Honor Mission/Escort
March 20 & 21, 2026
Sioux Falls,SD
The family of Major J. Mark Heisey, USMC (Ret.), with the assistance of the Marine Corp League, has requested the Patriot Guard Riders to honor Major Heisey with flags and participation in the escort to the Military Heritage Alliance to show our appreciation and respect for his service to his and our great Nation. Mark enlisted in the United States Marine Corps which gave him the life he sought, providing an education that led him to become a trainer at Quantico early in his career. After earning a master’s in business and finance, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. After 22 years of service, Mark retired as a Major and relocated with his family to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Mark became active in the Marine Corps League Detachment 659 in Sioux Falls, serving in leadership roles. He was also a member of the American Legion, the VFW and the Military Vets committee. (There is much more information in Major Heisey’s Obituary, found in the Obituary listings on Miller Funeral Home’s web site.)
Visitation will begin at 4:30 pm, with a Time of Remembrance starting at 6:00 pm on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Miller Funeral Home (Southside Location) 7400 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD. This will be “Flags Only”. Paul Fiskum will be the R.C.I.C for this element of the mission.
A Celebration of Life and Military Rites will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:30 am at The South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, 1600 W. Russell St. Sioux Falls, SD, followed by a luncheon and additional visitation. There is an Honor Escort, for Major Heisey, planned by the Marine Corps League Detachment 659 starting at Miller Funeral Home and proceeding to South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, 1600 W. Russell St. Sioux Falls, SD.
STAGE: 9:15 am, Saturday, March 21st at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD. Flag up if you have a way to mount flags and DON’T BE LATE. ***If you will not be riding or coming in the escort go to the Alliance by 10:00 am.
Flags will be placed at the Alliance and flags will be available to hold during the Celebration of Life and Military Rites
Paul Fiskum will be the lead Ride Captain, so if you have questions he’s your contact.
PGR Ride Captain: Paul Fiskum, Sr. R.C./HOTH
605-366-7073
Funeral Mission with Military Honors
March 22 & 23, 2026
South Dakota Veterans’ Cemetery
Sioux Falls, SD
The family of Christopher M. Thesenvitz has requested the Patriot Guard Riders to honor Christopher with flags showing our appreciation, honor and respect for his service to our great Nation. After high school graduation, Christopher completed Basic Military Training for the United States Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base and technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base and Luke Air Force Base. Early in his career, he received the nickname “Taz” from his first flight chief, who jokingly preferred it to pronouncing his last name, a name that stuck and became well known and respected across the flight line.
In March of 2004, Christopher began his military career by joining the South Dakota Air National Guard, 114th Fighter Wing, as a crew chief. Throughout his 21 years of service, Christopher deployed multiple times overseas as well as other in-country locations in support of training and operational missions. He was deeply proud to serve his country and especially valued the Airmen he mentored and led. He was medically retired in October 2025 after 21 years of honorable service.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 23, 2026, at the St. Therese Catholic Church, Sioux Falls. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory. A Liturgical Wake Service with Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation. Committal will be at the South Dakota Veterans’ Cemetery in Sioux Falls. The visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be “Flags Only”.
Stage: 11:30 a.m., Monday, March 23rd at South Dakota Veterans’ Cemetery, 25965 477th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD.
Flags will be provided.
Ride Captain: Randy Ward, A.S.C.
605-359-8719
reward1948@yahoo.com