South Dakota Patriot Guard Riders

Funeral Mission with Military Honors
April 12 & 13, 2026
Sioux Falls, SD

The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited by the family of Hugo Mertens Jr. to show our appreciation and respect to Hugo with flags posted in honor of his service to his and our great country.  Hugo proudly served for two years, from 1955 to 1957, in the United States Air Force, where he enlisted at the age of 17.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon, SD.  Visitation with the family present will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a Liturgical Wake Service followed by Rosary starting at 3:30 p.m., on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home-Brandon Valley Chapel in Brandon, SD.  Burial will take place at the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls at 12:00 p.m.  The Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be “Flags Only”.

Stage: 11:30 a.m., Monday, April 13th at South Dakota Veterans’ Cemetery, 25965 477th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD.