Eva Peiker-Seliger

Eva Peiker-Seliger, 97, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Church in Milbank. Pastor Daniel Lopez will officiate. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank, and Pastor Brian McFaden will close with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be at Milbank City Cemetery in Milbank. 

Eva Josephine Butzin was born on April 6, 1928, on the family farm near Altamont, SD, to Paul and Augusta (Lempke) Butzin. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church near Revillo, SD, and later was rebaptized at Calvary Church in Milbank. She attended a rural country school south of Revillo through the seventh grade.

As a young woman, Eva moved to Indiana for a short time before returning to South Dakota, where she worked cleaning homes and at St. Bernard Hospital. On May 22, 1946, she was united in marriage to Elgie Peiker at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Revillo. They were blessed with five children: Patricia, Eugene, David, Sharon, and Daniel. The family lived in Revillo before moving to Milbank in 1964.

Following Elgie’s passing in 1989, Eva moved to Oregon, where she made her home for 30 years. During that time, she married John Madison and later John Seliger. She lived with Pat and Bob Jacobson for 10 years. In 2014, she returned to South Dakota and lived with her daughter, Sharon. In January 2025, Eva entered St. William’s Care Center.

Eva enjoyed sewing, embroidering dish towels, and quilting in her earlier years. She later spent many hours doing puzzles, watching Dr. Pol’s animal programs, and observing birds. A talented baker, Eva especially loved making pies. Above all, she was a warm, social person who cherished time with people, especially her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Patricia “Pat” (Bob) Jacobson of Albany, OR; David (Joann) Peiker of Milbank, SD; Sharon Ehlebracht of Milbank, SD; and Daniel (Shannon) Peiker of Milbank, SD; 11 grandchildren: Wayne Jacobson of Albany, OR; Brian Jacobson of Albany, OR; Chris (Tish) Jacobson of Albany, OR; Jeanna Leddy of Milbank, SD; Heather (Shawn Richardt) of Milbank, SD; Angel Peiker of Milbank, SD; Shawn (Kim Bjerke) Ehlebracht of Milbank, SD; Darcie (Matt) O’Farrell of Marvin, SD; Robin (Matt Cameron) of Wilmot, SD; Shane (Allison) Peiker of Milbank, SD; and Megan (Sam) Athey of Milbank, SD; 18 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Paul and Augusta Butzin; late husbands: Elgie Peiker, John Madison, and John Seliger; son, Eugene Peiker; six siblings: Herbert “Herb” Butzin, Ervin Butzin, Freda Smith, Ella Peiker, Lulla Parker, and Rozella Butzin, and son-in-law, Jerry “Larry” Ehlebracht.