Tommy Terkildsen Obituary

Thomas George Terkildsen was born June 24, 1928, to Niels and Anita Terkildsen in Wanamaker, South Dakota. He was the 5th of 10 children and was created with a love and concern for all living things. He worked hard at everything he did and seemed to have a talent for getting everyone and everything around him to do the same – from people, to fish, to his gardens, to machinery. He believed in doing things right the first time and would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need.

He learned his work ethic working for his dad, then Frank Bauman, Wayne Allen, Kenneth Zickrick, and for a time, himself on a small farm east of Long Valley. He had a knack for knowing how anything mechanical worked, understood the world around him, and usually could and would tell you the best way to handle any situation. All these skills came in handy during his years working at Hogen’s Hardware and then the SD State Highway Department. He made friends everywhere he went because no matter where he was or what he was doing, he made time to listen and come up with an answer.

He married Tootie Stephenson on March 4, 1951. From the time they fell in love, they were determined to face anything life threw at them hand-in-hand. They were blessed with three wonderful children: Lester, Carolyn, and Arlene. He was extremely proud of his family, and by example taught them how to take care of each other and those around them. He and Tootie truly enjoy their neighbors and give generously to anyone in need.

In 1960, the family moved to Kadoka and immediately set about making it their hometown. In addition to supporting his kids and grandkids in their activities, over the years, Tommy was a member of the Lions Club, served on Kadoka’s City Council, held office positions for Concordia Lutheran Church, played in Cecil William’ band, and sat on the board for the Kadoka Care Center.

In his spare time, he could often be found fishing, gardening, hunting, studying the Bible, camping, painting, playing cards, singing with the siblings, telling funny stories, or fixing something in his garage. His door was always open, he freely shared his blessing, he loved making people laugh, and he very rarely met a stranger. He was determined to leave the world a better place than he found it.

Grateful to have joined him on his life’s journey are his wife of 65 years Ethel “Tootie” Terkildsen of Kadoka; three children Lester “Terk” and his wife Becky Terkildsen of Sidney, Montana, Carolyn and her husband Scott McGinley of Rapid City, and Arlene and her husband Jim Kujawa of Kadoka; seven grandchildren; Katrina and her husband Travis Thorn, Trista Hedderman and her special friend Shane Olney; Chelsea and her husband Chase McBride; Chase McGinley; Jeremy and his wife Stefanie Kujawa; and Colby McGinley; seven great-grandchildren: Deontae, Jaerek, and Chael Thorn; Payton and Aidan Hedderman; and Brekkin and Dekker McBride. Survivors also include his sisters Geraldine Allen, Velma and her husband Fritz Arment, and brothers Lavern Terkildsen and his wife Dianne, and Art Terkildsen and his wife Virginia.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Dorothy Terkildsen and Verna Mae Sharp, brothers Calvin, Dahlmond “Slim”, and Raymond Terkildsen, and grandson Gerald “GJ” McGinley.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kadoka, and one hour preceding the services at the auditorium on Wednesday.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, at the Kadoka City Auditorium with Pastor Duane Neugebauer officiating.

Interment will be at the Kadoka Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to the Kadoka Nursing Home. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 131, Kadoka, SD 57543.

Guest Book

I got to know and respect Tommy when he and I worked together at Hogen's Hardware, while I was going to school. As my Dad took great joy in telling folks, almost everyone that worked in the hardware store was a family relative of some kind, and Tom, my Mom's cousin, was no exception. Tom's good nature made him a great workmate, and a credit Hogen's Hardware and the Main Street of Kadoka. Tommy will be missed; my sympathy to his great family.
~ Phil Hogen Black Hawk, SD (11/26/2016)

My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you comfort and peace.
~ Karen Hanson Rapid City SD (11/27/2016)

I am so sorry to hear of this news. I remember Tommy always had a smile on his face. He truly will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family. May God watch over you and be with you during this sorrowful time.
~ Roberta Coller Kendall, WI (11/27/2016)

Arlene and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, you are in my prayers. God bless.
~ Diana Elwood Volborg, MT (11/30/2016)

Arlene and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Suzan Berry Philip (11/28/2016)

Dearest families, we are so sorry to hear of Tommys passing. He always made us smile and loved to visit with him. We will be all the poorer and Heaven will be more joyfull for having him home with our Savior. May our Lord send you his Peace and may He comfort you all, our love to your family.
~ grant and susan patterson kadoka,so.dak. (11/30/2016)

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. He will be missed.
~ Mike Livermont Box 167 (11/30/2016)

So sorry for your loss Les. You sure look like your Dad!
~ Steve and Vicky Rye Mason City, Iowa 50401 (12/6/2017)

May he now rest in peace. May your good memories help to comfort you in your loss and knowing that he is now without pain and with our Savior.
~ Eileen Stolley Kadoka (11/26/2016)

Sorry to hear about my good friend and neighbor Tom. He was always the happiest friendliest person I have ever met. In the last few years time would go by my shop hand wave and then come back with some vegetable for us, again with a smile. I will miss you friend.
~ GRABLE Kerrville Tx (11/27/2016)

Our sympathy to you all. It was a joy and privilege to know Tommy since we moved to Kadoka. He was a kind and gentle man and very knowledgeable. People with a heart for God have a heart for people.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (11/25/2016)

We have known Tommy since we was young kids, his sister is my aunt; I went to grade school with Tootie at Harding School just north of Long Valley . (I remember when they were going together. Tommy will be missed by many. I recall when he played music at Long Valley dances and when he worked for my Uncle Wayne Allen, when we were just kids. Tommy is now at peace with our Lord, there will be no more suffering. We will always, remember his stories, his guitar singing and playing. There was always laughter and music when the Terkildsen family were gathered. I am sure they are all singing in Heaven. The family is no longer in pain and are happy to be together having a great time, remembering the old memories both good and sad. Hold those memories in your hearts, Tommy lived a good and blessed life.
~ Joe and Betty Lou Stratton Kadoka, SD (11/27/2016)

Prayers to Toms Family he was such a friendly person to be around. He will be greatly miss by all . God blessing be with you.
~ Bruce and Bonnie Madsen Kadoka S.D. (11/28/2016)

Tootie and family,
Tommy was a great supporter of the Kadoka Nursing Home and was always willing to help with everything we did. We are so blessed to have know him. He will be missed by all.
~ Ruby Sanftner Kadoka (11/27/2016)