Hattie Magera

Hattie Marie Magera, age 89, formerly of Tripp, passed away Monday, July 29, 2024 at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with Rosary and Wake at 7 p.m., Friday, August 2, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston, SD.

A Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 3 at Sacred Heart in Parkston. Interment will be 1 p.m. at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Tripp.

Hattie was born on December 3, 1934 to James and Mary (Tucek) Sykora on the family farm southeast of Tripp, SD. She was the oldest of 3 children (Harold and Ernest) and the only girl. She was baptized and later confirmed her faith at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Tripp, SD. Hattie graduated from Tripp High School in 1952 and worked at Henderson’s Meat Locker during high school and Tripp Mercantile after high school. Hattie married Edgar J Magera on April 3, 1956 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Tripp, SD and enjoyed 64 years of marriage until Edgar’s death on November 10, 2020. Edgar and Hattie farmed southeast of Tripp for 9 years, then moved into Tripp where they raised their 4 children, Kathleen, John, Nicholas and Michael. They lived in Tripp, in the same home, for 52 years, until 2017 when they moved with Kathleen to Sioux Falls, to be closer to the boys.

Hattie was a proud and protective servant with a soft heart as she cared for Kathleen and her boys, as well as many generations of families in Tripp that needed a safe and loving place for their childcare. She fondly referred to them as “her kids.” Hattie spent most of her days happily in the kitchen cooking and caring for Kathleen, the boys, “her kids” and Edgar. Hattie connected with countless families and loved all the children she cared for, spanning over a 50 year period. Her boys often commented that she had a hand in raising over half of all the Tripp kids! Hattie kept in contact and loved to hear from all “her kids” and their families, about their achievements, marriages and new additions. She had an impeccable memory and loved sharing stories. Hattie babysat for several generations of the same family and was disappointed when it had to end, due to her age.

Hattie was a faithful and true friend and had a special love of all her relatives and enjoyed getting together and visiting them. Hattie had a deep faith and believed in the power of prayer as she prayed daily for all she knew who were suffering in any way, as well as her family and friends that had passed on. Hattie enjoyed Mass on Sundays and the fellowship of the church. 

Hattie is survived by her four children, Kathleen Magera, Sioux Falls, SD, John (Michelle) Magera, Sioux Falls, SD, Nicholas (Michele) Magera, Sioux Falls, SD and Michael (Jodi) Magera, Parker, CO.; her brother, Harold (Pat) Sykora, Tripp, SD and brother-in-law, William Magera, Yankton, SD. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, nine nieces and nephews, and many cousins. Hattie was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar; her parents, and her brother, Ernest Sykora.