Darlene Eide

Mundwiler Funeral Home announces the death of Darlene Eide, age 89, of Milbank, SD, who passed away on February 14, 2021.

A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at Living Word Lutheran Church in Milbank. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 19, and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, both at Living Word Lutheran Church in Milbank. Burial will be at the Milbank City Cemetery.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to gather for visitations and services. The use of face masks by attendees is required, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep our facility clean. For those who prefer or require continued precautions, webcasting and/or livestreaming will be viewable at www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.

Darlene Delma (Bunting) Eide was born at home in Vernon Township of Grant County, SD, to Theodore and Clara (Kaufman) Bunting on May 6, 1931. Darlene was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. As the years passed, her faith grew through the Word and sacrament and gave her comfort and strength as her health was failing her so she was able to say “I am ready to go to Heaven.” She was the eldest of seven daughters. Darlene attended country school and went to high school in Revillo, SD, then attended Milbank High School and graduated in 1949.

She married Robert Strege and together they had two sons, Steven and Reid. Darlene worked at various jobs. She was a switchboard operator for the telephone company, a waitress at Ted’s Restaurant, and most of her working years were spent as an optometry assistant in Milbank, SD, Hopkins, MN, and West Des Moines, IA. She married Julleen J. “JJ” Eide on June 7, 1978. After JJ retired, they moved from Iowa to Big Stone Lake where they made their home for many years.

Darlene was famous for her delicious meals and for being a gracious hostess. When invited to her table, you knew you were going to have a tasty treat. She was also famous for her super clean house. Darlene was the only person who could prepare and serve a meal without dropping a crumb or making a mess. She was always organized and neat.

Darlene was always ready to have a good time. She especially enjoyed dancing and spending time with her friends. Several of her high school friends remained her friends for their entire lives. While living at Big Stone Lake, Darlene enjoyed growing both vegetable and flower gardens. She enjoyed working in the yard and kept it impeccable. Spending time fishing and giving pontoon rides were always summer highlights for Darlene. Both Darlene and JJ loved living at the lake. She also was active in the women’s groups at her church. She volunteered for hospice and at the thrift store, as well as enjoying birthday luncheons with her friends.

Darlene moved into Milbank in August of 2013 as life at the lake was becoming too much work for her to do. She lived independently for six years then moved to an assisted living center.

Darlene is survived by her son, Steve (Vicki) Strege of Milbank; step-children: Allen (Elaine) Eide of Spearfish, SD; Sharman Miller of Mansfield, TX; Bonnie Pies of Ortley, SD; and Robert (Carolyn) Eide of Leavenworth, KS; 5 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; 23 step-great-grandchildren; sisters: Janet Bunting of New Hope, MN; Bonnie (Neil) Nelson of Monmouth, OR; Brenda McGinnis of Martinez, CA; Nadine Holbert of Redwing, MN; and Donella (David) Bierman of Marcus, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, JJ Eide; son, Reid Strege; and sister, Judy Larson.

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