L. Irene Tukua, 85, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Published 9:07 am Wednesday, March 2, 2011

L. Irene Tukua, 85 of Sioux Falls, S.D., and formerly of Webster, S.D., died on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Tukua

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Webster, with the Rev. Daniel Ostercamp officiating. Burial will be at Webster Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Fiksdal Funeral Service of Webster is in charge of the arrangements.

Laura Irene Hanson was born April 5, 1925, in Webster to Lewis and Dora (Peik) Hanson. She was baptized by the Rev. Bullock of the Methodist Church on Oct. 22, 1925. The family lived on a farm in Wheatland township, where Irene attended rural school. After graduating from Webster High School in 1943, Irene was employed at the Security Bank, Day County Treasurer’s Office, and the PMA Government Office. She married Irwin A. Tukua of Webster on June 30, 1951. They resided in Webster until 2005, when they moved to the Inn on Westport in Sioux Falls.

Irene was member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Webster, active in Sunday School, Women of the ELCA, Circle, Altar Committee and Serving Group. She served as a SHINE counsellor (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders) and was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, Bethesda Gray Ladies, Senior Websterian Study Club, and a birthday club. Irene enjoyed sewing, singing, artistic pursuits, working during the Christmas season at Riddle’s Jewelry and spending time with her family.

Irene passed away on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, at Sioux Falls, S.D., at the age of 85 years, 10 months and 21 days.

She is survived by three children: Barbara (Charles) Littel of Dell Rapids, S.D., Darrell (Mary) Tukua of Blaine and David (Bill Kahnke) Tukua of Inver Grove Heights; five grandchildren and their spouses; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother.