Eldora L. Junkert, 89, Eureka, SD, died Monday, November 25, 2024 at the Avera Eureka Healthcare Center.

 

Eldora’s family prefers memorials to the Senior Citizens Center, Box 23, Eureka, SD 57437 and to Zion American Lutheran Church, Box 546, Eureka, SD 57437.

 

Eldora LaVera Gehring, daughter of Johanna (Jesser) and John Gehring, was born at the farm east of Long Lake, SD on October 18, 1935, the youngest of eight. She lived on the farm and attended Hoffman Hilltop School. In 1945, the Gehrings moved to Eureka where Eldora completed her education at the Eureka Public School, graduating with the EHS Class of 1953. While a student, Eldora was employed at the Luncheonette and at Rexall Drug in Eureka. In the fall of 1953, she took an office job at Bareiter Electric in Eureka. Eldora married Eugene Junkert on December 11, 1955 at Zion Church in Eureka. Gene’s road construction kept the couple traveling until 1962 when they returned to Eureka. Eldora had office jobs at Montana-Dakota Utilities, Eureka Public School (for 11 years), and at the Eureka State Bank (for three years). In 1982, the Junkerts relocated to Gillette, WY. Eldora was employed at the Barlow Agency until her retirement in February 1999. In 2000, they returned to Eureka. Eugene died June 4, 2019 and Eldora continued living in Eureka the rest of her life. She was a member of Zion American Lutheran Church and the women’s group (WELCA). She also belonged to the Eureka Legion Auxiliary and was a member of the Eureka Jayceettes for which she was a state officer. Her hobbies included gardening and growing flowers.  Eldora also enjoyed cooking and doing some craft work.

 

Eldora is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

 

In addition to Eugene, she was preceded in death by her father, John, on November 29, 1968; her mother, Johanna, on July 21, 1978; three children—Danny, Kathryn, and Cynthia; three sisters—Katie Rath, Maggie Wolf, and Christine Gienger; and four brothers—John, Jake, Eddie, and Art.

 

 

Eldora’s funeral will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.

 

 

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Friday, November 29, 2024 at Zion American Lutheran Church, Eureka, led by Pastor Ryan Gage. Interment follows at the Church Cemetery. Organist will be Kim Gruebele and the congregation will sing “Abide with Me”, “Softly and Tenderly”, “Jesus Loves Me”, and “Just as I Am”. Ushers will be Greg Merkel and Kathy Gab.

 

Honorary bearers will be Eldora’s lifelong friends.

 

Casketbearers will be David Gienger of Hosmer, SD; Kirk Walker of Aberdeen, SD; Jason Wolf of Garretson, SD; Jeremy Wolf of Valley Springs, SD; Hunter Heinrich of Eureka; and Adam Houle of Shoreview, MN.

 

Services are in care of Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel, Eureka.

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