Holly Lane (Tchida) Gunderson, 73, of Piedmont, SD, and formerly of Sisseton, SD, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Holly was born on Christmas Day in 1952 in Sisseton, South Dakota, the seventh child of John and Olga Tchida. Her parents brought their Christmas gift home by horse and buggy. As the youngest child, Holly grew up surrounded by nieces and nephews with whom she shared a special closeness. Many still fondly recall the privilege of brushing Aunt Holly’s beautiful golden locks, trips to the lake, and her great sense of humor.

Holly began working as a babysitter at age 11. She later worked in a café and a nursing home and even plucked feathers from geese alongside the nuns at the local creamery. At 18, she found work at a pub on Main Street in Sisseton, and it was there she met the two loves of her life: Tom Gunderson and bartending.

In 1972, Tom and his brother, Gene, opened Gunners Pub and hired Holly—unpaid, as she liked to joke—to run the bar. Tom and Holly married in 1976 and welcomed their daughter, Lisa, in 1978. After seven years at Gunners Pub, Tom and Holly, along with their infant daughter, headed west to pursue their dream of opening Elk Creek Steakhouse and Lounge. Elk Creek opened in 1979 and became Holly’s new baby. To Holly, it was never simply work; it was her dream and her passion. In 1981, Tom and Holly welcomed their son, Al, and the family of four lived next door to the restaurant for more than two decades. They could not have imagined a better place to raise their children, with Elk Creek as an extension of their home and its staff and patrons as part of their family. In 2001, Tom and Holly sold Elk Creek and began a new chapter in their lives: retirement.

When the need arose, she happily came out of retirement and returned to something she truly enjoyed—serving others. She thoroughly loved the years she spent behind the bar at The Barn and the many friends she met in her “retirement gig.” She had a wonderful sense of humor and delighted in getting people riled up. She found great joy in teasing others and making them smile.

Holly had a natural gift for making people feel welcomed and cared for. Despite the countless people she served over the years, she possessed an extraordinary memory. She would meet people during the Rally, remember them when they returned the following year, and amaze them by placing their usual drink in front of them.

Every Christmas—although it was also her birthday—Holly embodied the spirit of the season. The gifts from her seemed endless. Just when everyone thought there could not possibly be more, she would hear Santa’s bells outside, and somehow, he had left another collection of presents in the garage. Holly loved showering people with affection and gifts. If she saw something she thought might bring someone happiness, she bought it. Her generosity was not simply something she practiced; it was a reflection of who she was.

Her extraordinary patience and creativity shone through in the times she spent helping Lisa complete her Corn Palace model, working on Al’s science project, and creating the most unique Valentine’s Day boxes for River and Meadow. She loved planning Easter egg hunts, carefully color-coordinating the eggs to ensure everyone had fun and an equal number of treasures. At Christmastime, her home looked like something from a Hallmark movie—despite her dislike of Hallmark movies. She much preferred crime dramas and horror films.

Family—whether related by blood or chosen through love—was always Holly’s greatest joy. She was a trusted friend and confidante to many. She met others without judgment and treated them with compassion and kindness.

Holly was preceded in death by her parents, John and Olga Tchida; sisters, Phyllis and Ina; brother, Ricky; brother-in-law, Gene; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is survived by her husband and the love of her life for 50 years, Tom; daughter, Lisa (Aaron) Clendenin; son, Al (Tessa) Gunderson; brothers, Jerry, Rodney, and Sidney; grandchildren, River, Meadow, Pate, and Rye; along with many beloved relatives and friends, whom she considered family.

Holly’s warmth, humor, generosity, and gift for making everyone feel cared for will be deeply missed. Her legacy lives on in the countless people she welcomed, served, teased, encouraged, and loved.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church in Piedmont. Following the service, family and friends are invited to continue celebrating Holly’s life at The Barn (16220 Spring Valley Road, Piedmont, South Dakota 57769).