Arla Rae (Winckler) Dangel, age 74, of Yankton, SD, passed
away at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital on May 24, 2023, with her husband at her
side. Cremation has taken place.
A full mass burial was held at St. Benedict Catholic Church
in Yankton, SD on June 17, followed by a Celebration of Life.
Arla was born on April 27, 1949 to Hubert and Edna (Fischer)
Winckler in Tyndall, SD and was the fourth born of their nine children. Arla
grew up in Tyndall, SD and attended Tyndall High School, class of 1966. She met
Laverne “Vern” Dangel of Scotland, SD at the swimming pool in Tyndall. The
following week, they went on a date every night. Vern then headed back to
Vietnam. Upon return to South Dakota, he reconnected with Arla and within a
week of his return, Vern proposed marriage. Within 10 days later, on August 7,
1967 she married Vern in Scotland, SD at the St. George Catholic Church.
Joining this union were two sons: Paul and Kelly. Arla’s marriage with Vern
took her all over the country. They began their marriage in New Mexico, back to
South Dakota, then to Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Missouri again, South
Dakota again, the Virginia, Florida and finally returning home to South Dakota.
There were many adventures they shared along the way.
Arla had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. She
would light up any room. She was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and
incredibly compassionate. She loved cooking, baking, canning, watching movies,
playing pinochle, and marbles. Most importantly shopping. She was strong-willed
and courageous, but those traits defined Arla. They were part of who she was,
and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life’s challenges. She was a
fighter and took the cards she was dealt with strength and faith. As a woman of
faith, Arla wished to have a celebration of the immortality promised to all by
Christ. She would love to be remembered with funny, strange, or silly stories
that celebrate what was good and blessed in her life.
Arla is survived by her loving husband, Vern: sons, Paul
Dangel of Washington, DC, and Kelly and Delia Dangel of Niceville, FL;
grandchildren, Roman, Luke and Lexi of Arlington, VA and Logan of Niceville,
FL; sister, Norma (Bob) Bender of Yankton, SD; brothers, Joe (Loretta) of
Volin, SD, Jarvis (Marilyn) of Avon, Murray (Lisa) of Collinsville, VA and
Larry of Indiana, PA; sisters-in-law, Barbara Winckler of Winner, SD and Sue
Winckler of Vermillion, SD; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arla was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Edna;
her brothers, Leland, Myron (Mike) and David (Dave); and several beloved aunts,
uncles, a nephew, cousins and friends.