Myrna Bernice Rokeh, Age 90 of Tyler, Minnesota passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Saturday, July 4, 2026 at the Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 8 at 10:30 AM at Danebod Lutheran Church in Tyler. A Memorial Visitation will be held prior to the start of the service at 9:00 AM at the church. Inurnment will follow the service at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, Minnesota. Memorials are preferred to Danebod Lutheran Church in Tyler. Arrangements are under the care of the Hartquist Funeral Home in Tyler.
Myrna Bernice Rokeh was born to Herbert and Bernice (Scandrett) Sheffield on November 7, 1935, in Russell, Minnesota. She was baptized and later confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Russell. She attended school in Russell and graduated in 1954. Myrna met Gerald “Jerry” John Rokeh, the love of her life, and they were united in marriage on February 6, 1954, at the First English Parsonage in Tyler, Minnesota. Together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage, raised three children, and built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. As an Air Force wife, Myrna devoted herself to caring for her family wherever Jerry’s military service took them. Over the years, they lived in Mississippi, New York, Texas, Turkey, and Montana before returning to Russell in 1972 after Jerry retired from the Air Force. No matter where life took them, home was wherever they were together. After returning to Russell, Myrna worked at several local businesses, including Ike’s Café, The Log Cabin, Tyler Bakery, and Pizza Ranch, as well as in the food service department at Russell High School. She eventually joined the kitchen staff at Danebod Village, where she continued serving others until her retirement. In 1988, she and Jerry moved to the New Vista Apartments in Tyler, and in 1994 they made their home at Danebod Village Complex. Following Jerry’s passing in 1999, Myrna continued to make Danebod her home until moving to an apartment at Bethany Meadows in Brandon, South Dakota, in November 2025. Myrna passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Saturday, July 4, 2026 at the Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Myrna was a faithful member of Danebod Lutheran Church and was deeply involved in her church family. She was also active in Eastern Star, Royal Neighbors of America, Modern Woodmen of America, the Red Hat Society, and Danebod WELCA. She enjoyed playing cards, crocheting, crafting, exercising, making greeting cards, working puzzles, volunteering, helping others, and, above all, spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many friends who became like family. Myrna had a grateful heart and found joy in life’s everyday blessings. Many looked forward to receiving one of Myrna’s handmade greeting cards, each thoughtfully created as a reminder that someone was thinking of them. She was deeply thankful for her faith, her family, and the many friendships she cherished throughout her life. She considered her friendships to be one of life’s greatest blessings and treasured the adventures, laughter, and countless memories they shared together. Whether serving others, spending time with loved ones, or simply appreciating life’s little moments, Myrna approached each day with kindness, humility, and gratitude. Her legacy of love, generosity, and thankfulness will continue to inspire all who knew her. Myrna’s faith, devotion to her family and friends, and servant’s heart were evident throughout her life. She was a true Minnesotan, strong in her faith, quick with her wit, and even quicker with a smile. Sharp as a tack yet gentle in spirit, she had a gift for making others feel welcome and cared for. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory, her example of faithful service, and her grateful spirit will remain a treasured blessing to her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.
Myrna is lovingly remembered by her children: Geri Willfong and her husband, Jerry, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Janine Isenberg and her husband, Allen, of Marshall, Minnesota; and John Rokeh and his wife, Chris, of Brandon, South Dakota. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Thomas Willfong; Ashley (Travis) Peterson; Jamie (Derek) Thooft; Christopher (Sara) Rokeh; Jill (Dillon) Miles; and Kyle (Marya) Rokeh; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and other cherished relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her parents, Herbert and Bernice Sheffield; her four brothers, William, Richard, Neil, and Wayne Sheffield; her sister, Dorothy Anderson; and her parents-in-law, Delbert and Evelyn Rokeh.
