Roxana Monica Uttermark, 49, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Friday, August 30, 2024, with her loving husband by her side at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, SD.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Roxana’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Aberdeen, with Pastor Jeff Whillock officiating.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel, with a prayer service at 7 p.m.  Visitation continues one hour before the service at the church.

A time of fellowship and luncheon will follow the service at the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the Aberdeen Public School Foundation at https://www.aberdeen.k12.sd.us/page/giving-opportunities.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be live-streamed at https://www.bethlehemaberdeen.org/worship/worship-online.

Roxana Monica Skokin was born on April 11, 1975, in Bucharest, Romania, to Eugene and Antonetta (Raileanu) Skokin. At a young age, the family moved to the United States and settled in Fargo, North Dakota, where Roxana was raised and attended schools, graduating from high school in 1993. She was an academic at heart, and her intelligence shone through in every aspect of her life.

Roxana continued her education at North Dakota State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She continued at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she completed her Master’s and Specialist Degrees in School Psychology. She started working as an intern with the North Central Special Education Co-Op, which eventually became her career.

On her very first day working at a school as a School Psychologist, Roxana was introduced to Jason Uttermark. It was love at first sight, and they were united in marriage just a year later, on September 2, 2000, at the Como Park Japanese Gardens in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Roxana, Jason, and his daughter Dani made their home together in Aberdeen, SD, later joined by daughter Sophia, and the family was complete.

Roxana’s passion for motherhood and care showed in her everyday life. Her family endearingly referred to her as a “helicopter mom.” She embraced her role as a show choir and dance mom, always passionately cheering Sophia on in her endeavors.

Roxana and Jason traveled the world together, taking family cruises and exploring new countries and cultures. They created unforgettable memories in Paris, France; Iceland; Alaska and Hawaii; and their favorite destination, Italy.

Roxana especially loved exploring cuisines worldwide and brought that passion home, where she enjoyed recreating and inventing her own recipes. The kitchen was a place where she expressed her creativity and love for food. She also had a passion for gardening and tending to her flowers, specifically roses.

For over 20 years, Roxana dedicated herself and her talents to the North Central Special Education Co-Op, profoundly impacting the lives of students and colleagues alike. In the weeks before her passing, she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Dakota Association of School Psychologists (SDASP), a testament to her unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions. Roxana was recognized as School Psychologist of the Year in 2008 and played a crucial role in the SDASP, where she served in various offices, including President. Her tireless advocacy and leadership left an enduring legacy in education and beyond.

Roxana was an active and devoted member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She enjoyed helping serve communion, taught Sunday School, and demonstrated a deep dedication to her faith community and love for Christ.

Roxana is lovingly remembered by her family, including her husband of 24 years, Dr. Jason Uttermark of Aberdeen, SD; daughters: Dani (Jarret) Smith of Mitchell, SD, and Sophia Uttermark of Aberdeen, SD; grandchildren: Gauge and Rex; mother, Antonetta Skokin of Aberdeen, SD; brother, Michael Skokin of Bucharest, Romania; parents-in-law Robert & Geneva Uttermark of Aberdeen, SD; sister-in-law Gina (Ed) Nelson of Rapid City, SD; several nieces, nephews, extended family, and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Skokin.