Agnes Mae Pletka

CELEBRANT
Fr. Joe Forcelle
LECTORS
Angela Merkle
Kaylee Runge
MUSIC
Organist ~ Kathy Koenig
Special Music
“You Raise Me Up”
"Take My Hand, Precious Lord"
“I Am Not Alone”
“How Great Thou Art”
Congregational Hymn
“Go In Peace”
ACTIVE CASKETBEARERS
Angela Merkle
Kaylee Runge
Sarah Merkle
Lizzie Runge
Ellie Merkle
Nick Runge
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS
Eric Tycz
Hannah Merkle
Lexi Runge
Drew Nielsen
Josh Merkle
Agnes Mae (Winckler) Pletka was born Wednesday, May 12, 1937, to Otto and Emma (Hahn) Winckler at the family home in Tyndall, SD. She attended elementary school at Hoff District #80 and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1956. She was employed at L&R Café, Hoch Drug and Security State Bank. Aggie retired in May 2002 after 39 years of dedicated banking service. Her kind personality and friendly smile greeted many loyal customers.
Aggie married Bernard James (BJ/Gus) Pletka on November 6, 1964, at St. Leo’s. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Together they made their home in Tyndall, SD, raising their three daughters, Julie, Mary, and Marie. She dedicated her life to providing a warm and loving home for her family.
Aggie devoted her life to her children and grandchildren, attending many sporting events, programs, proms, and graduations. She enjoyed bowling, dancing, reading, listening to Elvis, and taking day trips and vacations with family. She had a beautiful smile, loved to laugh, and had an innate kindness and generosity for others. Aggie was a wonderful cook and spent many hours planning and preparing meals for family gatherings. Her selfless nature was evident to all and inspirational to those who loved her. She demonstrated endless courage and utmost strength during her battle with cancer, proving that disease cannot thwart the spirit or determination of a life dedicated to others.
Aggie passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, December 9, 2014.
Thankful for having shared her life are her husband, BJ/Gus Pletka, Tyndall, SD; her daughters, Julie (Harlan) Nielsen, Sioux Falls, SD; Mary (Chuck) Runge, Hartford, SD; and Marie (Bret) Merkle, Harrisburg, SD; ten grandchildren, Drew Nielsen, Kaylee, Lizzie, Nick, and Lexi Runge, Angela, Sarah, Ellie, Hannah, and Josh Merkle; sister Hilda Tycz; brothers Melvin (Jane) Winckler and Art Winckler, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents Otto and Emma Winckler, sister Edna Rokusek, brother Alvin Winckler, and a sibling in infancy.