Kathy Gross. The couple then lived in Sioux City, Iowa where Brian worked at St. Lukes Hospital until he retired. After retirement in 2020 Brian and Kathy moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During his time here he enjoyed playing cards, board games and dominoes with many friends.

While in Sioux City, Brian loved attending Sioux City Musketeer hockey games, especially when his nieces and nephews joined him to cheer. Brian really enjoyed gardening and attending to his flowers. He loved watching the everchanging South Dakota weather. Brian treasured spending time with family and friends, and his warmth, laughter, and presence brought joy to all who knew him.

Brian is survived by his brothers Doug (Heather) Lehr, Dale (Shelley) Lehr, Nephews Logan (Michelle) Lehr, Garret Lehr, and Nieces Caitlyn Lehr, Victoria Lehr, Allison Lehr, and Great Nephews Flynn, Otto, August Lehr and Asher Kruse, from Menno, SD, and Cade Edelman of Sturgis, SD.

Brian was preceded in death by his father Leon, mother Ruby, step-father Victor Lehr, brother Royce Edelman, wife Kathy and nephew Trevor Edelman.