Stella J. Thielman

Sioux Falls, SD Stella J. Thielman, age 104 of Sioux Falls, SD died Saturday, December 22, 2007 at the Good Samaritan Lutheran Manor in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Friday, December 28th at Jurrens Funeral Home in Rock Rapids, IA. Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Friday, December 28th from 10:00 AM, until the hour of service at the funeral home. Stella J. Thielman, age 104, of Sioux Falls, SD died Saturday, December 22, 2007 at Luther Manor in Sioux Falls, SD. Because of failing health, she had been a resident there since June 2007. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 28th at Jurrens Funeral Home in Rock Rapids, IA with burial at the Riverview Cemetery near Rock Rapids. A visitation hour will be held before the service beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Stella was born November 15, 1903 in rural Sherman, SD, the daughter of Ole and Severina (Nesheim) Sande. She attended country school and was confirmed at the Norway Lutheran Church. After her education she moved to Sioux Falls for employment. Stella was united in marriage to Ludwig (Louie) D. Thielman on May 5, 1926 in Alvord, IA. The couple lived east of Sherman, SD, and then moved to the family farm near Alvord. In 1936, they moved to Rock Rapids with their six children. On July 25, 1936 Louie died unexpectedly. Stella returned to Sherman, later moving to Garretson, SD and then to Jasper, MN. In 1965, she retired and moved to Sioux Falls where she resided until her death. Although raising a family of six was difficult for her, Stellas life revolved around her children, grandchildren and their families. In June 2007, her first great-great-grandchild was born and named for her, Stella Mae Sonnichsen. In the months since June, Grandma Stella enjoyed spending time with her namesake. Stella was an accomplished embroiderer; her grandchildren cherish her memory through the many gifts of needlework given to them through the years. Stella is survived by five children: LaVerne (Elnora) Thielman, Sioux Falls; Carol (Dennis) Peterson, Sioux Falls; June Munkvold, Burbank, SD; Arla (Ronald) Horn, Larchwood, IA; Marilyn (Eldon) Christoferson, Casper, WY, 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, one sister, Helen Christiansen, Sioux Falls, and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Delbert J. Thielman, granddaughter, Suzanne Oldham, four brothers, five sisters, and son-in-law, Dick Munkvold.