Ray Uken

Ray Uken, age 92, of Yankton, South Dakota died on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton.

Funeral services are 1:00 PM, on October 7, 2023 at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with Reverend Jeff Otterman officiating.  A live stream of Ray's funeral will be available on this obituary page starting approximately 10 minutes prior to the service.  Burial will be in the Springfield Cemetery in Springfield, South Dakota.  Visitation is one hour prior to the funeral at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Cody Uken, Gary Vornhagen, Tom Hunhoff, Brooks Schild, Joan Schild and Justin Nelson.

Ray was born on August 12, 1931 to Emil and Mary (Gotschall) Uken.  He grew up in the Springfield area and attended school there. He married Lorna Thompson on June 28, 1954 and they started farming. They continued farming until 1970 when they moved to Yankton.  Ray worked many years at the Human Services Center in Yankton and part time at Cimpl’s Meat Packing and Gurney’s Seed and Nursery.  He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Yankton and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton. 

Ray is survived by four children: Patsy Uken (Larry Nelson) of Sioux Falls, SD, Cindy Uken of Palm Springs, CA, Randy (Susan) Uken of Brandon, SD, and Terry Uken of Hemet, CA; four grandchildren: Eric Nelson of New Jersey, Justin (Sarah) Nelson of Springfield, IL, Jason Nelson of New Jersey, and Cody Uken of Brandon, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his eldest son, Daniel Uken; six brothers: Glen, Jake, William, Leonard, Leo and Larry Uken; and four sisters: Lola Travnicek, Ruth Chacon, Leona Fryda and Mary Cathey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton, SD.