Oriska J. Stroschein, 94, of Estelline, died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, at the Estelline Nursing and Care Center. 

Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Estelline. Visitation is  prior to the service at the church beginning at 12:30 p.m. Geise Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

 Oriska J. Stroschein was born on Jan. 27, 1924, in Estelline, the daughter of Ole and Ingrid Sophia (Haug) Gravning. Oriska was baptized in the Lutheran faith. She received her education in Graving district No. 28, and graduated from Estelline High School in 1941. She continued her education at South Dakota State College in Brookings and Dakota College in Madison. After receiving her education, she taught school in Deuel County for three years. 

She married Leon H. Stroschein on Sept. 30, 1944, in Toronto. After their marriage they farmed in Blom Township. Oriska and Leon had a son, Darris. The couple were devoted and loving parents to Darris and cared for him until he died at the age of 22 due to cerebral palsy. 

The couple continued life on the farm and built a home in Estelline in 1991. From 1991 until Leon’s death in 2001 the couple continued to “go south” (to their home in Estelline) each winter and would return to the farm each spring.

 Oriska was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Estelline, where she was active in the Ladies Circle and served for many years as the church secretary. She was also involved in many community affairs. In 1949, she joined the Willing Workers Extension Club. She served on the Deuel County Extension Board and the State Advisory Board for Extension Service. She held offices in the Extension Homemakers at all levels, including the state president for three years, receiving many awards, including South Dakota Volunteer of the Year in 1981 and Eminent Homemaker in 1982. She taught crafts and needlework classes and was a judge for 4-H and other events. Oriska was also a member of the Sons of Norway. She enjoyed gardening, baking wedding cakes, and needlework, often times donating her needle work to the church and many others. She spent many gatherings with her nephew and niece, Dale and Kim Stroschein and their family, as they were very close.

She is survived by her two brothers-in-law, Marvin (Beverly) Stroschein and Vernon (Shirley) Stroschein, all of Estelline; one sister-in-law, Elaine Stroschein, of Clear Lake and many special nieces and nephews.

 She was preceded in death by  husband, Leon Stroschein; infant daughter, Cynthia Maria; son, Darris; an infant sister and infant brother.

 Condolences may be sent to the family through www.geisefuneralhome.com.