London, Lois Marie 1928-2014

LONDON, THIEL, GREEN, BERTRAM, BERRY, WALKER, SHERIDAN, MCDONALD

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 6/30/2014 at 10:36:47

Lois Marie (Thiel) London, 85, of Colome, South Dakota, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2014, in her home surrounded by the love and presence of family.

Lois was born July 16, 1928, in Calamus, Iowa at the home of her parents, Clara Rose (Green) and Michael John Thiel. At the young age of 10 months, Lois's mother died leaving her to be raised by her father and older sisters. Lois attended St. Joseph Catholic School in DeWitt, Iowa for her K-12 education. Following her graduation from high school she worked for Dr. F. F. Benson, DDS. It was during this time that she met Jack London while he was working for the Martin Burke family of DeWitt. They were married in DeWitt on January 24, 1950. Following their marriage, Lois and Jack moved to Colome, in order for Jack to work alongside his father, Pat London, in the auctioneering business. To this union three children were born: Steve, Kim and Brian. Lois looked forward to their annual summer trips back to Iowa to visit her father, sisters, and cousins. She shared many stories of the dances held at Fairyland Park near DeWitt. The cousins, nieces and nephews were always close to her heart. As her children reached school age, Lois began what would be 25 years of employment at First Fidelity Bank in Colome, working all those years without missing a day for illness. Lois's life took a sudden turn in May of 1976 when Jack died. She continued to work and raise at that time two teenagers surrounded by the support of the Colome community.

Lois's home was her castle. With open arms, she welcomed friends and relatives at all hours of the day or night. The smell of coffee would always greet you at the door. Guests were served bingo bars or if you were lucky enough to come on the right day - pecan pie. Her home was a true Bed and Breakfast long before the concept was conceived. Lois made divinity mints for hundreds of occasions in South Dakota and Iowa. She was most comfortable creating a craft item with one of her many dear friends that would stop by the house. Lois was a regular at Friday night bingo and would not turn down a garage sale. She was active in American Legion Auxiliary, the Red Hat Cowgirls, and a charter member of the Catholic Daughters Court St. Maria Goretti #1584. Many aging, unwanted pets found a place in her heart as she provided them with food and shelter.

Grateful for sharing her life are her daughter, Kim (Ron) Bertram; son, Brian (Tari), daughter-in-law, Mary; grandchildren, Maggie (Ace) Berry, Michael (Michaela) Bertram, Allison (Dwight Walker) Bertram, Emily London, and Brady London; great-grandchildren, London and Blakely Berry and Beckham and Zoey Bertram; sisters-in-law, Virginia Greek and Belva London; several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Jack; son, Stephen; parents; sisters Gladys (Vincent) Sheridan and Ethel (Mac) McDonald, and London sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 12, at St. Isidore Catholic Church, Colome at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial at the Colome Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 11, at St. Isidore Catholic Church from 5:00 until 7:00 pm followed by the rosary at 7:00 pm.