Harry Cuka, 87, of Wagner

Funeral mass will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante. Burial is in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, rural Dante, with military honors. Visitation is Monday from 3 to 5 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner. Rosary/Wake services are 7 PM, Monday, at the church in Dante.

Harry G. Cuka was born November 9, 1924 at Wagner, SD, the son of John and Mary (Kostel) Cuka. He died peacefully on Thursday, October 4, 2012 in Mitchell. Harry attained the age of 87 years, 10 months and 25 days.

Harry attended country school south of Wagner and graduated from Wagner High School in 1942. He served in the US Army during the Korean War with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He operated a .50 Caliber Quad 4 on a half track, which is why Harry said he couldn't ever hear anything. Harry then came home to work on the family farm. He farmed with his family all of his life.

Harry was a member of the VFW, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Dante. He was one of the first lectors of the church.

Harry will be remembered for his love of farming, working with livestock, his cats and kittens, reading, playing cards, playing scrabble, playing and watching baseball and football.

Thankful for having shared his life are his brother Leonard and wife Helen of Wagner; sister-in-law Dorothy Cuka of Wagner; nieces and nephews: Tim Cuka and Arlis, Peggy Blake, Bob Cuka and Deb, Jim Cuka and Denise, Angie and husband Sam Fousek, Mark and wife Robbin Cuka, Gerard and wife Sharon Cuka and Mary Shaffer; 18 great nieces and nephews and 21 great-great nieces and nephews.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law: John, Laddie and Evelyn, Carl and Irene, Ed, Albin; and nephew Tom and Donald Cuka.