To view the livestream of the Vernon's service at 1:30 pm, Monday, February 7, please click here: https://www.facebook.com/geisefuneralhome/

Vernon H. Stroschein, 96, of Estelline, passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at the United Living Community in Brookings. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm Monday, February 7, 2022, at United Church of Christ, in Estelline. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday at Geise Funeral Home, in Estelline.

Vernon Harvey Stroschein was born on April 10, 1925, in Deuel County, SD, the son of Ernest and Clara (Timm) Stroschein. He attended school at Norman School in rural Deuel County. He was united in marriage to Shirley A. Warkenthien on March 15, 1958, in Willow Lake, SD. The couple farmed on the homesteaded farm in Deuel County. The couple was blessed with five children. In 1990, they moved into Estelline. Shirley passed away on February 6, 2020. He moved into a nursing facility in April of 2021. Vernon was the last surviving child of Ernest and Clara.

Vernon dedicated his entire life to family and farming. He began farming at a young age, helping his dad and brothers on the farm. He shared many stories of farm life in the early years. Even though there were challenging times, he always overcame. Along with his brother, Clarence, they persevered to become a very successful farming operation, passing the farm onto future generations. Throughout his farming career he raised Registered Polled Herefords, one time having a Champion Bull. He was always proud to operate John Deere farm equipment. A farmer at heart, in his later years, he still found joy visiting the farm, checking cattle and keeping a close eye on the crops. After a rain, he was quick to ask his family how much rain they received. He passed along strong values of hard work, honesty and kindness to his family.

He was a longtime member of the United Church of Christ, in Estelline. Vernon enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. He served on the school board for Norman School. Vernon loved his family and cherished the time spent with them. Because his parents died at an early age, he held close relationships with his siblings, often sharing memories of his childhood. He looked forward to visits from his children and grandchildren, always greeting them with a smile.

Vernon is survived by his children, Dale (Kim) Stroschein of Toronto, SD, Terry (Kathy) Stroschein of Loudon, TN, Dawn (Steve) Saathoff of Sioux Falls, SD, Todd (Shawna) Stroschein of Clear Lake, SD and Donna (Brian) Welling of Sioux Falls, SD; 11 grandchildren, Amber (Jeff) Kollars, Ashley (Aaron) VanDeBerg, Angela (Joe) Harrenstein, Andrew (Samantha) Stroschein, Kody Stroschein, Michael (Ashlyann) Saathoff, Megan (Austin) Klueber, Britney (Apollo) Burns, Linda (Kevin) Dvorak, Nicole Stroschein (Justin Homer) and Kamra (Scott) Jensen; four step-grandchildren, Jacqueline (Josh) Tolbert, Jamie (Nick) Steinmetz, Adam and Jeremy Welling; eleven great grandchildren, Jack and Joslyn Kollars, Brayden and Brielle VanDeBerg, Tucker, Dakota and Ryder Stroschein, Layla and April Saathoff, Obi Jensen and Everly Harrenstein, expected soon; four step-great grandchildren, Mya and Isaac Burns, Emma Welling and Noah Tolbert; four sisters-in-law, Lavonne Brekke of Clark, SD, Loris Kannegieter of Lake Norden, SD and Gaylen (Larry) Grensberg of Willow Lake, SD and Bobette Warkenthien of Willow Lake, SD and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Shirley, five brothers, Earl, Ellis, Leon, Marvin and Clarence; sister, Ethel; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.