Sutton resident Eileen Helen Kauk, 96, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Sutton Community Home in Sutton.

Memorial services took place at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 3, 2024, at Hope Reformed Church in Sutton with Rev. Scott Henry officiating. Private family graveside services were conducted prior to the memorial service at the Sutton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sutton Community Home. Condolences may be left at www. suttonmemorial.com. Eileen was born April 21, 1928, on a farm NW of Clay Center to Floyd M. and Emma (Neumann) Byrkit. She was baptized July 19, 1931, at the Clay Center Methodist Church where she was a member until her marriage to Kenneth D. Kauk on Dec. 5, 1948. Eileen attended school at Clay Center Public, graduating in 1946. She worked in the office of Werner Construction until her marriage. She and Kenneth made their home on the Kauk family farm NW of Saronville where they farmed and raised livestock together for 34 years.

In 1982 Eileen and Kenneth moved to Sutton where Kenneth continued to farm part-time with their son, David. Eileen was a homemaker, enjoying sewing and showing her love by making quilts for all the children and grandchildren. She loved to garden and raise chickens to put food on the table, and helped with every part of the farm operation. She used her gift of hospitality to continue writing birthday, anniversary, and Christmas greetings to family, friends, and church family until the end. Her love for her Savior was expressed daily through encouraging notes and phone calls to others, even as her health began to wane.

Eileen was a member of Hope Reformed Church in Sutton. She enjoyed being part of the Women’s Bible study throughout the years and helping with the Sutton Christian school newsletter. She served as a member of the Clay County Extension Club committee and as a board member of Farmer Coop Credit Bank in Saronville.

Eileen is survived by her sons, David (Ann) of Saronville, and Mark (Melissa) Kauk of Orange City, IA; daughter, Nancy (Dave) Klauschie of Omaha; grandchildren, Emily (Nick) Mouw, Nathan (Blaire) Kauk, Sarah (Matt) Dobson, Nathan (Anna) Poel, Daniel (Randa) Poel, David (Briana) Poel, Trevor (Gabrielle) Kauk, Dallas (Joe) Durick, Lyndon (Jess) Klauschie, Annalise (Austin) Orr and 19 great-grandchildren.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; brothers, Kenneth, Don, and Ervin Byrkit; sister, Wilma Monson; daughter-in-law, JoEllen Poel Kauk; and granddaughter, Joanna Kauk.