Elma Anna Block

Elma Anna Block, age 98, of Yankton, South Dakota, received her angel wings on November 4, 2023, after a brief time at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton, South Dakota, with Reverend Kwen Sanderson officiating.  Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton, South Dakota.  Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM.

Pallbearers will be Evan Rubio, Mario Rubio, Esteban Rubio, Greg White, Justin McDonald, and Ryan Schoenfelder.

Elma Anna Block was born June 1, 1925, in Yankton, South Dakota, to Armen and Anna (Stepanek) Mohne. This red-haired girl was often seen riding her bike everywhere in Yankton delivering the daily newspaper. Elma attended school in Yankton and met Arnold Block, her blue-eyed boyfriend in high school.  They were married on May 11, 1942.  Arnold entered the army during World War II and Elma followed him to California.  She worked in an arms factory while in California, but returned to Yankton when Arnold was sent overseas.

Elma and Arnold had four children: William, Ronald, Karen and Barb.  Life was busy for them with their active family.  Elma wanted to work outside of the home while raising her family.  She enjoyed working at Red Owl, Piggly Wiggly, Montgomery Ward, and many years at Sacred Heart Hospital in the cafeteria.  She retired from the hospital at the age of 77 and as she would say, “I started working later in life so I had to work longer”.  

After her retirement, she could be found at The Center playing pinochle.  She loved having her friends over to play cards.  Thanks to all of her friends who faithfully gave her rides to McDonalds and the Fryn’ Pan.  She loved being taken for long rides, going camping and adjusting the campfire.  She was the oldest living member of Trinity Lutheran Church and was very active in Circle, bible studies and cutting cake for funerals.  She appreciated all of the visits she received from Pastor Kwen.

Survivors include her three children: Ronald Block, Karen Schoenfelder, and Barb McDonald all of Yankton, South Dakota; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arnold Block; son, William Block; two brothers: Elmer and Raymond; sister, Marguerite Anderson; and son-in-law, John Schoenfelder.