Vern J. Luken

Vern John Luken, age 93, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Village of Harmony Hill, surrounded by the love and support of his children. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Watertown. Pastor Paul Kuckhahn will officiate. The funeral service will be live-streamed and recorded via our website.

Visitation will be at the St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Watertown on Monday starting at 9:30 a.m.

Burial will at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown. Military graveside honors will be conducted by Codington County Post #17 of the American Legion, Watertown and the Military Funeral Honors Team of the SD Army National Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Makepeace, Gabe Aberle, Brian Boyston, Gary Young, Nathen Lakness, Joe Lakness and Bill Melcom. Active pallbearers will be Chris Loiseau, Jeremy Dornbush, Gavin Dornbush, Lee Borns, Travis Young and Dustin Sinner.

Vern was born on December 21, 1931, to John and Martha (Anderson) Luken on a farm near Henry, SD. He grew up on the family farm, helping with both farm and household chores when he was not busy hunting and trapping. At the age of 12, Vern began farming full-time after his father became ill-a responsibility he carried with maturity beyond his years.

In 1952 after being drafted, Vern proudly served in the U.S. Army. While in the service, he tried out for and made the Army baseball team as a pitcher, traveling across Europe to entertain fellow troops. His love of baseball continued long after he returned home. Vern was honorably discharged in 1954.

After completing his military service, Vern met Audrey Papka, and the two were married on September 2, 1954. Together, they built a beautiful life and welcomed three children: Suzanne, Michael, and Paul. Over the years, their family grew to include six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

In the early years of marriage, Vern worked at Swift's Meat Packing Plant while continuing to farm. As his family grew, he transitioned to working for various grain elevators before purchasing Sisseton Seed and Grain. Just a few months later, he launched Discount Farm Center in Watertown, where Audrey joined him in business. For over 40 years, they partnered on numerous ventures, including Burr Grain Company in Burr, MN, with Gabe Aberle, and Vienna Seed and Grain with Virgil Borns.

Vern took great pride in Vienna Seed and Grain, which became the first grain terminal in South Dakota to load unit trains carrying corn to the West Coast. Never one to stand still, Vern also invested in the oil industry in Oklahoma in the 1970s. Throughout his life, he continued to farm, raise cattle, and lend a helping hand to others-often supporting or mentoring those launching their own businesses. He also purchased Arrowhead Seeds and held part ownership in Little Jenny's Trucking.

Vern and Audrey shared a love for dancing and even owned and operated several dance halls over the years. They spent many winters in Scottsdale, AZ, and built and enjoyed numerous homes in Watertown-often joking that they moved at least once a year. They were faithful members of St. Martin's Church in Watertown, where they raised their children and actively participated in the parish community.

Vern lived by a simple, powerful motto: "If a task once begins, never leave it 'til it ends, if it is big or small do it well or not at all."

Vern is survived by his children: Suzanne (Virgil) Borns, Michael Luken (Jodi Brinkman), and Paul (Tyanne) Luken-all of Watertown; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Audrey; his parents, John and Martha Luken; his in-laws, Virgl & Ethel Papka; and nine siblings.

The family request memorials be made to The Village Harmony Hill.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti