Helen Irene Erk Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Helen Irene Erk of Newell, South Dakota, who passed away on March 13, 2023 at the age of 92. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by: her parents, David Ruff and Lillie Ruff (Meyer); her stepfather Vernon Holst; her siblings-in-law, John Erk, Joe Erk, Neil Chauncey, Marshall George, Don Moore, Violet Erk, Sister Celine Erk and Elizabeth Chauncey; and her nephews, Tommy Erk and Rob Ruff.

She is survived by: her sister Delores; her husband George L. Erk; her sons, Gregory George (Reni), David John (Phyllis) and Mark Allen (Candy); her grandchildren, Tausha, Alisha, Summer, Daesha, Jason, Heather and Colton; her siblings, David Ruff (Marian), Robert Ruff (Carolyn), Dolores Moore and John Ruff (Pat); and her sister-in-law Mary Erk. She is also survived by 16 great grandchildren.

Like many, she also endured the harshness of the Covid lockdown of nursing facilities in 2019-2021, even celebrating her 90th birthday behind a glass barrier, away from family and friends.

After a short illness/fall, and battling Parkinson's disease, Helen moved to the Avantara Nursing Facility in Rapid City last Sept., where she remained until her death on March 13, 2023, surrounded by loving family.