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Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota



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In memory of

Thelma Heltzel

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the Scotchman Living Center in Philip at the age of 95

Thelma Marie Patton was born March 21, 1928, in Pierre, South Dakota, the daughter of Mable (Grotta) and Patrick Patton. Thelma grew up in northern Haakon County and attended grade school in a rural one room school. She attended Philip High School graduating as valedictorian in 1946. She attended Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish for two summers and taught in rural schools for four years. The first and last years at the Rogers School where she had gone to grade school. She was president of the Haakon County Teachers for two years.

On June 11, 1950, Thelma married James “Jim” Heltzel at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip. They spent the first five years on a farm northeast of Philip until moving into Philip. To this union 10 children were born, five girls and five boys.

Thelma worked briefly at the Senechal Hotel, Burns Brothers Truck Stop, and 21 years as a Nurses Assistant at the Philip Nursing Home, a job she loved. She also delivered rural mail on her husband’s contract between Philip and Kadoka for 13 years.

Thelma and Jim spent 11 winters in Sun City, Arizona. Upon Jim’s death on October 22, 2002, she sold her condo in Arizona and spent the rest of her years in Philip enjoying her church, the Bad River Senior Citizens Center (where she was secretary), the Hospital Auxiliary, the Legion Auxiliary (where she was secretary), and Friends of the Library. Thelma was the last surviving charter member of the Bad River Senior Citizens Center, where she spent many happy hours playing cards with her many close friends.

Thelma is survived by her nine children; John of Philip, Marie (Butch) Pederson of Black Hawk, Donald (Sue) of Burleson, Texas, Carol (Matt) Torrey of Rapid City, Beth (Dan) Davidson of Boise, Idaho, Wendy Heltzel of Rockport, Texas, David (Rona) of York, Nebraska, Tom (LeAnn) of Sun City West, Arizona, and Kate (Bennie) Heltzel of Lincoln, Nebraska; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; a sister Patty Fonseca; two sisters-in-law Maggie Lou and Dorothy Heltzel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Jim, Thelma was preceded in death by her oldest son Pat; grandson Mark Pederson; her parents; sisters Irene Stoeser and Kathy Pfeifle; brothers John, Philip, Bill, and Robert; brothers-in-law Kenneth, LeRoy, Philip, and Gene Heltzel, Alex Stoeser, and Ralph Fonseca; sisters-in-law Marty, Lois, and Dottie Patton; daughter-in-law Carol Heltzel; nephews Mike Stoeser, Steve and Allen Pfeifle; and nieces Laurie Dalton and Linda Stoeser.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 105 Philip, SD 57567.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with a Christian Funeral Vigil at 7:00 p.m.

A Christian Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Grant Gerlach as celebrant.

The Christian Funeral Committal will take place at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.



VISITATION
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - 5-7 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CHRISTIAN FUNERAL VIGIL
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CHRISTIAN FUNERAL MASS
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Fr. Grant Gerlach
assisted by Deacon Lloyd Frein

MUSIC
Joe and Kathy Gittings - Vocalists
Congregational Hymns
“How Great Thou Art” - #430
“Only A Shadow” - #443
“Amazing Grace” #449
“O Loving God” - #688
“We Walk By Faith” - #514

READER
Rita O’Connell

USHERS
Joann Pearson - Les Pearson

PALLBEARERS
Don Heltzel - Tom Heltzel - Zach Lampert
Denise Huyser - Eric Heltzel - Brad Heltzel

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

CHRISTIAN FUNERAL COMMITTAL
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

  • I was sorry to read of Thelma's passing. She was a tremendous supporter of the Haakon County library during my years on the board there. During my time with Philip Health Services, I have enjoyed visiting with her in the dining area, during meals and events. She was always as kind as could be, with a great sense of humor, no matter what the situation might be. Her patience and good nature has no doubt earned her a special place in the hearts of many people. My thoughts of comfort go to each of her family and friends. ~ Vonda Hamill Milesville (5/9/2023)
  • So sorry to hear of your great loss. It sounds like she was an amazing lady, contributing so much to to the community as well as being a dedicated mother. Loss of loved ones is never easy. Please know we care. ~ Roxy and Ray Formanek PHILIP (5/9/2023)
  • I am going to miss this beautiful look ady ~ Trisha Ireland Martin / Philip SD (5/9/2023)
  • So sorry to hear this news.Thelma was a very special Lady. When I worked at Philip Health Services she remembered me always hanging out with Wendy
    What wonderful memories she reminded me of.My prayers are with you all.     ~ Rebecca (Tootie) Formanek York, Nebreska (5/9/2023)
  • What a wonderful, caring woman Thelma was, we received many birthday and anniversary cards from her. Joann was so lucky to have her in the American Legion Auxiliary with her for many years. She was a great secretary and always willing to help with anything. She always had a smile for everyone. Hold on to the memories. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (5/8/2023)
  • Don, John, and all the Heltzel Family - I first remember Thelma as our Cub Scout leader, calm and full of common sense. She remained that way always. Thoughts and prayers to you all. ~ Craig Weber Philip (5/8/2023)
  • To The Patton and Heltzel familes; Thelma was my first grade teacher at the Old Trail School, ( basically McDaniel kids and few others )she was just as sweet the last time I saw her ( about a month ago) as she was as a teacher and everytime I seen her in between. So sorry for the loss of a wonderful person. Barbara McDaniel Byrne Sundance, WY ~ Barbara Byrne P.O. Box 649 (5/7/2023)
  • Some of us only knew her through her kids, but to raise such wonderful people - she was clearly an amazing person. Sorry for your loss. ~ Wendy Wagner Washington DC (5/7/2023)
  • Dear Heltzel family: So sorry to hear about your Mom. God blessed you with a kind, sweet, patient, loving mother. She did a great job raising her wonderful family. Hugs and prayers to all of you. Rick and Nancy (Pekron) Ehrhardt ~ Nancy (Pekron) Ehrhardt Brandon, SD (5/7/2023)
  • So sorry to hear of Thelma's passing. She and Jim carried our mail for years and were so pleasant to visit with anytime we met up with them. She will be missed by all. ~ Buster & Nancy Peterson Kadoka (5/7/2023)
  • Dear Heltzel Family, Sorry for your loss. She was a special lady with a big heart. Knew her all my life and she became my very dear friend when we worked together at nursing home. A hard worker, teacher and caring person. She will be missed. Our Prayers and Thoughts to the family. God Bless ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St (5/7/2023)
  • I am so sorry for your loss. Many good memories of Thelma when she lived at Silverleaf. She took each day as it came and tried always to stay positive. I am sure she has a special place in Heaven now. ~ Julie McLaughlin Midland (5/7/2023)
  • Dear Heltzel Family
    Thelma was an amazing role model and a rock for our team at Scotchman Living Center. She always smiled, was a friend to all and never complained about anything. Her strength and smile kept me going on the hard days!
    May you feel the love of your family and friends. Thank you for sharing her with us.
    Big hugs to you all!
    Michelle     ~ Michelle VanderMay Philip (5/7/2023)