Thomas Hoeke

Thomas Hoeke, age 79, of Sioux Falls and formerly of Milbank, passed away on February 24, 2024, in Sioux Falls.

Mass of Christian will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank. A prayer vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, one hour prior to the Mass. Burial with military honors will be at Milbank City Cemetery.

Thomas Herman Hoeke was born on February 25, 1944, in Ortonville, MN. Tom was the son of George and Elnora (Korstjens) Hoeke. Tom grew up on a farm in Grant County, SD. He attended country school through the eighth grade, then attended and graduated from Milbank High School. During his high school days, Tom participated in football, basketball, and track. He continued his education at Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD, and was on the track team. He was in school for one year before beginning his service in the United States Air Force, enlisting on November 6,1963. He served in Vietnam and in the Philippines. He was honorably discharged on September 1, 1967. Tom returned to Milbank and one week later was united in marriage on September 9, 1967, with Judith Jackson. A few days later (September 11) Tom returned to Northern State College to finish his college education. 

Following his college graduation, Tom and Judy moved to Jackson, MI. Tom worked for GAB Insurance Company for three years. He transferred to Rochester, MN and worked for GAB until his retirement. After he retired Tom went to work at Elcor Construction. Tom and Judy lived in Rochester for 44 years before moving to Sioux Falls, SD.

Tom enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing, cross word puzzles (which he was very good at), playing cards, and was a sports enthusiast. He could name almost any player on any team! His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Judy of Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Jean Aesoph of Milbank, SD; brothers-in-law: Butch (Sue) Jackson of Milbank, SD; and Richard Jackson of Utah; sister-in-law, Linda (Mick) Redmond of Milbank, SD; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents: George and Elnora; sister, Margaret; and brother-in-law, Dale Aesoph.