Wade Harkema

Wade J. Harkema, 58, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Chamberlain, SD. He was doing what he loved—fishing the Missouri River with a good friend.

Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in De Smet, SD. Father Larry Regynski will officiate with music provided by Jamie Gauer as organist. Active pallbearers will be Dave Fossum, Tom Auen, Jim Auen, Blair Auen, Bailey Auen, and Heath Driscoll.

Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:30 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in De Smet, SD.

Burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Carthage following the luncheon.

Wade was born on February 20, 1968, in Sioux Falls, SD. He grew up in Sioux Falls and in communities across northwest Iowa. After graduating from West Lyon High School, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 6th Infantry Division. Trained in howitzer repair, he was stationed at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, AK, a place he loved.

After completing his military service, Wade enrolled at Southeast Technical Institute and became a surgical technologist, beginning a career he truly loved. He was a long-term employee of Brookings Hospital and was well-liked and deeply appreciated by his coworkers. In the operating room, his knowledge and experience were unmatched. He cared deeply for his patients and took great pride in his work.

Outside of work, Wade loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends and spending time at his shared acreage near Carthage, SD. He made the most of all that South Dakota has to offer. In the spring, he hunted turkeys in the Black Hills and fished for walleye in the Glacial Lakes. In the fall, he pursued big game and hunted pheasants and waterfowl alongside his beloved Labrador retriever, Bella. Wade also had a keen eye for photography and shared many striking images of South Dakota’s wildlife and landscapes.

Wade believed in doing things the right way and always wanted what was best for his country, his patients, South Dakota’s wildlife and natural beauty, and the people around him.

He is survived by his brothers, Vance Harkema of Sioux Falls, SD; Keith Harkema of Baltic, SD; and Danie Harr of Rock Rapids, IA; his stepmother, Penny Lorenzen of Rock Rapids, IA; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanine (Driscoll) Harkema; his father, John Harkema; and his brothers, Shane Harkema and Donie Harr.

Arrangements entrusted to Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel                    www.crawfordosthus.com

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