Myla Vander Aarde

Myla (Mogen) Vander Aarde, age 71, of Big Stone City, SD, passed away on December 31, 2025. Myla was spicy and generous, always eager to help with any activity, whether it was decorating, gardening, or cleaning out cluttered or overgrown areas.

No services are planned at this time.

Myla Ann (Mogen) Vander Aarde was born in 1954 to Bryan and Ruth (Norgaard) Mogen. She lived her best life on her terms, surrounded by family, friends, and beauty. Her home in South Dakota was a welcoming refuge where she had an open door for her kids, grandkids, the weekly card game guys, and her friends. Myla’s home and gardens were curated with an artist’s eye and a bright palette.

A person knew they were a welcomed guest when they ate one of her chocolate chip cookies, a square of frosted Texas chocolate cake, or a handful of peppernuts at Christmas. She appreciated good food, especially if it was made for her. Baking with her was a treat. Myla enjoyed a happy hour drink if one was fixed for her, but she only drank half, since she didn’t want it to go to her head.

She loved life at the lake. As a kid, Myla fished off the dock and waterskied off the back of “Duddy Boat.” When she became a full-time resident on Rocky Point, she cruised around in her golf cart, which was filled with cut flowers for neighbors, garden tools, a chainsaw, watering jugs, and a half-filled bottle of pop.

Myla loved her family deeply and was a fierce advocate for her kids and grandkids. She cheered them on, fought for them, protected them, and gently or directly reminded others to do the same.

For more than 48 years, Myla was married to the love of her life, Bill. They met in Brookings, SD, and the two were married on August 6, 1977, in Aberdeen, SD. They made homes in Chanhassen, MN; Woodbury, MN; Eagan, MN; and Big Stone City, SD.

Myla will be deeply missed by her husband, William “Bill” Vander Aarde; children: Charlie Vander Aarde (Meaghan Shomion), Sarah (Craig) Weinberg, and Mychal (Alyssa) Vander Aarde; her grandchildren: Calvin, William, Edward, Thomas, Penelope, Theodore, and Stanley; her sisters: Kim Mogen and Jill Mogen; along with her many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorials may be made to the Grant County Food Pantry in Milbank, SD.