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Funeral services will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM (Central).

United Methodist Church
Murdo, South Dakota

Murdo Cemetery
Murdo, South Dakota
One hour prior to the services.



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In memory of

Ironis Poppe-Swan

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 92

Ironis Hope Finck was born to Waldo Emil and Clara Elisabeth (Jordan) Finck on April 2, 1934, on the Finck homestead northwest of Okaton, South Dakota.

Around 1952, Ironis left the Finck farm to work for a short time in Okaton. She then moved to Murdo with her sister Bonna and worked at several businesses, including Fern Penticoff’s cafe, the Woodard Hospital and England’s Gambles store.

On January 14, 1956, Ironis was united in marriage to Glenn Roland Poppe. To this union, three children were born: Robert, Glenda and Timothy.

After their marriage, Ironis and Glenn lived on a ranch on the White River, southwest of Okaton. In 1958, they moved to a farm about four miles west of Murdo, along U.S. Highway 16. Around January of 1966, the Poppe family moved into the city of Murdo.

Ironis was a hard worker and held a variety of jobs throughout her life in Murdo, including many years at the Pioneer Auto Show. After Glenn’s passing in July 1987, Ironis worked for her niece at the 1880 Train for a summer and then moved to Pierre, SD in 1991. Ironis worked at the Korner Grocery in Pierre until her retirement.

Around 1991, Ironis met Aaron Swan in Pierre, beginning a 34-year relationship that led to marriage on August 24, 2025.

Ironis and Aaron loved traveling to horse races around the Midwest, and as far away as Phoenix, AZ. Both of them loved horses and the excitement of horse races. Many years after they stopped traveling to horse races, they would still beam with joy when watching videos of horse races they attended years ago. Horse racing was their shared passion.

Ironis was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting friends and family. There was seldom a day that people weren’t gathered around her table to socialize and eat. Whether it was family or friends, Ironis’ house was the place to gather in Murdo.

Even in the latter part of her life, Ironis loved socializing with dear friends like Cheryl Iversen and Bonnie Heckenlaible. Ironis was a people person.

Ironis was full of life and laughter. She had a vivacious personality and always made friends, wherever she went. Ironis truly had a heart of gold. Ironis didn’t just live for her happiness but the happiness of others.

Ironis had a unique mix of genuine kindness, compassion, generosity, contagious laughter, a witty and clever sense of humor, honesty, and the common sense and character to know right from wrong. The world is a lesser place without her.
Ironis is survived by her son, Robert Poppe; daughter, Glenda (Poppe) Bruch; daughter-in-law, Maria Lesner-Poppe; granddaughters, Misty Bruch and Kaitlyn Poppe; great-granddaughter, Majestic Ketah; and sister, Norma Oldenberg.

Ironis was preceded in death by her husbands, Glenn Poppe and Aaron Swan; son, Timothy Poppe; sisters, Ruth “Irene” Brink, Elisabeth “Betty” Block, Alice Stroppel, Joyce Dykema and Bonna Lindquist; brothers, William “Emil” Finck, Robert Finck, and Kenneth Finck.

Please join us in celebrating her life at 11:00 a.m. CDT, Friday, September 25, at the United Methodist Church in Murdo, South Dakota.

Interment will follow at the Murdo Cemetery.



FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday, September 25, 2026 - 11:00 a.m. CDT
United Methodist Church
Murdo, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Cheryl Nymann

MUSIC
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”

GUEST BOOK ATTENDANTS
Cheryl Iversen - Tammy LeBeau

PALLBEARERS
Donald Ward - Gary Block - Michael Poppe
Raymond Brink - Rodney Colvin - Ronald LeBeau

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Murdo Cemetery
Murdo, South Dakota

  • Bob and Family, sorry to hear of Ironis' passing. You and your mom both have wonderful smiles that light up others around you--whether waiting for the rest home meal to be delivered to 'Roni's, Jim Roots', and GrandMa Jo's lunchroom table, camping out in front of the rest home's big TV (with rodeo, waltz, or country music on), or outside watching the evening birds and clouds (and getting your Mom a blanket), while "GrandPa Joe" replied what he needed, "Pop, cake, and ice cream." The rest home family is going to miss you both. Thanks for the smiles. Don't be a stranger. God bless us all on this journey called life. ~ "Grandma Jo" 's Family (Rest home buddy) Norris, SD (9/25/2026)
  • Our deepest sympathy to all the family and friends. ~ Jeanie Penticoff Jay Wyoming (9/24/2026)
  • So sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you. ~ Jeff and Emily Sanderson Eden Prairie, MM (9/23/2026)
  • Eden Prairie, MN 55347 ~ Jeff and Emily Sanderson 10492 Wimbledon Ct (9/23/2026)
  • 10492 Wimbledon ct ~ Jeff and Emily Sanderson Eden Prairie, MN 553471 (9/23/2026)
  • W ~ Jeff and Emily SANDERSON Eden Prairie, MN 55347 (9/23/2026)
  • She was quite a lady, was so lucky to meet her and enjoyed seeing her. Was happy to meet Bob also. Norma, you are a special lady, hold on to all the memories. Prayers for all. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (9/23/2026)
  • We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I feel blessed to have gotten to know her and Bob. I never got to meet Aaron,but it sounds like he was as wonderful as the rest of you are. Please know we care and will pray that God gives you strength in the days ahead. Bob, your mom was blessed to have you to take such good care of her and Aaron in their last year in tge nursing home. May Godd bless you. ~ Roxy and Ray Formanek PHILIP (9/23/2026)
  • I enjoyed seeing your mom on the days I helped with BINGO at the SCOTCHMAN LIVING CENTER. PRAYERS. ~ Linda Kroetch PHILIP (9/23/2026)
  • So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. ~ Gail M Jacobson Pierre (9/23/2026)