EDWARD MARVIN THOLEN, age 79, of Rushmore, died Saturday, July 14, 2018 at his home. He was born in Adrian on September 19, 1938. He attended school in Adrian and graduated from Adrian High School in 1956. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1961 and served for six years, being Honorably Discharged as Sargent in 1967.
Edward Marvin Tholen and Muriel Kay DeJager were united in marriage on Easter Sunday, April 22nd, 1962 at First Presbyterian Church in Rushmore. After moving to a farm near Worthington, Edward and Muriel Kay adopted two baby girls, Apryl and Amy. In 1970, the family moved to Edward’s home place near Rushmore.
Edward loved the farming life and took great pride in how straight the corn rows were and how clean the beans were during growing season. He was meticulous in how he cared for the farm, the animals, and the equipment. He loved tinkering in his tool shed and was quite gifted at repairing things in creative and innovative ways.
Edward and Muriel farmed for 40 years after which they retired and began traveling. They enjoyed many winters in Arizona and spent time traveling around the country. Edward also enjoyed motorcycling and met many friends at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which he attended for more than 30 consecutive years.
Greatly blessed for having shared his life are two daughters, Apryl (Lloyce) Grebner, Sioux Falls, SD; and Amy (Eric) Tholen, Clearwater, FL; grandchildren, Megan (Darren) Walker, Sioux Falls, SD; and Nathaniel Kramer, Sioux Falls SD; four great-grandchildren; two nephews, Ron (Karen) Tholen, MaComb, MI; Jeff (Rebecca) Tholen, St. Cloud, MN; and one niece, Judy (Gary) Lowe, Solway, MN. He was preceded in death by his wife, Muriel Kay Tholen; his parents; two brothers; and an infant son, Mark Allen Tholen.
A Memorial Service will be Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 2:00pm, at Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington. There will not be visitation, but a time of fellowship will be held following the Service. A private burial will take place preceding the Celebration Service at Sunset Rest Cemetery in Rushmore.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Edward Tholen, please visit our floral store.