Eleanor Harkin

Eleanor Louise Vifquain was born May 9, 1919 in Springview, Nebraska, the daughter of Elmer V. and Nellie (Kenaston) Vifquain. She grew up on a farm near Springview, and graduated from Keya Paha High School in Springview, in 1937. As a young lady she worked in Alliance, Nebraska, as a waitress and also worked at St. Agnes Academy.
Eleanor was united in marriage to Burnis J. Harkin on January 21, 1942, in Alliance. They made their home in Alliance for a short time before moving to a dude ranch south of Spearfish, South Dakota. They moved to Rapid City for a short time before moving back to Alliance in 1948. They made their home in Alliance for 10 years before moving to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1958, where she worked for P.I.E. as a secretary for two years. In June 1960, they moved to Denver, Colorado, where she worked for a dry cleaner for three years, and then worked for Blue Cross & Blue Shield until retiring in 1980. In the summer of 1980, Eleanor and Burnis moved to Interior.
Eleanor was an avid horseman and Eleanor and Burnis rode over 800 miles during the South Dakota Centennial Wagon Train in 1989. They were also involved in many other wagon trains in South Dakota and Nebraska.
Her husband Burnis, preceded her in death on January 17, 1993. Eleanor continued to reside in Interior.
Eleanor is a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and a former member of the Current Events Club, both of Interior.
Survivors include seven sons Joe Harkin and his wife Shirley of Vancouver, Washington, George Harkin and his wife Ann of Denver, Colorado, Victor Harkin of Denver, Bill Harkin of Denver, Pat Harkin and his wife Suzanne of Model, Colorado, Jerry Harkin of Pueblo, Colorado, and Ricky Harkin and his wife Michele of Model; two daughters Barbara Manley and her husband Larry of Interior, and Mary Beth Perkins and her husband Scott of Interior; 23 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother Jerry Vifquain and his wife Louella of Nemo, South Dakota; and a host of other relatives and friends. 
In addition to her husband Burnis, Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; one brother Victor Vifquain; and a sister Elizabeth Marshall.
Visitation was held 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, at the Interior School Gym, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 23, at the Interior School Gym, with Father Leo Hausmann as celebrant.
Interment was at the Fairview Cemetery in Interior.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, August 23, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
Interior School Gym
Interior, South Dakota
CLERGY
Father Leo Hausmann
MUSIC
Dorothy Shearer - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“Amazing Grace”
“Whispering Hope”
“Just As I Am”
“In The Sweet By and By”
“Shall We Gather At The River”
“Will There Be Any Stars In My Crown”
“Going Home”
USHERS
Kevin Kruse - Perry Guptill
Chuck Carlbom
PALLBEARERS
Joe Harkin - George Harkin
Victor Harkin - Bill Harkin
Pat Harkin -Jerry Harkin - Rick Harkin
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Fairview Cemetery
Interior, South Dakota

Service Details

Visitation: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, at the Interior School Gym.
Vigil Service: 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, at the Interior School Gym.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 23, at the Interior School Gym.
Interment: Fairview Cemetery in Interior.

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