Theola "Toly" J. Gerritsen

Theola J. Toly Gerritsen of Sioux City passed away Sunday, July 5, 2009 at the Indian Hills Nursing Center. It was a beautiful summer day with her family present when the angels released her from the pain and suffering of cancer.

Visitation will be held with the family present at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church in Sioux City with services following at 10:30 a.m.

She was born January 7, 1937 at her farm home outside of Centerville, SD to Jerry and Donnadell Temple. She graduated from Centerville High School in 1955 and was married to Gerrit Gerritsen on September 10, 1955.

Toly was the Manager of the Photography Department at Younkers for many years until 1974 when she joined The Magic Carpet of Sioux City as a Partner and Sales Associate. She was active in several organizations and traveled extensively. Toly retired in 2004 and enjoyed spending the winters in San Jacinto, CA with her husband.

She loved her work as well as fishing, golfing, snorkeling, traveling and playing cards. She was an avid supporter of the casino industry. Mostly, she enjoyed her family and friends and had a gift of making people feel welcome.

Words can not capture the essence of her life. She was active and full of spirit. She will be missed and certainly remembered by many.

She is survived by her husband; her son Randall and his wife Kimberlee of Holstein and her daughter Sandra Lens of Sioux Falls; her sister Elois Bontje and her husband Gary of Sioux Falls, her brother Dale Temple and his wife Carol of Belvedere, IL and her brother Virgil Temple and his wife Jean of Badger, SD; Five grandchildren, Jeremey Gerritsen, Torre Gerritsen, Tyler Gerritsen, Kiley Gerritsen and Courtney Lens; three great-grandchildren, Drew, Aubreana and Katie.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In consideration of their kindness to Toly and her family and friends, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Siouxland.