Irvin Joseph Troske, 92, of Aberdeen, SD and formerly of Turton, SD died Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at Mother Joseph Manor. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Turton. Father Mike Kelly and Father Joe Vogel will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be Friday from 1-5:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home and starting at 6:00 p.m. at the church in Turton, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Irvin was born in a little blue house in Turton on December 26, 1921 to Frank and Lucy (Lynch) Troske and was one of 10 children. The family moved to Hinkley, MN for a short time, then returned to Turton and purchased what was known as the Dix farm. The family lost the farm when they were unable to make payments during the Depression. It was a great source of pride for Irvin when he repurchased the farm in the 80's.

Irvin grew up in Turton and attended the Dix Country School until eighth grade and graduated from Turton High School in 1939. He began farming full time at the age of 17 when his father resumed his banking career in Turton. His five younger brothers were frequently sent to the farm with orders to "help Irvin," and he became a taskmaster and guiding force in his brothers' lives.

He met his "little Margie," Marjorie Elaine Hill of Doland at the Twin Kiss movie theater in 1943, and they were married on September 23, 1946 in St. John's Catholic Church in Doland. They raised a family of eight children on a farm two miles south of Turton. In spite of his dislike of horses and inability to swim, his children always had horses and have many stories to tell about times spent at their lake cabin at Enemy Swim. All of their children earned degrees beyond high school, and he was proud of their accomplishments.

He was a man of definite beliefs. His Catholic religion and politics were very important to him. His German and Irish heritage served him well, as he inherited his father's business sense and his mother's sense of humor. He firmly believed that "Hard work never hurt anyone," but also liked to socialize and have a good time. Over the years he raised cattle, hogs, sheep, small grain, corn and beans. He was interested in farming until the day he died and felt blessed that his sons and grandsons continue farming the land and continue the business his family worked so hard to make successful.

Irvin bowled and played golf. He and Margie enjoyed spending the winters in Arizona and Texas after he retired from farming at the age of 63. He liked playing cards, especially 5 point pitch with his friends at the Turton Community Center. Wheeling and dealing on farm equipment and vehicles, especially cars, was always fun for him.

He was a lifetime member of St. Joseph's Church in Turton, longtime Knights of Columbus member, was a director at Farmers State Bank in Turton for 35 years, and served on the Sumner Township board and as Superintendent of Elections for many terms.

Irvin is survived by Margie, his wife of 67 years. His children: Bill (Pat) Troske, Turton; Heidi (Max) Williams, Brentford; Sara (Chuck) Baldwin, Rockport, TX; Danette (Mark) Zickrick, Pierre; Rory (Ginny) Troske, Turton; Dana (Angie) Troske, Syracuse, NE; and Camille (Chris) Settle, Seattle, WA. His grandchildren: Tonya Troske, Dylan (Amy) Troske, Emily Troske, Briana (Andrew) Litz, Colin (Meagan) Williams, Jenna Williams, Molly Becker, Casey Becker, Andrew Zickrick, Lauren Zickrick, Kathleen Zickrick, Nathan Troske, Stephanie (Shane) Hagstrom, Megan (Cale) Fugleberg, Kaitlyn Troske, Liam Settle, David Settle, Ruby Settle, Alyssa Huether, and 10 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister Murle (Robert) Breen, Rapid City; brothers Robert (Nina) Troske, Clark; Leroy (Beverly) Troske, North Branch, MN, Ronald (Patricia) Troske, Aberdeen; Frank (Roberta) Troske, Bellevue, WA; and Gary (Joanne) Troske, Kelso, WA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Eleanor Lien, Irene Zipf, and AnnaBelle Vogel, son David Irvin, and infant daughter Barbara Ann.