Eunice Siler

Funeral services for Eunice Siler were held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Burke, SD, with Pastor Sarah Herman officiating. Music was provided by Twylah Ward, organist. Debbie Storms was in charge of registration. Casket bearers were Chad Bohnet, Brian Bohnet, Kurt Bohnet, Brad Bohnet, Steve Bohnet, and Arnie Storms. Interment was in the Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements Eunice M. Siler was born August 30, 1919, on the family homestead near Lucas, SD, to Thomas C. and Anna (Ternes) Stewart.

Eunice grew up in the Lucas area. She and her sister spent several years in Tacoma, WA, with an aunt and uncle because of health concerns with Eunice’s lungs. She attended school, graduating in 1936. She then attended Yankton College in Yankton, SD, where she received her teaching certificate. She began her teaching career in 1937, teaching in several local country schools: Lucas, White Rive, and Burke, to mention a few.

She was united in marriage to Dick Siler in 1944. Although Eunice and Dick were never blessed with any children, they were like parents to many nieces and nephews.

Eunice wrote articles for many area newspapers and magazines. Some of her hobbies were drawing, hunting, fishing, reading, baking pies for Rich’s Rec, bingo and trips to the casino. For her 90th birthday, she was able to take a hot air balloon ride, and danced at Carlock to celebrate her 100th birthday. She also enjoyed playing the piano, and was a member of the Burke Senior Center. She won a literary award in 1985, was an original member of the Burke Library Board - a position she held for many years, and was recognized as a trustee for the South Dakota Library Association in 2010. She was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Burke.

She died January 20, 2023, at the Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, SD, at the age of 103 years.

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Dick in 1982; sisters: Kathryn Swanson, Mary Distad, Janet Bohnet, Vera Sutton, and a baby sister Emma in infancy.

Eunice is survived by her many nieces and nephews, her special fishing buddy Duane Davis, and numerous cousins, relatives, and friends.