LuVerne "Corky" Ekern, 87, died Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Riverview Manor, Flandreau. Corky was born on October 4, 1922 to Albert and Hazel (Julson) Ekern. He graduated from Flandreau High School in 1940. Following graduation, Corky worked in Sioux Falls and drove truck. On May 28, 1942 he married Geneva Lee in Flandreau and they moved to California. Corky worked in shipyards and then entered the US Army on March 25, 1943. He served in the European Theater and was only one of three servicemen out of his platoon to return home. Following his discharge on January 6, 1946 they returned to Flandreau. Corky began working for his Uncle Carl and his father in the plumbing business. He later bought the business from them and owned it for 43 years, retiring in November of 1987. Corky enjoyed woodworking and golfing where he enjoyed the experience of a hole-in-one. He was member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Kelley-Porter American Legion Post #70, Flandreau, Moody County VFW Post #3351, Flandreau Country Club and was a 20 year member of the Flandreau Fire Department.

Corky is survived by his wife, Geneva; son, Mark (Sandy) Ekern, Flandreau, grandson, Scott (Susan) Ekern and great-grandchildren, Megan, McKenzie and Miranda, granddaughter, Stacy (Brian) Prisbe and great-grandsons, Ben and Sam; daughter, Nancy (Ron) Carlsrud, Flandreau, grandson, Jacob; daughter, Susan (Jim) Jepsen, Flandreau, grandson, Wesley; son, David (Val) Ekern, Brookings, granddaughters, Samantha Headrick, great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Carson and granddaughter, Pamela Ekern; 1 brother, Bryce (Mary) Ekern, Albuquerque, NM, a special family friend, Leanne Tammen, Sioux Falls and many cousins. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Debra and his parents.


Funeral services will be Friday, January 22, 2010 at 10:30 AM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with burial in Union Cemetery, Flandreau. Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM Thursday at Skroch Funeral Chapel with a 7:00 PM prayer service.