Pamela Rae Fonder

Pamela Rae Ward Fonder, 57, of Watertown, S.D., passed away at her home in the arms of her loving family on May 17, 2009.She was born Jan. 4, 1952, in Milbank, S.D. She was the daughter of Ray and LaVerna Blum Ward. She was united in marriage on Feb. 20, 1971, with James Bernard Fonder.Pam farmed with her husband north of Milbank. She also worked at St. William's Care Center, Alco, S.D., Whetstone Valley Care Center, and Dakotah Sewing Factory. Her husband, Jim, died on June 13, 1998. Pam moved to Madison, S.D., in 1999, then moved to Watertown in 2004, and has since resided.Pam's family and her faith in God were very important in her life. She dearly loved her children and was very proud of each grandchild. She was always willing to help a friend or stray animal in need. Her family will fondly remember her love, care and concern for them. She was a wonderful cook and everyone was always welcome in her home. She was a longtime member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank and a current member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown.Grateful for having shared her life are her children and grandchildren, Lisa Clark and son Gregory of Omaha, Neb., Angela (and Chris) Hillberg and daughters Haley, Kaitlyn and Jarika of Watertown, Daniel (and Jennifer) Fonder and children Brady, Desirae, and Alexander of Watertown, Michael Fonder of Madison, S.D., Christopher (and Lynsy) Fonder and daughter Kylie of Watertown; Pam's fiancé, Carl Persinger of Watertown and his family, Mike (and Hope) Persinger and children Clayton, Alyssa, and Alexander; three brothers Douglas (and Wilma) Ward of Conway, Ark., Phillip (and Ursel) Ward of Luneburg, Germany, and James (and Kathy) Ward of Milbank; two sisters-in-law, Marie Scott of Ortonville, Minn., and Eileen Fonder of Milbank; brother-in-law Dennis (and Arlene) Fonder of Milbank; and her many nieces and nephews.A Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, May 22, at 10 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Father Ken Lulf and Father Joe Forcelle will officiate, and burial will be in the St. Lawrence Cemetery.Visitation will be today at Mundwiler Funeral Home beginning at 5 p.m. followed by a scripture and rosary service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday morning at the church, on hour prior to the Mass.Music will be provided by Nancy Johnson, organist, and the St. Lawrence Funeral Choir.Honorary bearers will be Jerry and Debra Wittrock Sr. Casket bearers will be Brian Scott, John Fonder, Mike Persinger, Dustin Blum, Dezmond Ward, and Paul Fonder.Mundwiler Funeral Home of Milbank is in charge of the arrangements. To send an electronic condolence, visit: www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net