Ellendale, N.D.: Luella Vivian (Hokana) Voegeli, 86 of Ellendale died Oct. 2, 2012, at Aberdeen Health and Rehab, Aberdeen, S.D.
She was born May 24, 1926 in Ada Township near Ellendale to Charles William and Hilda Selina (Jumisko) Hokana. She was baptized on June 12, 1926. After graduation from Ellendale High School with the class of 1944, Luella attended State Normal and Industrial College, Ellendale, where she received her emergency teaching certificate as there was a shortage of teachers during WWII. Luella taught school at Kent and Van Meter Townships.
Luella and Clayton were married at the E.U.B Church in Ellendale on Sept. 22, 1946, by the Rev. Strutz. After marriage, Luella worked at Furman's Retail Store and Redmond Electric. After her family was raised, she worked at Prince of Peace. In 1950, Clayton and Luella purchased the Woodward farm 3 miles southeast of Ellendale. In 1960, they built a new home on the farm and she enjoyed doing the finish work. Luella instilled good work ethics in her family by involving them in farm and home projects, especially a large yard and garden. There was always an extra table setting for whoever stopped by the farm. She was known to stir up a quick, delicious meal at a moment's notice. Prior to Clayton entering the nursing home due to a farm accident, Luella spent several years caring for Clayton at home.
In 1996, Luella purchased and refurbished a home in Ellendale, which she took great pride in. In December 1997, Clayton died and Luella continued to reside at her home until Jan. 28, 2011, when she entered Evergreen Place. Luella was active at Zion Lutheran Church being honored as a 50-year member of the LWML, and also American Legion Auxiliary. She volunteered at the Kedish House and Blood Drives. Her hobbies included Winship Homemaker's Club, whist club, ceramics, crocheting, knitting, quilting, sewing for her family and reading. Special times were family get-togethers and activities of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include five children: Kerry (Dale) Veland, LouAnn (John) Kaiser, all of Ellendale, Doreen (Dick) Randall, Aberdeen, Lisa (Steve) Iverson, Hatton, N.D., Richard, (Dawn) Voegeli, Oakes, N.D.; nine grandchildren: Scott and Clayton Randall, Sarah and Michael (Kristin) Kaiser, Ben (Tracy) and Seth (Katie) and Stephanie Iverson, Beau and Cody Voegeli; and two great-grandsons: Clayton Randall II and Drew Iverson.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Clayton; her parents; and six siblings: Rex (Irene), Marshall (Edith), Howard (Helen), Jim (Dorothy), Hazel, and Geneva (Louis) Smith.
The funeral service is 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale, with Pastor Raymond Pomplun officiating. Visitation is from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Visitation is also one hour prior to the church service Friday. Burial is at Ellendale City Cemetery. Casket bearers are her grandchildren, Scott, Clayton, Sarah, Michael, Ben Seth, Stephanie, Beau and Cody. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.