Malinda Jane Bessler, 92, passed away September 26, 2019 surround by her family at the United Living Community under hospice care, Brookings, SD. Malinda was born September 18, 1927 to Fred and Alice (Wiederich) Hinrichs and grew up on a farm near Ward, SD. Malinda attended the Fletcher Country School near Ward through the 8 ^th grade and then became the caregiver for her mother. Malinda married Delmar Bessler on July 11, 1947 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Pipestone, MN. They lived on a farm north of Elkton, SD until retirement in 1984 when they moved into Elkton. Delmar died in 1994 and she moved to Brookings in 2010. Malinda farmed alongside her husband, milked cows, raised chickens, and planted a big vegetable and flower garden. She liked remodeling and carpenter work. Malinda was known for her homemade bread, doughnuts and soup. Malinda made holidays and birthdays a very special time for her family. She also enjoyed fishing and loved singing. Malinda was a member of the United Parish in Elkton, a member of the Ladies Aid Society, a Sunday school teacher and was very active in her church.

Malinda is survived by her children, Diane and Jerome Swanson, Sr., Leane Bailey, Danny and Lavon Bessler, Lori Hart and Terry Burkhardt, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Edith Monk and Vera Erks. She was preceded in death by her husband Delmar, her parents, five sisters and three brothers.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Monday at the United Parish of Elkton with burial in the Elkton City Cemetery. Visitation is 3:00 – 5:00 pm Sunday at the church with a 5:00 pm prayer service.