Mary Eileen Linke, age 92, of Mitchell, SD died Monday, March 13, 2017 at Firesteel Healtcare Center. Memorials service will be 11:00 AM Monday, March 20, 2017 at the Letcher Community Church in Letcher, SD with burial at West Lawn Cemetery in Letcher, SD. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday March 19, 2017 at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel.

Mary Eileen Smith, daughter of Harold and Bertha (Robbins) Smith, was born January 5, 1925 in Mitchell, SD. She grew up on a melon farm near Cuthbert, SD. Eileen graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1942 and Eastern State Normal School with an elementary education degree. She later taught four years.

On January 14, 1949, Eileen was united in marriage with Harold L. Linke. The couple farmed near Letcher, SD. Eileen was a seamstress, quilted, embroidered was an avid reader and crossword puzzle solver. She also enjoyed gardening and raising flowers. Eileen was a member of extension, study clubs, and a 4-H parent. Eileen loved poetry and visits from grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Eileen was a member of the Letcher Community Church in Letcher, SD, the Ladies Fellowship and taught Sunday school.

Grateful for having shared her life are her four children, Linda (Ron) Misar, Humboldt, SD, David (Pat) Linke, Mitchell, SD, Steve Linke, Woonsocket, SD and Carol Linke, Mitchell, SD; six grandchildren, Stephanie Misar, Arlington, VA, Jill (Brett) Mullaney, Dallas, TX, Peter (Kirsten) Linke, Brookings, SD, Derrick (Christine Rinehart) Linke and Rhett, Sioux Falls, SD, Shawn (Missy) Linke and Joey and McKala, Mitchell, SD, Tambi (Marty) Wormstadt and Aiden, Noah and Kara, Artesian, SD; four sisters, Ruth Gaetze, Letcher, SD, Helen Linke  and Vi Goergen, both of Woonsocket, SD, Karen (Jim) Mattke, Huron, SD; many nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Linke on May 23, 2006; her parents; a brother, Wayne Smith and numerous in-laws.