Sylvia Warnkvist

Funeral services for Sylvia Warnkvist were held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Russ Grim officiating.

Sheila Christiansen and Sandy McBride were in chage of registration, and Doris Jelink and Nola Grim were flower attendants.

Casket bearers were Gary Karel, Randy Barber, Rich Grim, Russ Gruhn, David Kirkpatrick and Cornelius Waldner. Honorary casket bearers were Aunt Mildred Gruhn, Lavina Littau, Vlesta Schmidt, Margie Klein, Marilyn Saathoff, Jeannie Steffen, Bobbie Barber, Jim Karel, Mike Bekish, Judy Solem, and Billie Ray Hinton.

Interment was in the Bohemian National Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Sylvia H. Warnkvist was born March 2, 1933, in her grandparents’ home in Tripp County to Theresa (Gruhn) and H.C. (Farmer) Grim. She was their only child.

Sylvia was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD. She was a twelve-year student in the Gregory School system, graduating in 1951.

After graduation, Sylvia worked at the Ben Franklin store until she married Harlen Warnkvist on March 11, 1955. They had met at a dance in Dallas. They were married in her parents’ home. They were the first to have a dance in the new Gregory Auditorium.

Four children were born to this union: William, Goldie, Glen, and Betty.

Sylvia was raised in town, but never hesitated to learn all the things that had to be done on the farm. She raised chickens, ducks and geese, and even milked cows by hand. She worked beside her husband in the fields the first few years, scooping oats for spring planting, bucking hay during the summer, and hauling and unloading corn or oats in the fall. She also raised large gardens.

Sylvia enjoyed cooking and baking, even teaching her daughters how to decorate cakes. In her spare time, she enjoyed embroidering tea towels and quilt squares. Sylvia loved dancing, which was a Saturday night thing for her and Harlen. She loved to waltz.

After Harlen’s passing in 1998, she stayed on the farm with her son William.

Sylvia passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Avera Rosebud Country Care Center at the age of 88 years.

Sylvia is survived by her son William; daughters Goldie and Betty; aunt Mildred Gruhn; nieces and nephews; and many cousins and their families.

Preceding her in death were her parents Farmer and Tracy; husband Harlen; son Glen; and niece Pam Underwood.