SYLVIA G. ONKEN

Sylvia Gwendolyn Onken, the daughter of Delbert and Gwendolyn (Norton) Kuehl, was born on April 7, 1941 in Slayton, MN. She grew up in Murray County, MN and attended country school and graduated from the Storden High School in 1959. Sylvia was united in marriage to Arnold Onken on October 5, 1963 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton. After their marriage they lived on the Onken family farm north of Avoca. Sylvia worked as a secretary at the crop insurance office in Slayton for many years. In 1997 they moved into Slayton. Sylvia remained at their home after Arnie passed away in April of 2005. Sylvia passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Our House Hospice Home in Slayton at the age of 82. She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Sylvia also belonged to the Birthday Club. She enjoyed golfing and bowling and going to Nationals. She also enjoyed spending time at the cabin and attending family gatherings.

Survivors include her children, Jody (Shelly) Onken of Slayton, MN, Lane Onken of Slayton, MN and Dolyn Walther of Slayton, MN; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; 4 step great-grandchildren and 2 sisters-in-law, Darlene Kuehl and Gladys Onken. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson, James Walther, brother, Eldred Kuehl and sister, Ramona Larson.

Funeral services were held at St. Columba Catholic Church Iona, MN at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 with Fr. Peter Schuster officiating. The organist was Sharon Lais. The song leader was Sheila Crowley. Interment was at St. Ann’s Cemetery Slayton, MN.

Visitation was Monday from 4 to 6 PM at the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Send condolences online at www.totzkefuneralhome.