Edmunds County Tribune -

Richard "Dick" Marko, 84, of Aberdeen, and formerly of Ipswich, SD, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at his home.

Mass of Christian burial was at 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Ipswich, with Father Tim Smith, Celebrant and Father Mark Axtmann con-celebrating.

Burial followed at the church cemetery.

Richard "Dick" Marko, son of William "Bill" and Margaret (Mullner) Marko, was born July 11, 1936, in Westport. He was raised on the family farm with three brothers and three sisters. Dick attended and graduated from Westport High School.

Dick was united in marriage to Ione Williams on May 31, 1956. The couple made Aberdeen their home, where Dick began working for Jewett Drug. In 1964, Dick and Ione moved to Ipswich and he began what would become a 30-year career with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks. Dick became Sheriff of Edmunds County in 1994 and served until 1998.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, United Commercial Travelers, Modern Woodmen, and the Peace Officers Association. In his spare time, Dick enjoyed hunting, a good game of cards, and socializing with family and friends.

Blessed to have shared Dick's life is his wife of 64 years, Ione Marko; his children, Vickie Ernst, Karen (Doug) Jones, Cindy (Doug) Kenny, Tracy (Pete) Feickert, Bill (Christine) Marko and Nancy (Dan) Bittner; one brother, Keith "Butch" Marko; three sisters, Delores Heckenliable, Dorothy Lang, and Clara Marko; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way); two foster great-grandsons; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Donnie and Roger; one sister in infancy; and two great-grandsons.

Arrangements by Schriver's Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, Aberdeen. Family and friends may sign Dick's online guestbook and view his service via the live stream service link at http://www.schriversmemorial.com.