Timothy S. Determan

Timothy Scott Determan, 66, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life and sharing of memories will be held at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023, with Pastor Blair Kirkpatrick of Plymouth Congregational UCC officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. prior to the service. Casual dress or hunting attire is preferred.

There will be a time of fellowship and meal at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center immediately following. 

Burial will be at St. Michael Cemetery in Eden, SD, at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. The service will be live-streamed on our Facebook page.

Timothy “Tim” Scott Determan was born October 10, 1956, to Robert and Barbara (Hess) Determan in Sisseton, SD, where he was raised and attended Sisseton High School. He worked in Sisseton and Wessington Springs, SD, in construction and carpentry before finally settling in Aberdeen, SD. He most recently worked for JDH Construction before being forced to retire due to his diagnosis.

Tim was described by his family as having a whole lot of energy, a happy-go-lucky guy, natural people person, and always fun to be around. He loved a good laugh and handled each situation that came his way with stubbornness, in a good way. Especially when it came to his cancer diagnosis, he fought his way through it until the very end.

Tim’s journey with love wasn’t easy, but through all the things he went through, he always came back to one person: Sheila Bunke. Their love could be described as firey and enduring, and Tim loved to refer to her as “his tiger” and best friend. They didn’t always have things go their way, but eventually, they came to be together as God meant them to be. They brought two wonderful children into this world: Lennon Christopher and Marshall Dylan.

Tim dedicated a lot of time and effort to visiting his sister, brothers, immediate, and extended family. This was a huge priority for him, and he would drop everything to help them in a time of need. Tim also naturally became a part of the Bunke family, and his energy will live in them as well as his own family. The Bunke family includes Corey, who was like a brother to him, Laura and Melissa who were like sisters to him, and Mark and Judy who were like a second set of parents to him. Josh, Kyle, Jordan, Coltan, and all other cousins and relatives shared a deep love for him and will miss him dearly.

In his free time, Tim enjoyed spending time with Sheila and their children. He was eager to teach his sons and grandsons about the joys of his passion for hunting and fishing, as he spent much of his life doing so. He always told Sheila, “When I’m hunting Canadian geese, it’s always a rush. My heart beats so fast. I hope I go while I’m in the blind.”

Along with fishing and hunting geese, deer, and elk, Tim loved anything to do with the outdoors and his favorite show was Gunsmoke. Tim was a mentor, father, grandfather, and friend to all. He made many lasting relationships with his coworkers, some of whom even thought of him as a father. He touched so many lives and will be dearly missed.

Easily loved by all, Tim is survived by his love, Sheila Bunke of Aberdeen; sons, Lennon Christopher and Marshall Dylan; three grandsons from his previous marriage: Tayler, Timmy, and Tristan; siblings: Dennis (Nancy) Determan of Beulah, ND and Cindy Summitt of Safford, Arizona; sister-in-law Holly Determan of Milbank, SD; nieces and nephews: Sarah, Kelsey, Tabitha, Darcey, Jenny, and Ryan; many friends, including his best friend, Rick Carlson, and coworkers who were family to Tim.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Barbara; siblings: Mary (in infancy), Bruce, Greg, Jeff (in infancy), and Brent; and many more friends and family greeting him with open arms.

The family would like to extend a big thank you to the Avera Hospice team, especially Jess, Kelsey, and Jamie, Dr. Evan Pisick, Dr. Shan, and many caring nurses and staff at the CTCA City of Hope in Zion, IL.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.