David Earl Rokeh

David Earl Rokeh, 80, of Flandreau, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife at his side on June 19, 2026.

There will be a gathering for family and friends on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Flandreau, South Dakota. A Celebration of Life will be held in Littlefork, Minnesota, at Cingmars Hall on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. He would have preferred a tree planted in his memory instead of the gift of “damn flowers” (his words).

David was born in Marshall, Minnesota, on March 1, 1946, to Donald and Marcella (Moseng) Rokeh. He lived in many places while growing up, but always near the Russell and Minneota area, where he met and married Judy Rae Hart on August 20, 1966. Two children were born to this union, Tammie Marie and Timothy Earl.

They moved to California for a short period of time, where David worked as a bookkeeper for a seed company. They later returned to Minnesota, living in several different towns before settling in Littlefork in 1973. They remained there until November of 2023, when they moved to Flandreau, South Dakota.

David was an avid builder, fisherman, hunter, truck driver, and equipment operator. He worked for several local Littlefork logging operations throughout the years. After he “retired for the third time” and moved to Flandreau, South Dakota, he drove semi-truck for Rivers Edge during fertilizer season. In later years, when spring breakup came, David and Judy would jump in the van with no destination in mind, simply to see what the back roads of America looked like. He was always proud that they had visited all but four states: Hawaii, Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire.

David was known for his shit-eating grin, his crazy stories of things he had seen and done (some that probably should not have been repeated), and for being the easygoing, happy-go-lucky guy who would do anything for anyone. He loved spending time hunting and fishing, including catching a huge muskie with his father-in-law, but most of all he loved sharing ice cream with his great-grandchildren and Tammie’s dog, Lucy.

David is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Judy Rae (Hart) Rokeh; his two children, Tammie (Brian) Hammer of Flandreau, South Dakota, and Tim (Lois) Rokeh of Littlefork, Minnesota; his four grandchildren, Danielle Torgerson, Dana Hahn, Thomas Rokeh (fiancée Ashley), and Devon Boyles; and two very special guys, Jay Torgerson and Daniel Hahn. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Jaylyn Torgerson, Drevyn Hahn, Masyn Torgerson, Torah Hahn, Everlee Hahn, and Oliver Rokeh; his brother, James (Helen) Rokeh; his sister, Mary (Gary) Nordmeyer; his brother-in-law, Ronald (Joyce) Hart; his sisters-in-law, Joyce Greeley, Lori Hart, and Jean Hart; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

David was preceded in death by his brother, Marvin; his parents, Donald and Marcella Rokeh; his in-laws, Howard and Edna Hart; his brothers-in-law, Dennis Hart, Gary Hart, and Wayne Greeley; his niece, Taryn Hart Mueller; and his great-grandson, Nash Hahn.