Vincent Effling, 87, of Artesian, died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 19, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Artesian. Burial was in Brisbine Cemetery. Visitation was Friday at Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell with a prayer service following.

Vincent Joseph Effling was born on July 16, 1932, in rural Artesian to Joseph and Ellen (Healy) Effling. He was stationed overseas in Germany for the US Army. Vincent married Esther Uttecht on Oct. 11, 1960, at the Notre Dame Chapel in Mitchell. Vince had a love of farming, indicated by his long life on the Effling Century Farm, where he and Esther raised their six children. They enjoyed many family celebrations with a houseful of grandchildren.

Vince was a member of the Artesian American Legion and was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years. He served on the Afton Township Board from 1967-2016 and on the Artesian-Letcher School Board for many years.

Vince is survived by his wife of 59 years, Esther Effling of Artesian; five daughters, Lisa (Norman) Neugebauer and Rita (Jeff) Miller, both of Mitchell, Bonita (Michael) Feilmeier of Harrisburg, Lori (Lance) Ischen of Brookings, and Pamela (Adam) Zdrilic of Brandon; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Irene Casanova of Ramona, John (Shirley) Effling of Clear Lake, Francis (Cleo) Effling and Greg (Sharon) Effling, both of Artesian, and Betty (Daryl) Kurtenbach of Stevens Point, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his son, Leo Effling, on March 18, 2017; his sisters, Mary (Bernard) Muller, Gertrude (Ed) Steilen, and Veronica in infancy; and brother-in-law, Jack Casanova.