Evelyn Darlene Starnes

July 5, 1942 ~ October 1, 2013

Evelyn D. Starnes, 71, Sioux Falls, died Tuesday, October 1, 2013, at Sanford USD Medical Center, in Sioux Falls, after a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Monday, October 7, 2013, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon. Visitation will begin at 11:00am. Interment at Hills of Rest will follow.

Evelyn was born on July 5, 1942, in Canton, SD to Hilka Sinning. Grandfather Sinning called Evelyn his little pumpkin and so she had the nick name Punky while growing up. In 1944 Hilka met and married Mike Koval who later adopted Evelyn. Mike and Hilka had two sons, Mike Jr. and Joe. Evelyn was raised and attended school in Sioux Falls. On February 27, 1960, Evelyn married Rod Starnes in Luverne, MN. Rod and Evelyn had 2 children, Roderick (Rick) Starnes Jr. and Deborah Starnes. Rick is married to Kathy and Debbie is deceased. Debbie lost her battle with breast cancer in 1995 but before she passed away Debbie and Joe Dvorak had a son Robbie, who is Evelyn’s pride and joy. Evelyn was proud to be connected with Joe Dvorak and his family and the great job Joe has done raising Robbie as a single parent.

She was employed during her life at Brown Drug, Sunshine on 2nd Ave, Starmark Bargin Center, and The Fish Shop on 10th Street. Evelyn retired and worked part time for elections.

Animals were always a part of Evelyn’s family. Rod had retired when Rick brought them a puppy named Buddy. Buddy grew up to be a big lovable dog who was a true companion for Rod and Evelyn. Buddy was Evelyn’s constant companion until his death in 2012.

Evelyn appreciated her friendships with Harold and Peggy Kobbrek who provided Rod and Evelyn support throughout their marriage. Evelyn felt that the Kobbrek family adopted her and her family. Evelyn valued the friendship that she had with Butch and Joyce Britton. The Starnes, Kobbrek, and the Britton families have a lot of fond memories spending time together fishing, camping, and playing cards. The Kobbrek and Britton families have always been there for the Starnes family. The light of her life was her grandson Robbie. They enjoyed the Green Bay Packers. She also loved doing daily crossword puzzles. Evelyn presided over many family gatherings always making her baked beans. Evelyn also appreciated the support and fellowship of her brothers, Mike and Joe Koval, and Joe’s wife Cathy during her final days. . She will be missed.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Rodrick (Kathy) Starnes Jr., Sioux Falls; a grandson, Robbie Dvorak and Rob’s father, Joe Dvorak, Sioux Falls; 2 brothers, Michael Koval Flandreau, SD, and Joe (Cathy) Koval, Sioux Falls; and sister-in-law, Barbara (Floyd) Hunking, Sioux Falls.

She is preceded in death by her husband Roderick Starnes Sr., a daughter Deborah Starnes, and her parents.

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