Irene Moke age 93, of Mitchell, SD died Monday, December 26, 2016 at Avera St. Benedict Hospital in Parkston. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, December 30, 2016 at St. John Lutheran Church (Hillside) rural Dimock, SD. Visitation will be 6 to 8 PM Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. Burial will be in St. John (Hillside) Cemetery in rural Dimock, SD.

Irene Sophie Moke was born in rural Delmont on June 25,1923 to Andrew and Sophia (Fink) Kurtz, the second of seven children.  Irene was a direct descendent of a group of Germans that lived in Russia.  Irene attended a local one room school house through the eighth grade.  Unable to attend high school, she worked as a housekeeper, nanny, cook, and waitress, in addition to working at her family's farm.

On January 16, 1944, Irene married Leonard Carl Moke at St. Peters Lutheran Church in rural Armour, SD.  They farmed in the Hillside and Ethan areas, and God blessed them with four children.  They were both involved in farming until the time of Leonard's death in 1992.  In December of 2000, Irene moved to Mitchell and lived independently until the time of her death.  She passed away on December 26, 2016 at Parkston Hospital at the age of 93 1/2.

Irene was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church (Hillside) including quilting, ladies church circle, bible study, and other church activities.  She was a member of the Davison County Friendship Circle Extension Club.  She was also a volunteer with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program for many years and a greeter at the Mitchell Corn Palace, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

At home Irene was an avid gardener, baker, and seamstress.  She enjoyed embroidery and needlepoint.  She spent many hours helping her husband with farm work.  Together they enjoyed fishing, traveling, playing cards, and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Irene and Leonard had four children: Carol (Dwight) Hills (deceased), Gerald (Sandy) Moke of Ethan, Patricia (Richard) Starrett of Mountain View, CA, and Kenneth (Alice) Moke of Huntington Beach, CA; ten grandchildren: Amy (Brad) Sudbeck of Rapid City, Sherie Moke of Sioux Falls, Jason (Rebecca) Moke of Ethan, Tim (Shanna) Moke of Dell Rapids, Jessica (Matt) Erpenbach of Rapid City, James Starrett of Auburn, AL, Mark Starrett of San Francisco, CA, Diana Moke of Los Angeles, CA, Adam Moke of Madison, WI, and Katherine Moke of Washington, DC; eleven great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Zack, and Zoe Sudbeck, Carter and Ali Moke, Camden, Olivia, and Brielle Moke, and Ava, Sophia, and Stella Erpenbach.

Irene is survived by three siblings: Robert (Elaine) Kurtz of Delmont, Richard Kurtz of Milwaukee, WI, and Esther (Mick) Pietz of Mitchell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband of 48 years, daughter Carol and son-in-law Dwight, sister-in-law Joan Kurtz, and brothers Clifford (and wife Olinda), Arthur, and Elmer (and wife Gloria).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St John Lutheran Church (Hillside), 39943 270th St Dimock, 57331, or Heart and Sole Cancer Walk of Mitchell.