DeAnn Rae Ochsner
DeAnn Rae Ochsner, 71, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Avera Mother Joseph Manor.
DeAnn Rae Krueger was born on July 24, 1954, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Harold and Sarah (Jones) Krueger. She attended O.M. Tiffany Elementary School until 1965, when her family moved to Frederick, South Dakota. She graduated from Frederick High School in 1972.
Following graduation, DeAnn lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and California before marrying Lance Bunke in 1974. Together they welcomed two daughters, Tara and Trista.
On August 14, 2009, DeAnn married Mark Ochsner. They made their home in Battle Ground, Washington, where they lived until returning to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in August 2019. Mark preceded DeAnn in death in 2022.
Throughout her life, DeAnn held a variety of jobs and was known for her strong work ethic and caring nature. She worked at Control Data, served as a nursing assistant in local nursing homes, and became well known at the Frederick American Legion, where she enjoyed keeping the locals in line with her quick wit and no-nonsense personality.
DeAnn was an avid reader who could always be found with a good book close at hand. She had a deep love for animals and found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandsons, Hunter and Ryder. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, her strength, her love of family, and the countless ways she cared for those around her.
She is survived by her daughters, Tara (Corey) Meyers, and Trista (Justin Beaty) Bunke; her grandsons, Hunter and Ryder; her siblings, Darrell Krueger of Wolsey, SD, Deb (Garet Mohr) Fickett of Aberdeen, SD, and Doug Krueger of Herreid, SD; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Ochsner; her grandparents; her parents, Harold and Sarah Krueger; and her brother, Dennis Krueger.
DeAnn leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the family and friends fortunate enough to have known her. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
In honor of DeAnn, take time to enjoy a good book, show kindness to animals, and cherish the people you love. These simple things brought her joy and are a reflection of the beautiful life she lived.