Frances Irene Nemec was born January 14, 1937, in Pierre, South Dakota, the sixth of 17 children born to Edward and Elizabeth (Puryear) Nemec. She grew up rural Midland, attending Phoeba rural school before attending Midland High School. Frances graduated from Midland High School in 1955.
She worked as a teacher in various country schools in the Four Corners area. She later started teaching at Plainview Rural School in Washabaugh County. It was there that she met Raymond L. Terkildsen. They were married November 18, 1966 in Martin, South Dakota. After their marriage, they made their home south of Wanamaker in southeast Washabaugh County. She taught at Long Valley for several years, then taught at Prairie View rural school, south of Norris. She substitute taught in the Kadoka School District before teaching in Interior, where she remained until retiring after over 30 years of teaching. When the family lived in Kadoka, Frances and Raymond housed many teenagers while they attended high school.
Throughout her teaching career, Frances always looked forward to playing softball with the kids at recess. She was known to have a strong arm, and played softball in the South Dakota Senior Games.
In retirement she loved to travel with relatives, taking bus trips and cruises. She took pride in embroidering baby blankets for nearly every one of her grandchildren. Throughout her life she made several wedding cakes for her sons, daughters, nieces and nephews.
Frances was a longtime member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church of Kadoka.
Survivors include five sons: Joseph Handrahan of Kadoka, Paul Handrahan of Arapaho, Oklahoma, Rock Terkildsen of Kadoka, Grant Terkildsen of Alpena, SD, and William "Bill" (Naomi) Terkildsen of Woonsocket, SD; two daughters Aletta Salganek of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Barbara Dundas of Parkston, SD; 29 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; her Japanese daughter (foreign exchange student) Tomomi Sawai; five brothers: Benjamin (Kathy) Nemec of Highmore, SD, Joseph (Evie) Nemec of West Des Moines, IA, Leo (Betty) Nemec of Little Fork, MN, Anthony (LaVon) Nemec of Gillette, WY, and Michael (Susan) Nemec of Midland; five sisters: Pauline (William) Bruce of Hayes, SD, Christine Ryan of Tolna, ND, Audrey (Gene) Jones of Midland, Bernadette (Dick) Knox of Highmore, SD, and Rita Foreng of Sioux Falls; a sister-in-law Glenda Nemec of Bristol; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond on April 28, 1998; her parents; two brothers Edward (Barb) Nemec, Jr. and Mark Nemec; five sisters Nora (Chuck) Wyman, Sister Edna Nemec, Wynn (Art) Bergeson, Elizabeth "Betty" (Lloyd) VanderMay, and a sister in infancy Mary Ann Nemec.
Live streaming will be available for the graveside service so you can watch the service right from this webpage if you do not wish to attend in person.
A come and go viewing will be held from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2020 at the Kadoka Cemetery with Father Gary Oreshoski officiating.
Guest Book
I'm sorry for your loss. Aunt Frances was one in a million. I'm sure she's visiting with my mom right now. May God's love surround you and your families during this difficult time and the days to come.
~ Brita Bergeson
Pierre SD (4/6/2020)
My Godmother, Aunt Frances, my prayers are with you and your family. When I think of you, my heart smiles knowing you are with your family in heaven. Sending love and prayers...Dale and Marie Snyder
~ Dale and Marie Snyder
Devils Lake, North Dakota (4/10/2020)
To my cousins.
You have my sympathy and prayers. I have many good memories going to your house. Aunt Francis was a very special lady. God Bless you all.
~ Cathy(Bruce) & Paul Rieker
Lexington, Ne (4/9/2020)
She was a lovely lady with a smile and great personality
~ Jeanie Hopkins
Whitewood, sd (4/7/2020)
Terkildsen Family,
We want you to know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Frances taught at rural schools in our community also. She made a big impact on our neighbors.
We remember all the times we baby sat for her when she was teaching and going to college. What an endeavor for her to get her degree!
We love you all and our prayers are with you.
Uncle Bill and Aunt Polly Bruce
~ William and Pauline Bruce
Hayes, SD (4/9/2020)
My condolences to your family.
Frances was my "upper grade" teacher at Planview Grade School. Marge VanderMay and I were a class of 2 and with your mom's guidance we graduated in 1969 well prepared for HS.
Recesses were for softball. A softball field would come into being at the beginning of the new school year when Uncle Lloyd would mow a spot in the pasture just east of the school house. We would pick teams each week. When Frances was on your team you were pretty much guaranteed some hits.
