Don Moerike

A private family memorial service for Don Moerike was held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Mark Tuttle officiating.

Music was provided by Geoff Smith, soloist. Inurnment will be in the Peterson Cemetery in Lucas, SD, at a later date. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Don Dwayne Moerike was born on December 8, 1938, on the family farm to Raymond and Margaret (Bahm) Moerike.

Don was the middle child of seven; Clarence, Dorothy, and Lou Jean, were older and Lyle, Wesley, and Yvonne were younger. Don worked with his dad on the farm.

Don joined the Army National Guard in 1955, and in 1957, Don married Margaret Ann Fode. They raised two children, Rita and Russell.

He raised crops, cattle, and pigs on his farm, and enjoyed dancing and visiting with anyone that he met.

After Don had his stroke, he moved to the Burke Senior Village, then to TLC in Burk, and finally, as he needed more care, he moved to the Butte Nursing Home.

Don passed away at the Burke Community Memorial Hospital on May 5, 2023, at the age of 84.

He is survived by his daughter Rita (Charlie) Drews; his former wife Margaret; grandchildren Casey, Scott (Amy), Richard, Robyn, Rochelle, and Randall; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters Lou Jean Beranek and Yvonne Umberger; brother Lyle (Shirley) Moerike; sisters-in-law Jeannie Moerike and Linda Moerike; and brother- in-law Donald Beranek.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, son Russell, brother Clarence, sister Dorothy Beranek, and brother Wesley Moerike.