Marianne Lantis

Marianne Lantis, age 77, of Milbank, died on July 21, 2019, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 26, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Father Gary DeRouchey will celebrate the Mass. Visitation will be at St. Lawrence Catholic Church on Thursday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. followed by a prayer vigil at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday, one hour prior to the Mass.

Casket bearers will be Marianne’s grandsons: Tyler Anderson, Zachary Folk, Josh Anderson, Isaiah Folk, Jeffrey Foss, Tanner Folk, Brandon Folk, Spencer Folk, Derek Porozinski, Nick Porozinski, and Riley Folk.

Marianne Charlotte Van Stralen was born on August 31, 1941, at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Milbank, SD. She was the daughter of Bernard and Gladys (Van Hout) Van Stralen. She graduated from Milbank High School. Marianne was united in marriage with Gerald Folk on June 24, 1961. They were blessed with five children: Lana, Tony, Gina, Anita, and Wayne.

Marianne worked on the family farm while she raised her children. She was an active and faithful member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Marianne was a 4-H Leader for 16 years and was a founding organizer of Milbank Right to Life Organization. She was a member of the Grant County Extension Homemakers, National Farmers Organization, South Dakota Dairy Council Board, the Milbank Band Boosters, and the Old Mill Twirlers Square Dance Club.

After raising her family, Marianne worked at Whetstone Valley Nursing Home, did housekeeping, cooking, was a nanny, and worked at Dakota State Bank for six years.

Marianne married Dale Lantis on November 24, 1995. Together they traveled in their motorhome to winter in the south. They were work campers – working for their spot to park and for their utilities. They worked on an ostrich ranch and a western style bed and breakfast for several winters. Going south for the winter also provided them the opportunity to visit family and friends.

Marianne’s interests included spending time with family and friends, gardening, card playing, dancing, walking, and gathering family history. She enjoyed volunteering at the Community Thrift Store. Marianne was proud of the fact that she had traveled to all 50 states! She had a passion for overseeing the changing of old buildings into a pioneer house, an old school house, a chapel, a doll house, a clothing store, and a family history museum guest house. She was happy to give tours of the century old farm.

Marianne is survived by her children: Lana (Daryl) Foss of Harker Heights, TX; Tony (Kim) Folk of Corona, SD; Gina (Tom) Porozinski of Park Rapids, MN; Anita (Eric) Anderson of Milbank, SD; and Wayne (Bonae) Folk of Big Stone City, SD; two step-children: Craig (Trish) Lantis and Debra (David) Harlow; 17 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; sisters: Marge Hopkins of Keller, TX; Pat Van Stralen of Omaha, NE; Char Calvin of Omaha, NE; brothers: Frank (Cathy) Van Stralen of Riverside, CA; Mike Van Stralen of Des Moines, IA; and Steve (Julie) Van Stralen of Bellevue, NE.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Bernard and Gladys; husband, Dale; sisters: Rita and Rose; and one brother, Dan.