LuElla Pleinis, 97, Eureka, SD died Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Avera Eureka Healthcare Center.

LuElla Jean Kurle, daughter of Lydia (Schutz) and Robert Kurle, was born September 10, 1929, on a farm three miles west of Eureka. She was raised in Eureka and attended Eureka Public School, graduating with the EHS Class of 1947. LuElla married Herbert Pleinis at the Congregational Church in Aberdeen on March 31, 1950. The couple settled in Eureka where, in addition to raising five children, LuElla worked at the Gambles Store and the Coast to Coast Store for 30+ years. She enjoyed attending sporting events, even after her sons graduated. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s UCC in Eureka where she held offices in the Ladies’ Aid, was assistant finance officer, and was a Sunday school teacher. She was also a member of the Eureka American Legion Auxiliary for 75 years.

She is survived by two sons—Craig (Connie) Pleinis of Montrose, CO, and Gahlan (Dalaine) Pleinis of Eden, SD; three daughters—June (Larry) Klemann of Clear Lake, SD, Carol (David) Weiszhaar of Apollo Beach, FL, and Carla Craigmile of Bismarck, ND.; one sister, Betty Mueller of Rapid City, SD; 10 grandchildren—Cody (Tammy) Klemann, Shane (Stephanie) Klemann, Jason (Danielle) Weiszhaar, Joshua (Samantha) Weiszhaar, Jamie (Jason) Weisbeck, Jennifer (Andrew) Hemmah, Allison Pleinis, David Pleinis, Alex (Traci) Craigmile, and Aaron (Ashley) Craigmile; 29 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren with two on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

LuElla was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert, on July 15, 2005; her father, Robert, on September 12, 1958; her mother, Lydia, on January 12, 1989; one brother; three sisters; son-in-law, Jim Craigmile; and great-grandson, Bentley Craigmile.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Eureka, led by Pastor Lucinda Haak. Interment follows at the Eureka Cemetery. Pianist will be Ronda Lapp; congregational hymns will be “In the Garden”, “One Day at A Time”, “What a Friend we have in Jesus”, and “Abide With Me”; and the usher will be Susan Lutz.

Honorary bearers will be the staff at the Avera Healthcare Center, LuElla’s home for the past five years.

Casket bearers will be Cody Klemann of Maquoketa, Iowa; Shane Klemann of Sioux Falls, SD; Jamie and Jason Weisbeck of Mobridge, SD; and Aaron Craigmile and Alex Cragimile of Bismarck.

Visitation commences at 10:00 AM Wednesday at the Church.

LuElla’s funeral will be livestreamed on the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.

Services are in the care of Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel, Eureka.