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**Please note that the live stream of the Funeral Service for Garett Warkenthien will be located at the above link or navigating directly to the Furness Funeral Home Facebook page.  At approximately the time of service, a live video will appear for viewing.**

Garett Warkenthien, 23, formerly of Willow Lake, SD, passed away on December 25, 2025, in Rapid City, SD. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Willow Lake School gymnasium on Saturday, January 10, 2026. A time of fellowship celebrating Garett's life will immediately follow the service, at the school. Visitation will be held the evening prior, Friday, January 9, 2026, at Furness Funeral Home in Clark, SD from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m.

Garett Alfred Warkenthien was born on August 14, 2002 in Watertown, SD. He grew up on the family farm in Willow Lake, SD. He enjoyed puzzling with his “Grandpa Great” as he called his great grandpa Carl Bruns. He was known as the puzzle master. Throughout his life he enjoyed building Legos, skateboarding, gaming, the great outdoors and all genres of music. Garett played a variety of instruments including the trumpet, acoustic and electric guitars. He was in Boy Scouts achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout. I’m sure scouting contributed highly to his love of and respect for nature. His scoutmasters and fellow troop members always called him “Super Scout.” Annually, since he was 12, he would take a dirtbiking trip with his dad to Rapid City area. His sister, Ginny joined in on these trips 5 years ago. Garett cherished family time and his sisters were very important to him. The 3 of them were all very close and enjoyed being together.

Garett attended Willow Lake School graduating in 2020. He then attended South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City, SD to study chemical engineering. While living in Rapid City he found a passion for rock climbing. Garett was an avid hiker. Any time we would visit he would make us hike to different beautiful places. He loved to travel and national parks were high on his list. The Badlands was one of his favorite places. Garett was fond of the ranching lifestyle and liked to watch rodeo. He also loved the culinary arts. He was quite the chef. He enjoyed pastries the best. A Monte Christo was his favorite “sandwich.”

Garett got his first job the summer or 2017 at The Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead in DeSmet, SD, a job he truly loved. He returned there to work every summer during high school. He enjoyed the Homestead and horses so much that he even traveled back to help with the Pageant weekends in the summers after moving to Rapid City. On May 19, 2025, Garett started working for Cole-Tac where he made shooting sport accessories. He loved his job and spoke highly of his coworkers.

Garett is survived by his parents Ryan and Loretta (Matthew) Warkenthien, his sisters Gwyneth and Ginny, his grandparents Marlin and Cindy Warkenthien of Willow Lake, SD Larry Matthew of Marian, MT Gloria Matthew of Escondido, CA and Judy (Sikich)and Pete Sudekis of Plains, MT as well as several aunts uncles and cousins.

Garett’s family and friends count ourselves truly blessed to have shared in his earthly life. His great sense of humor and adventure will definitely be missed. He was so fun, such a kind, loving, creative soul.