Mona Marie (Ischen) Robinette, 62, died Friday, December 9th, 2016, at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center following a short, but courageous battle with cancer. Mona had a Living Funeral on her birthday, for her memorial service. She was born in Mitchell, SD to Fred and Esther (Gullickson) Ischen on November 3rd, 1954. Mona spent her childhood on her family’s farmstead in rural Fedora and attended school in Carthage, SD until her senior year of high school, at which time she attended Howard High School, graduating in 1972. Mona enlisted in the United States Army in 1978 and served her country as an active service member until January of 1993. During her service in the Army she earned numerous ribbons, badges and medals, including: Army Service Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Overseas Service Medal; Marksmanship Badge (M-16 & Hand Grenade); & Army Commendation Medal.

Following her military career she worked in the office of the Miner County Community Health Nurse in Howard. In 1996, she went on to work at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center as an Administrative Officer, retiring in 2008. Following her retirement, she moved to Carthage and there found a rewarding life as an active member of the community.

Mona enjoyed many hobbies, including coin collecting and gardening. Her favorite quote was “May I never miss a sunset or a rainbow because I am looking down.”

Grateful for having shared Mona’s life are her daughter, Chauntee (Ted) Hosselkus (Spearfish); granddaughter, Maggie Hosselkus (Spearfish); mother, Esther Ischen (Fedora); special friend, Mike Weaver (Carthage); cousin, Wayne Westerberg (Madison); cousin, Linda (Joe) Lidington (Allenton, WI); friend, Susie Stahl (Freeman); aunt, Mary Carol Der Hagopian (Dell Rapids); sister, Ruth Ischen (Fedora); & countless family and friends across the United States and around the world. Mona was preceded in death by her father, Fred K. Ischen in 1991 and her beloved aunt Mary Westerberg in 1996.

On-line condolences may be left at the Willoughby Funeral Home website.