Howard Peterka

Howard J. Peterka, 86, of Miller, passed away Friday, July 22, 2011 at the Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital in Miller with his loving family at his side.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant.  A private Burial followed at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller with military honors.  A wake and rosary service was held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 25, 2011 at the church.

Howard Joseph Peterka was born January 27, 1925 to Joe and Ella (Zemlicka) Peterka in Orient, SD.  He attended school in Ree Heights, SD graduating in 1943 and was a graduate of the University Of Wisconsin School Of Banking.

 In 1949, he began working for the National Bank of South Dakota in Huron.  On September 1, 1950, Howard began serving in the United States Army and was stationed in Anchorage Alaska during the Korean War until his honorable discharge on June 1, 1952.  Howard returned home to continue his farming and ranching operations until January of 1957, when he started working for First Bank System at the First Potter County Bank in Gettysburg, SD.  In July 1964, he was promoted to Vice President and Cashier of First National Bank in Miller and later as Executive President in 1965 and President in 1969 and became Regional Vice President of South Dakota Community Banks.   He was President of the Miller location until 1987 when he purchased the Miller and Highmore banks from First Bank System, changing the names to First State Bank.  After the purchase of the bank, he was joined by three of his sons, Tom, Jerry and Garry in the bank operations.  In 2008, he was proud to expand the banking operations into Sioux Falls at which time the banks were renamed to Quoin Financial Bank.  He remained active as Chairman, President and Owner of the banks including his farming and ranching operations until his death.

On June 30, 1952, he married Marilyn Foreman in Orient, South Dakota.  To this union, seven children were born: Gary, Kathy, Judy, Dan, Tom, Jerry and Garry. 

Howard was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, V.F.W. and American Legion, Miller Civic and Commerce and President of the Miller Housing Committee for 25 years.

His legacy will be cherished by his children: Kathy (Gary) King of Minneapolis, MN, Judy (Bernie) Dylla of Denver, CO, Dan (Patti) Peterka of Minneapolis, MN, Tom (Marianne) Peterka of Miller, Jerry (Honi Ann) Peterka of Miller, and Garry (Lori) Peterka of Miller; 16 grandchildren: Susan (Curtis) Borchardt, Stephan (Megan) King, Brian King, Mark and Ann Dylla, Jeffrey, John, and Katie Peterka, Michael, David and Ryan Peterka, Jena (Stephen) Koeck, Adam Peterka, and Jordan, Darin and Kristen Peterka and 3 great grandchildren: Finley, Avery and Flory Borchardt. 

Preceding him in death are his parents, Joe and Ella Peterka; wife, Marilyn of 46 years; infant son, Gary Dean and brother, Lyle Peterka.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials which will be donated to local charities.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Howard’s arrangements.