ELAINE CIHAK

Funeral Mass for Elaine Mae Cihak, 97, of Dante, was Saturday, February 7 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante. Burial was in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Dante. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Elaine Mae Cihak was born on January 12, 1929 in Yankton, the daughter of Ray and Caroline (Kostel) Kuca. Elaine passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall.

Elaine was a graduate of Wagner High School in 1947. She then attended Southern State Teacher’s College and graduated in 1949. Elaine taught in a rural elementary school and also worked as a bookkeeper for a lumber company in the Aberdeen area.

Elaine returned to the Dante area and married Donald Cihak on November 22, 1954. Together they farmed and raised nine children northeast of Dante.

Don passed away on May 1, 2000.

Elaine worked at theWagnerGood Samaritan Society in the dietary department for over 25 years, retiring in 2009.

She loved her work and the people she worked with. It was very rewarding to her and her co-workers were a great support system for her after her son Tim passed away in 2004. She continued to stay on the farm alone until she entered the Good Samaritan Center on November 30, 2021.

Elaine was a life long member of the Dante Assumption Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She also sang in the Choir.

Elaine was extremely proud of her grandchildren and loved following their activities. She was known as a great cook and for providing meals for everyone. She loved a large garden and f lowering. Elaine also enjoyed Polka music. Thankful for having shared her life are her children: Arlis Cihak of Yankton; Virgil (Cheri) Cihak of Canton and daughter Jacey (Sam); Sandy (Rodger) Brandt of Avon; Michael (Lisa) Cihak of Dante and their children, Riley (Jamie), Krystal (Trent) Bouy, Joshua, Josh Sonnenburg, Brianna Sonnenburg, Allison (Forest) Thompson, Kennedy and Lennon Tipton; Ken (Cindy I) Cihak of New Ulm, MN and their children, Lexie (Matt) Classen, Katie (Seth) Orr, Coleman (Alison), and Lucas (Rachelle); Cindy L. Cihak of Avon and children, Kela (Lehi) Tonga and Marshall (Lexy); Allen (Lori) Cihak of Avon and children, Derek, Mallory (Justin) Bochman, and Jacob; Roger (Jessica) Cihak of Dante and son Parker; Kristi (Pat) Soukup of Mitchell and sons, Keegan (Hanna), Kaden, and Gavin; 31 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law: Margie Uherka and Betty Kuca.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, son Tim, brothers: Robert Kuca and Donald Kuca; sister, Doris Kuca; sisters-in-law, Gaylene Kuca and Norma Kuca; nephew Terry Kuca; and father and mother-in-law.