It is with profound sadness and enduring love that we announce the passing of Sara L. Martin, 61, Sioux Falls, SD, who departed this world on March 30, 2026, surrounded by the family she so fiercely loved.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon with a Memorial Service beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Sara Louise Rosenbaum was born on May 23, 1964, in South Dakota to Arnold and Kathryn (Vondrak) Rosenbaum. Sara was raised in Jefferson, SD with her siblings. Sara was a woman of remarkable strength, a tireless work ethic, and the guiding heartbeat of her family.
Sara was a pillar of reliability and integrity. She spent 25 years as a valued member of the Ecolab team, where she was known for her unwavering dedication. She approached her career with the same determination and resilience that defined her character, earning the deep respect of those who worked alongside her.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sara found her greatest happiness in the beauty of the natural world. She lived for the warmth of the sun—whether she was relaxing on the beach, tending to her garden, or embarking on a long-awaited road trip. Her spirit truly shone through the eyes of her grandchildren. Known affectionately as “Grandma Chewy,” she was an adventurer at heart who delighted in hunting for bugs, reptiles, and amphibians with her grandkids. She taught them to find wonder in the small, crawling things and to appreciate the magic in everyday moments. She also enjoyed the Buffalo Bills and riding her Harley Davidson.
Sara’s greatest masterpiece was the family she nurtured. She is survived by her children, who were her pride and joy, Christopher Martin, Steven Martin, and Tashia (Wes) Pfaff. She remains a cherished light in the lives of her grandchildren, Max and Zoey Pfaff, and Samuel and Isabelle Martin. Sara also leaves behind her fiancé, Tony Tulio, who brought her immense love and companionship, and her two loyal dogs, Chewbacca and Sadie. She is also survived by her siblings, Keith Rosenbaum, Sheri (Dennis) Pitz, Star Dahm, Mike (Kris) Rosenbaum, and Charles (Stacey Chavez) Rosenbaum.
She now joins her parents, Arnold and Kathryn Rosenbaum; and her siblings, Joseph Rosenbaum and Tammy Painter, in eternal rest.
Sara will be remembered for her unwavering strength, her infectious warmth, and the boundless love she gave so freely. While her presence will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in every garden bloom, every beach sunrise, and the many lives she touched.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.