William “Bill” Lurken

Dates

Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of William "Bill" Raymond Lurken, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who departed our earthly realm on March 6, 2026, at the age of 77. Bill passed away peacefully in the early hours at Ava's Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by the love of his family.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, March 13, at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7:00 PM at the church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

A livestream of Bill’s funeral service can be viewed at: https://www.mitchellfirstlutheran.org/worship/

Born on March 30, 1948, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Bill was the cherished son of Magdalene "Maggie" and William Lurken. Bill graduated from Mankato State University in 1970 with a degree in accounting, a field in which he would leave a lasting legacy. His career began with a passion for numbers and people, culminating in the founding of ELO Prof LLC, a firm that has since grown to nine offices across the state, providing exemplary accounting and financial services. His dedication to leadership in the field was admired by colleagues and clients alike.

In 1971, Bill married Victoria "Vicki" Stoen, with whom he proudly welcomed his son, William "Billy," in 1972. The family moved to Mitchell, South Dakota, in 1974, where they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Kelly, in 1976. Later in life, Bill found love anew with Linda Farnsworth, whom he married in a beautiful ceremony in Hawaii in 2003. Together, they shared twenty-three wonderful years filled with adventure and companionship.

Bill was a man of many passions. In retirement, he devoted his time to fishing, golfing, and traveling the world. He found immense joy in collecting coins, listening to 50s music on his jukebox, and living on the lake. An avid sports fan, Bill's support for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings was unwavering, even through the ups and downs of each season. His quick wit and infectious laugh brightened the lives of all who knew him, while his love for adventure inspired those around him to embrace the world with open arms.

Bill leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; children, William "Billy" (April) Lurken of Mitchell and Kelly (Matt) Lurken-Tvrdik of Minnesota; step-children, Sholi (Jim) Glaus of Chamberlain, Holly (Jerad) Evans of Chamberlain, Amber (Jeff) Jensen of Nebraska, and David (Mark) Farnsworth of Sioux Falls; siblings, Gary (Monica) Lurken of Mitchell and Sally Alkire of Florida; grandchildren: Maxwell, Ramona, and Calvin; step-grandchildren, Tate, Teil, Savanna, Moriah, Jett, Parker, Hayden, Kinsey, Kale, Blake, and Quinn; along with 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents and his dear sister, Shirley Lubben of Texas. Bill has now joined them in eternal rest.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Avera@ Home Hospice Program, Dougherty Hospice House, Faith Home Church, and Ava's Hospice House for their compassionate care during Bill's final days. Bill will be greatly missed, always remembered, and forever loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, laughter, and leadership will continue to inspire us all.

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