Agnes Koeck

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On Sunday, April 11, 2021 heaven welcomed a new angel, Agnes Cecelia Koeck, 86, of Miller, slipped away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 16, 2021 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Paul Josten, celebrant.  Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery, Miller. A visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service at the church.  

For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.

Agnes Cecelia Lichty was born June 9, 1934 to George Jr. and Cecelia (Simons) Lichty on the Simons family farm west of Wessington. She joined brothers, William and Paul and a sister Mary Anne.

She attended the Springdale Country School, a short walk from home.  Her favorite part of school was the running races.  She often talked about on how fast she was, placing 1st in many races. After school, Agnes went to visit her Aunt Mary and Aunt Margaret in California, loved it, and stayed for a few years working and enjoying time with her aunts.  She returned home to Wessington after her father’s passing. 

Agnes and Francis met, after a no-show blind date with Francis’ brother Gayle.  A short time later, on October 17, 1955, she married Francis Koeck at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Their attendants were Agnes’ brother, Paul, and Francis’ sister, Carolyn.  Agnes’s love of California took them on a two-week honeymoon there. While there, they visited the newly opened Disneyland, being some of the first people in the area to visit.  Afterwards, upon returning to Ree Heights, they began their life together on the Koeck family farm east of Ree Heights.

She was an active member of the St. Bernadette’s Altar Society Band and St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

Agnes and Francis moved to Ree Heights upon retiring from an active farming life.  Agnes could often be found at the Ree Heights grocery store, visiting with family and friends. She had a knack for remembering many things, especially dates. Never forgetting the birthdays and anniversaries of those closest to her and always making sure everyone had a special gift to open, she enjoyed making her family smile.   

Agnes is survived by her six children: Paul (Sheri) Koeck, St. Lawrence, SD; Sheila Tople Irene, SD; Sharon (Alan) Kingsley, Harrisburg, SD; Jerry (Judy) Koeck, Miller, SD; Joe Koeck, Ree Heights, SD; Diane (Jim) Beidler, Faulkton, SD; 20 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Agnes was preceded in death by her husband, Francis; son, Timothy (Lori); daughter-in-law, Tara Koeck; granddaughter, Amanda Kingsley; great grandson, Leo Krein; parents: George and Cecelia; brothers: Bill and Paul; and sister, Mary Anne.

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