Thelma Hagedorn, age 86, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Riverview Healthcare Community in Flandreau, SD.
Thelma Mae Tonsager was born on November 18, 1930 near Lake Campbell in Brookings County, the daughter of Edon and Thea (Bortnem) Tonsager. She moved as a child with her parents to a farm near Oldham, SD. She attended Oldham Lutheran Church, rural schools and graduated from Oldham High School in 1949. She continued her education at General Beadle College for two years, earning her teaching certificate. She taught school in Egan for 5 years.
On October 27, 1956 she was united in marriage to Louie Hagedorn in the Oldham Lutheran Church. They lived on a farm 6 miles south of Flandreau. In 1988 they moved into Flandreau. Louie passed away on March 10, 2001. Due to declining health, Thelma moved into the Riverview Health Community in December of 2012.
Thelma was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and WELCA. She was well known for her lefse making abilities. She enjoyed canning dill pickles, knitting, counted cross-stitch and spending much of her time at her trailer on Lake Madison.
Thelma is survived by her son: Tom (Laura) Hagedorn; three grandchildren: Justin Hagedorn, Bailey (Brett) Erickson and Tomi Jo Hagedorn; and her brother: Ken (Darlene) Tonsager.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers, Robert, Gerald, and Harold (infant); and 2 sisters, Ellaine Lewallen and Annie Tonsager (infant).
Her funeral service was held April 25, 2017 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Flandreau with interment in Union Cemetery.
