Mae Louise (Kiihl) Begalka, daughter of John and Mary (Saathoff) Kiihl, was born May 23, 1924 in Dempster, South Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Dempster. She attended school in Wisconsin, but spent most of her life in the Estelline area. Mae was united in marriage to Marvin Begalka on July 6, 1947 in Estelline. She worked in the bakery, clerked at the store and did laundry at the Estelline Hospital and later at the Estelline Nursing and Care Center. She also mended clothes, made wedding cakes and gave many students piano lessons over the years. Music was a big part of her life, when she and her sister Becky were younger, they sang duets at many weddings and Mae was church organist for many years. Mae died on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at the Neighborhoods at Brookview in Brookings at the age of 89 years. She was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Estelline. She always had a big garden and made the best tomato juice and fried chicken. Mae also did needlework, embroidery, crocheting and knitting doilies. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, cards, reading and watching television. Mae enjoyed her time at Brookview Manor where she truly appreciated the staff, doctors and her nice room. Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Linda Bentz of Pierre, SD; two sisters-in-law, Gladys Falken and Delores Jorvig; many cousins; and a host of other relatives and friends. Mae was preceded in death by her husband Marvin in July 6, 2004, son Eugene on July 24, 2005, son-in-law Dale on March 13, 2013, daughter-in-law Karen, her parents and one sister Alberta Kiihl. Her funeral service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at Rude's Funeral Home in Brookings with Rev. Michael Enderle officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, Tuesday at Rude's Funeral Home. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Estelline. Geise Funeral Home of Estelline is in charge of arrangements.