Florence (Dot) Thomas of Sioux Falls, SD died Thursday, August 24, 2017 just shy of her 99th birthday.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00, Monday, August 28, 2017 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD. The family invites you to join them for refreshments and fellowship following the service.
Florence Marie Devick (Dot) was born September 16, 1918 to Saebjorn and Amanda Devick. Dot was raised in Colton, SD with her 7 siblings, Harold, Sara, Norman, Perry, Alma, John Stanley (Bud), and Mable Ione (Sis).
She graduated from Colton High in 1936 and earned her BA from Augustana College in 1940. On March 23, 1941 Dot and Russell Thomas married at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. They had six children, Julie, Lesa, Steven, Jeffrey, Michael and Jane. During World War II Dot worked as an executive secretary at John Morrell. When Russ came home their mutual focus was family. Dot was involved in the church and was invited to help form a new Lutheran church in Sioux Falls. She accepted that challenge and became one of the founders of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church which initially held its services at Augustana College. She spent many years teaching Sunday school and coordinating teachers at the church. Dot was hired and became Parish Education Director at Our Savior’s. She taught confirmation, was a board member of Lutherans Outdoors, was instrumental in the development of the Camping programs, Boundary waters canoe trips, Bible school trips to Rosebud reservation, and Youth leagues including those for special needs kids. She was also very involved in the Augustana Alumni Association and all the events at Augie.
Dot and Russ loved camping with their children took them to many of the National Parks. They also renovated a lake cabin on Lake Carlos, Alexandria and hosted large extended family reunions.
Grateful for sharing her life are her children; Jane Thomas, Lesa Thomas, Julie Thomas (Michael Collins), Michael Thomas (David Thompson), Jeff Thomas (Jackie Thomas), Steve Thomas (Pat Reagan).
Her grandchildren; Maren Tollefson, Ian Thomas, Jason Thomas, Aaron Dafoe, Leif Thomas, Kristin DeWitt, Ross Dafoe and step-grandchild, Carly Dockstader, eleven great grand children, three great-great grand children and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband Russell Thomas and all of her siblings. www.heritagesfsd.com.
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