Elaine Hofhenke

Elaine Hofhenke, age 81, of Milbank, SD, passed away on February 9, 2021, at Avantara- Milbank. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 13, at 2:30 p.m. at Tabor United Methodist Church in Big Stone City, SD.  Pastor Barbara McKewin will officiate.  Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday beginning 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to gather for visitations and services. The use of face masks by attendees is required, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep our facility clean. For those who prefer or require continued precautions, webcasting and/or livestreaming will be viewable at www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.

Elaine Avis Hofhenke was born on June 5, 1939, in Frazee, MN.  She was the daughter of Olger Dolen and Elnora Rise Dolen. She grew up in the Stockholm, SD, area and attended school in Stockholm.  She graduated from Milbank High School with the Class of 1957.  Elaine was united in marriage with Luverne Hofhenke on December 26, 1957, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank.

Elaine and Luverne were blessed with six children: Larry, Dean, Darwin, Kathleen, Michelle, and Peggy. She worked outside the home at various clerical positions including Frigo Cheese, Milbank Insurance Company, United Hardware, and Montage.

Elaine was a busy and creative person.  She loved to crochet and made many baby afghans, mittens, scarves, and hats. She made matts for homeless people out of plastic.  She enjoyed crossword puzzles and suduko puzzles.  She was a member of the Big Stone American Legion Auxiliary. She belonged to New Horizons in Big Stone City. She also enjoyed several home-sales groups like Tupperware. She was a member of Tabor Lutheran Church in Big Stone City. Elaine especially adored her grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Larry Hofhenke (Heather Peacock-Roberts) of Sioux Falls, SD; Dean Hofhenke of St. Paul, MN; Kathleen (Larry) Johnson of Artesian, SD; Michelle Karges of Milbank, SD; and Peggy (Ronald) Brandriet of Sioux Falls, SD; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; sisters: Karen Loehrer of Milbank, SD; Gloria (Ted) Kubesh of Blaine, MN; and Marilyn Barnhardt of Big Stone City, SD; sisters-in-law: Donna Dolen of Watertown, SD; Marian Wellnitz of Miles City, MT; and Arvid (Irma) Hofhenke of Milbank, SD.  Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Darwin; brother, Leonard; and infant sister, Marilyn.