It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Berdell Luke, 83, — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Below, the family shares some of what made her life meaningful.
The story begins in 1935, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
Berdell held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith is the language some lives are written in. Berdell's was one.
Berdell Luke, 83 died on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the Oakview Terrace, Freeman. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am Saturday, December 8, 2018 at St. Christina's Catholic Church, Parker with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-6pm Friday, December 7, 2018 at the church with a Scripture Service starting at 5:00pm. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home, Parker. Berdell Helen Luke was born on February 18, 1935 at Davis, SD to Henry and Alice (Sikkink) Ihnen, Sr. She moved to Parker as a child with her family and graduated from Parker High School in 1953. She worked at the Parker Hatchery candling eggs for a time before being employed at the Turner County Courthouse. She served as the clerk of courts, retiring after 39 years of service. On October 14, 1961 she was united in marriage to Donald Luke at Marion. After retirement she helped with some part time jobs and they enjoyed camping and spending time in Branson, MO. She was a member of St. Christina Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Don in 2008 and daughter Lisa in 2013. Grateful for having shared her life are a son Jason and his wife Connie Luke, Freeman, SD; 3 grandchildren, Jason and wife Justice Mehlhaff, Olivet, SD, Brian and wife Tracey Mehlhaff, Scotland, SD, and Tiffany Mehlhaff, Sioux Falls, SD. 7 great grandchildren, Darrica, Jayda, Ethan, Eli, Asher, Aiden, and Aurora; a great great grandchild Josie; and 5 brothers and sisters, George Ihnen, Chancellor, SD, Merle Ihnen, Alexandria, SD, Nancy Loomis, St. Peter, MN, Ronnie Ihnen, Worthing, SD, and Darla Schneider, Hurley, SD. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, daughter Lisa, and 16 brothers and sisters.
