Lucille Toennies

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Lucille Toennies, age 86 of Cresbard, was called to her heavenly home on March 7, 2019 at Prairie Heights Healthcare, Aberdeen after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the United Methodist Church, Cresbard, with Thomas Carlson presiding. Burial was in the Cresbard Cemetery. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 11, 2019 at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton, with visitation one hour prior.

Lucille Frances (Spanier) Toennies was born May 3, 1932 in Aberdeen, SD to Henry and Gladys (Stucker) Spanier. She grew up and attended school with her sister in the Northville, SD area and graduated from Northville High School.

On June 11, 1950, Lucille was united in marriage to Loren E. Toennies. Together they established their home on a farm north of Cresbard, SD where they created family stories, raised their five children and farmed for 52 years before moving into Cresbard. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage.

Lucille enjoyed many passions. She loved to take pictures to capture the moments of life. She enjoyed plants and flowers and was always on the hunt for something new and interesting for her house or yard. Her suitcase was always ready to go on an adventure as she loved to travel with family or friends. She and Loren enjoyed taking the back roads and going for Sunday drives to explore the region they called home. She was proud to be a farmer’s wife and was an advocate for the farming way of life. She also enjoyed needlework and making baby blankets for any new baby in her world. Her collections were many, but her collection of books and love of reading flowed to others as she gifted books, especially to the children in her life. Above all, she loved time spent visiting with family and friends. Her life was especially brightened by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and extended family of nieces and nephews and others she considered “family”. She cherished and proudly displayed their pictures on her picture board.

Many memories were made around her kitchen table, enjoying a roast beef dinner or her special Spaghettios concoction, topping the meal off with a big piece of her carrot cake. The candy drawer was always ready for kids—big and little-to find a treat. She orchestrated many family holidays and reunions, instilling family heritage and connections.

Lucille was actively involved in her church and community. She treasured the many friendships she made through Extension Homemakers Club, Scatterwood Community Club, Faulk County Historical Society, Order of Eastern Star, National Sunflower Association and Precious Moments Club. She was a lifetime Methodist and an active member of the Cresbard United Church and United Methodist Women for 68 years where she held various positions and offices.

Remaining to cherish her memory is her beloved family; sons: Gerald (Judy) and Gene (Sylvia Salwei) of Cresbard and Mark (Kelly) of Faulkton; daughter, Lorie (David) Miller of Sioux Falls; 19 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; sister, Arlene (Leon) Smith of Northville; sister-in-law, Judy V Toennies of Cresbard; nieces and nephews, and extended family members and friends.

She was welcomed into her eternal home by her husband, Loren; parents, Henry and Gladys Spanier; mother-and father–in-law Walter and Lillian Toennies; son, Dean Toennies; granddaughter, Amy Toennies; great-grandson, Everett Kallas; Brothers-in-law, Merlvin Toennies and Joie Gjernes; sister-in-law, Gladys Gjernes.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Lucille’s arrangements.