Take comfort in your memories and know that your mom made a difference for a lot of country school kids.
~ Deb (VanderMay) Kussman
Phoenix AZ (4/8/2020)
Terkildsen Family:
I'm not sure why I was so blessed to be privy to Aunt Frances'
wedding cake recipe, but know that many of "Aunt Frances cakes" have originated in my kitchen, all of which yielded amazing compliments. Each time I open my recipe book to make a decorated cake, I will continue to have fond memories of Aunt Frances. Know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
-Renee
~ Renee and Treg Cowan
Harrold, SD (4/8/2020)
So sorry to hear of Frances passing. She was such a sweet lady. Condolences to the family.
~ Ellie Bettelyoun
Martin, SD (4/6/2020)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The live stream of the graveside services were very nice. A wonderful way to share during this time of uncertainty.
~ Sonny & Echo Zickrick
Long Valley, Sd (4/10/2020)
I went to school at Plainview Grade School, I never had Frances as my teacher, but Aletta was my one and only classmate! I have fond memories of those school days. In deepest sympathy, God Bless Frances and her family.
~ Nancy Donnelly (Vander May)
Rapid City, SD (4/19/2020)
Polly and Audrey and all of Mrs. Terkildsens family we send you our deepest condolences. We didn't know this sister, but know that she was a wonderful lady as the family we know are super nice people. Hopefully this Covid19 will get out of the country and we can all see each other in person again this summer. Until then may our wonderful Lord bless all of you in the days ahead.
~ George & Shirley Dennis
Philip, SD (4/6/2020)
ND
~ Patsy (Wyman) Sprout
West Fargo (4/10/2020)
Condolences to all and journey well Frances. I didnt realize that it was you. Wishes of peace and beautiful memories for the family. Toksa ake
~ Monica Terkildsen
Quiver Hill (4/6/2020)
Dear Terkildsen, Handrahan and Nemec Families,
Frances was a kind and loving and thoughtful person. She touched the lives of many, well beyond those in her family. She leaves a void in our lives, but those who knew her are richer for the experience. You were all very blessed to have her as your Mother, Grandmother, Sister or Aunt. May the nice memories we have of her help us and give us comfort in the coming days. May she rest in peace.
~ Mark Bergeson
Stafford, Virginia (4/10/2020)
We are so sorry and thinking of all you at this time. Frances was such a wonderful lady and sister to Ben as they grew up. From what I hear she spoiled him rotten!!! Will miss seeing you but our love and prayers are with you.
~ Ben and Kathy
Holabird (4/8/2020)
Barb Dundas and Audrey Jones....Mel and I extend our deepest sympathy and prayers for your comfort.
~ Clarice Roghair
Okaton (4/6/2020)
To my Terkildsen and Handrahan cousins, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was a great mom, teacher and auntie. When she retired, she gave me some of her teaching materials. I will never forget that. May you all find comfort knowing that she is not longer in any pain and able to see Uncle Raymond again. Hugs
~ Lisa Foley
Wagner (4/6/2020)
Joe, Paul, Aletta, Rocky, Grant, Bill, and Barb:
We love you guys so much. We have lots of great memories. We will not be seeing you in person, but will be livestreaming the graveside service. What a special mother and sister we had!
Prayers,
Aunt Bernadette and Uncle Dick
~ Dick and Bernadette Knox
Highmore, SD (4/7/2020)
So many fond memories of Aunt Frances! Thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for streaming the service
~ Patsy (Wyman) Sprout
West Fargo,ND (4/10/2020)
Great-Aunt Frances was a great woman. I always look back on going to the badlands with her and few other relatives and visiting with her when I would see her around town. She'll be greatly missed.
~ Elizabeth Hoon
Sioux Falls (4/6/2020)
She taught a lot of kids including ours, She will be missed. Hugs and prayers.
~ Barb & Brad Gartner
Interior (4/7/2020)
Almost 30 years ago Aunt Frances made my wedding cake. It was both beautiful and delicious. My kids always enjoyed seeing her and her little dog when she stopped to see their Grandma Wynn and Grandpa Art . She will be greatly missed.
~ Maria Scott
Fort Pierre, SD (4/9/2020)
Aunt Frances was a beautiful woman inside and out. What a joyful reunion she must be having in Heaven. Sending many prayers your way.
~ Ellie Saucerman
Rapid City (4/6/2020)
My thoughts and prayers to you all, Aunt Frances will be missed greatly!
~ Ami Allen
Martin SD (4/7/2020)