Oriska J. Stroschein, 94, of Estelline, passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at the Estelline Nursing and Care Center. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Estelline, SD. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church beginning at 12:30 pm. Geise Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Oriska J. Stroschein was born on January 27, 1924 in Estelline, SD, the daughter of Ole Edward and Inga Sophia (Haug) Gravning. Oriska was baptized in the Lutheran faith. She received her education in Graving district #28, and was a graduate of Estelline High School in 1941. She continued her education at South Dakota State College in Brookings and Dakota College in Madison, SD. After receiving her education, she taught school in Deuel County for three years. She was united in marriage to Leon H. Stroschein on September 30, 1944 in Toronto, SD. After their marriage they farmed in Blom Township.  Oriska and Leon were blessed one son, Darris. The couple were devoted and loving parents to Darris and cared for him until he passed away 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 passing 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 counsel secretary and served as President of the congregation. 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, SD and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

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