In her own words...

I was born November 14, 1931 to Harold K. and Opal (Rogers) Teel. I was born at their farm home north east of Herrick, SD. Dollie Durfee (my dad's adoptive mother) was my midwife. I was the 4th of 7 siblings: 4 boys; 3 girls- Russell, Harold Jr., Ralph, Max, Ruth Ann and Lois.

I attended Carroll School 8 years. This was the same school my parents attended. I also attended Sunday school every Sunday at the Carroll School House. Once a month a minister from one of the local towns would come in and we would have church in the afternoon.

We lived in a very close neighborhood. I loved the good times were everyone got together for picnics, parties and dances. I graduated from Burke High School in May, 1950.

I was married to Norman Steffen December 8, 1950. We lived in Burke for a short time. Then, we moved near Burwell, Nebraska and worked on a ranch for 2 years. Ron was born in Nebraska. Then, we moved to a farm south of Burke for 2 years- Carol was born there. We then rented a farm northwest of Dallas where Roger, Ellen and Robert were born. We eventually bought this farm and raised our family there. Due to Norman's poor health, we moved to Winner, SD in 1998.

Some of my favorite past times were sewing clothes, making quilts, embroidering, dancing and doing things with family. I enjoyed going to most sports.

I belonged to the Dallas American Legion Auxiliary for 28 years (2009). I was president 2 terms, vice president for 2 years and served other offices. I volunteered for many of their suppers and parties.

I leave my children Ron (Val), Sara, Regan and Sam of Clear Lake, IA; Carol (Glen) Cook, Kerri (Matt) Cook Huber, Devin Cook and Kendra and Addison Huber; Riley (Abby) Cook all of Yankton, SD; Ryan (Kate) Cook and Max of Rapid City, SD; Roger of Colome, SD; Ellen (Paul), Michele (TJ), Shayla and Evan Bice of Winner, Michael Cora and Reven Moss of Winner and Eric (Destiny), Bryken and Jace Storms, Chamberlain, SD; Robert Steffen, Yankton, SD; Sister Ruth Ann (Jim) Mathson of Idaho; Lois (Lee) Connelly of Rapid City; Harold (Velma) Teel of San Diego; sisters-in-law Ardis (Leo) Krieger of Burke, SD and Lucille Teel of Burke, SD; Vern (Bev) Steffen of Melton, MN and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her husband Norman, her parents Harold and Opal Teel, brothers Russell, Ralph and Max Teel, her in-laws Albert and Elizabeth Steffen, Velda and Ervin Keeton, Robert and June Steffen, Roberta Teel, niece Robin Teel and nephew Ricky Hoffman.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at 2:30 PM at Dallas American Legion Hall in Dallas, SD. There will be a prayer service on Monday at 7:00 PM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke. Visitation will be one hour prior to both of the services. Burial will be in the Hillview Cemetery, Dallas.