Wanda L. Holcomb joined her Lord and Savior on September 9, 2013. She passed peacefully at the Philip Nursing Home.
Wanda was born September 19, 1928 to Lauritz A. and Iscle W. (Embree) Thomsen on her grandparents’ farmstead near Crookston, Nebraska. She attended Sitting Up School, a one room school situated along Sitting Up Creek, a short walk from the ranch. Wanda attended high school in Wanblee for her freshman year and half of her sophomore year. She transferred to Kadoka where she graduated from high school in 1945 at the age of 16. From 1945 -1955 she worked for the Farm Service Administration (FSA) as a secretary/clerk.
Wanda met the love of her life and carried on a long distance relationship through an avid letter writing campaign while he was in military service in England. She joined Robert Holcomb in marriage on December 30, 1955. They began their married life in Long Valley where Wanda joined Bob in business operating a Standard Oil Service Station. A daughter (Janice) was born in 1957 and a son (Jeff) in 1960. In 1968 Wanda became the postmaster for the United States Post Office in Long Valley where she served until her retirement in 1988.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband Robert Holcomb of Long Valley; her daughter Janice Fitzgerald and her husband Dean of Philip; her son Jeff Holcomb and his wife Robyn of Sioux Falls; her grandchildren Andy (Laura), Beth, Amanda (Rusty), Abby (Scott), Laurel, Elise, and Lily; two great-grandchildren Max and Lucy; her brother Bert Thomsen of Scottsdale, Arizona; her sister Vera Scharman of Martin; a sister-in-law Mary Thomsen; five nieces; and two nephews.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Allen; a brother-in-law Frank Scharman; a sister-in-law Micki Thomsen; and her niece Susan Thomsen.
Visitation was held Wednesday, September 11 from 5-7 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 12, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with Father Kevin Achbach as celebrant.
Interment was at the Kadoka Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 10:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Victory
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Father Kevin Achbach
MUSIC
Robyn Holcomb - Pianist
Aaron Knodle - Vocalist
PALLBEARERS
Paul Gropper - Bob Zickrick
Tom Zickrick - Scott Huber
Dean Fitzgerald - Robert Thomsen
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota
Guest Book
So sorry to hear about Wanda. Such a lovely woman, so many good memories of her in the Post office in Long Valley.
~ Sue VanderMay Hoon
Kadoka, SD (9/9/2013)
Janice and family...it was so sad to hear of the passing of your mom. The loss of a mother leaves such a deep hurt.
~ Nancy
Philip (9/9/2013)
Jeff and family - so sad to hear of your mother's passing. Please know you are in our family's prayers. God Bless!! Kevin, Lori, Zachary, and Quinn Lewis
~ Lori Lewis
Rapid City (9/9/2013)
Sorry to hear about your Mom, she always had a smile when we met in the hallway of the nursing home. Hold onto all the memories.
~ Les & Joann Pearson
Philip (9/9/2013)
Janice & family so sorry for your loss . The loss of a mother is never something we are ever prepared for we just want them in our lives for ever . We just lost Jacks mom one week ago . Just remember all the good times & keep them in your heart . Your mom will always be with you in all the memory's that you shared though out the years . We will keep you in our thoughts & Prayers God Bless you at this difficult time
~ Susan & Jack Heinz
Philip (9/9/2013)
Janice, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was such a sweet lady, and obviously those genes were passed to you. Thinking of you..Lori
~ Lori Seager
Philip (9/9/2013)
Bob, Janice , Jeff and families So sorry to hear of Wanda's passing. I have a lot of sweet memories growing up across the street from y'all. Wanda was such a kind lady taking mom to church in Norris. You will all be in my prayers
~ Jane Zickrick Sutton
262 Johnson st, doyline, la (9/9/2013)
Janice and family, so sorry to hear of the death of your mom. My God bless you and give you peace through this difficult time.
~ Mark Ford
Brainerd MN (9/9/2013)
Janice - sorry to learn of your mother's passing. Cherish the memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City, SD (9/9/2013)
Janice & family - So sorry to hear of your mothers death. I know you have many wonderful memories You are in our prayers in the days ahead. Your parents were always so nice to visit with when they would come in the office when I worked for you.
~ Shirley Dennis
Philip (9/9/2013)
Sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
~ Joyce VanZee
Sioux Falls (9/9/2013)
Bob, Janice and Jeff - I am so sorry to hear about Wanda. I have so many memories of hanging out at the Long Valley gas station and post office and when I think about those times, I think of Wanda's kindness and her smile. You are in my prayers.
~ Rose Ann (Stratton) Wendell
Pierre (9/9/2013)
Bob, Janice & Jeff and families: So sorry to hear about Wanda. She was such a gentle lady. With sympathy, Patsy
~ Patsy Allen Larson
Gillette, WY (9/9/2013)
Dear Bob,Janice,Jeff and family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Beloved Wanda. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless you and may your memories of your wife, mother and grandmother help you through this sad time in your lives.
~ Dave & Cheryl Dick
Beloit, KS (9/9/2013)
Bob, Jeff, Janice and families., So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayer are with you.
~ Kari Porch
Pierre SD (9/9/2013)
Dear Bob, Jeff, Janice and families. I am so sorry to hear about Wanda. She stayed with me while she attended her senior year in Kadoka. She was a wonderful person. If I remember correctly, she graduated when she was quite young. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
~ Ella Rock
Sturgis, SD (9/9/2013)
Dear Janice & Family,
I was so saddened to hear that you lost your mom. May God wrap his arms around you and your family. May God give you strength to help your dad in this difficult time. I'm sure you have lots of memories to cherish. Love and Prayers
~ Debbie & Marty Hansen
Philip (9/9/2013)
Dear Bob, Janice and Jeff... Dad called me with the news the other day. Even though I cannot attend, know that he and cousin Beth will both be there to deliver hugs. Remember when we were kids what a big treat it was to stop at the gas station and/or store in Longvalley and get a cold soda pop or an ice cream while our parents visited! Perhaps all of them are still visiting at the store somewhere... love to all, Debra
~ Debra (Embree) Gulley
Pensacola FL (9/9/2013)
Bob, Janice, Jeff and family's was so sorry to hear of Wanda's passing. Seems only yesterday when I would come up to your station for something I needed Bob, and a lot of times Wanda would be there also. I do want you all to know you are in my thoughts and prayers May God comfort You in this time of Sorrow. God Bless.
~ John Petrik
North Platte Nebraska (9/9/2013)
Hugs and prayers to your family for the loss of your loved one.
~ Bonnie Fitzgerald
Memphis,TN (9/9/2013)
So sorry to hear about Wanda. She was a great lady. Iwent to school in Wanblee with her. Bob and Wanda helped us alot at the Longvalley station and postoffice. May God Bless you all.
~ Dorothy Petrik
Martin,S.D. (9/9/2013)
Janice Jeff Bob and families I am sending a great big ((HUG)) for all of you thru this difficult time. your in my prayers...
~ bonnie moses
nebraska (9/9/2013)
Bob, Janice, Jeff, and family, I am sorry to hear of Mrs. Holcomb's passing; I will always remember the thrill of picking up a mailed package from her and how the store was cool and always smelled nice. May you remember all the quirky funny moments of her life for laughter will bring her closer.
~ Bonnie (Robbins) Everett
567 Park Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32953 (9/9/2013)
Dear Bob,
I was in South Dakota recently and read about your loss. I am so sorry. I have been through this twice. Hang in there.
Joan
~ Joan Beard
74-800 SherylAve., Palm Desert, CA. 92660 (9/9/2013)