John R. Uken

John Robert Uken, 94, passed away Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. The memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 at St. Vincent's Parish of Springfield with Rev. Ken Johnson officiating.
John was born to Johannes and Mabel (Avery) Uken on August 28, 1923 at Geddes, SD. He was raised on the family farm near Springfield with his three brothers and two sisters. John attended grade school at Niles Country School and graduated from Springfield High School in 1942. At the age of 18 he started his life long vocation of farming.
In 1944 John met Mardell Nase on the campus of Southern State College. They were married on Sept. 30, 1946. To this union were born three daughters, Judy, Jean, and Mary.
John was active in the Springfield community and served on the Niles and Springfield School Boards, the Springfield COOP Board and Our Savior's Lutheran Church Council. He was a member of the Springfield Nat'l Guard Unit from 1957-1964. He retired from farming in 1988 and enjoyed his time fishing, golfing, and spending winters in Texas.
John is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Mardell; daughters Judy (Roger) Hansen of Centerville, SD, Jean (Dick) Dykast of Greenville, SC, and Mary (John) Giudice of Monument, CO; one sister, Betty Nadenicek of Kingman, AZ, and brother, Dennis (Donna) of Jefferson City, MT; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Joe Jr. & Helmuth), and one sister, Fonda Mundon.
Honorary pallbearers will be John's grandchildren: Tim Hansen, Nicole Johnson, Tara Watson, Jason Dykast, Jonathon Dykast, Brianna Birks, and Aaron Birks.

one hour prior to service