ARLEN KUCERA

Funeral services for Arlen Thomas Kucera, 89, of Lake Andes, will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 19 at the Wagner Community Church in Wagner. Burial will be in the ZCBJ Cemetery, with military honors. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM, Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at the church. Peters Funeral Home of Wagner is in charge of arrangements.

Arlen was born on July 16, 1934 to Thomas and Velda (Martin) Kucera in Wagner. He died June 13, 2024 at the Lake Andes Senior Living Center.

Arlen graduated from Wagner High School in 1952. After high school, Arlen went to South Dakota State University where he earned his Bachelor Sciences degree in Electrical Engineering in 1956.

In 1957, Arlen was drafted to the U.S. Army where he served until 1963. After his time in the service, he moved to California where he worked on missiles. While in California, Arlen learned how to fly and rebuilt his plane. Later, he bought a farm in 1986 and in the early 90’s he moved back to South Dakota. In his retirement he worked on the farm and helped his brother farm.

Arlen enjoyed flying his own plane. He also had a love for reading and computers. He liked his MGA 1960 vintage car.

Arlen is survived by his three siblings: Lois Merkel of Leola, Robert (Barb) Kucera of Wagner and Joan (Stuart) Wood of Bellevue, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Andrew Merkel.