Bonnie Hoeke

Bonnie Hoeke, age 93, of Madison, SD, formerly of Milbank, SD, passed away on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the Madison Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Chapel in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday. Pastor Joshua Mork will officiate, and interment will be at the Milbank Cemetery.

Bonnie B. (Behagg) Hoeke was born on April 1, 1931, in Geneseo Township of Roberts County, SD, to William and Pauline (Hyatt) Behagg. Bonnie spent her childhood near the serene shores of Big Stone Lake and attended country school in Roberts County.

On July 8, 1948, Bonnie was united in marriage with Melvin Hoeke at Christ Lutheran Church in Wilmot, SD. Together, they were blessed with three children: Wayne, Marilyn, and Judy.

Bonnie was a devoted farm wife and homemaker, embodying the values of hard work and dedication. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, as she was a long-time member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, where she served in numerous capacities: she was a Sunday School teacher and active participant in various church organizations such as Ladies’ Aide, LWML, and Quilting Circle. Her love for baking and sewing brought joy to many, and her green thumb was evident in her beautiful flower beds and bountiful garden, which she diligently tended and preserved by canning its produce. Her fame for her delicious, canned garlic dill pickles is a testament to her culinary prowess and creativity.

Despite her many talents, Bonnie’s true legacy lies in the love she shared with her family. She took great pride in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family always came first for Bonnie, and her warm hospitality made her home a welcoming haven for all. She loved to visit with anyone and everyone and stopping by her house always produced a fresh cup of coffee and a sweet treat to go along with it. Her outgoing nature and loving spirit endeared her to everyone she met, and her memory will forever be treasured by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Left to cherish Bonnie’s memory are her son, Wayne (Peggy) Hoeke of Madison, SD; and their children: Jason Hoeke of Des Moines, IA; Stephanie Hoeke (Cody Meyers) of Wagner, SD; Courtney (Chad) Smith of Canton, SD; Wes Hoeke (Jessie Lord) of Deadwood, SD; and step children: Barbara (Britton) Boedecker of Sioux Falls, SD; Kenneth (Nichole) Maas of Mitchell, SD; and Amanda (Alan) Satterlee of Highmore, SD; her daughter, Judy (Todd) Hay of Montevideo, MN; and their children: Tyler Johnson (fiancé, Katie) of Brookings, SD; and Emily (Cathy) Johnson-Chloupek of Silver Lake, MN; and her daughter, Marilyn (Bob) Seidel of Sioux Falls, SD; and their children: Erin (Joel) Quist of Sioux Falls, SD; and Molly (Paul) Johnson of Sioux Falls, SD; 12 great-grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; one step great-great-grandchild; along with many nieces and nephews. 

Preceding her in death were her husband, Melvin in 2000; her parents; and brothers: Forrest Behagg and Gerald Behagg.