Bernice Tolsma, 93, of Avon

October 13, 1931 – May 5, 2025

Funeral services are 1:30 PM, Thursday, May 8, 2025 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Burial is in the Emmanuel Reformed Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation will be the hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

The service will be live-streamed on the Emmanuel Reformed Church, Springfield, SD YouTube page.

Bernice Susan Tolsma, age 93, of rural Avon, South Dakota, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025, at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, following an accident on the family farm.

Bernice was born on October 13, 1931, west of Springfield in the Perkins area, the daughter of Peter and Annie (Odens) Tjeerdsma. She attended country school and graduated from Springfield High School. In her early years, she worked at the Perkins Store and at Southern State Teacher's College in Springfield.

On May 27, 1952, Bernice was united in marriage to Elmer Tolsma. Together they raised four sons and welcomed John Petersen into their home for eight years after the loss of his mother. Early in their marriage, they lived in Bapa Tolsma's home, then on Grandpa Tjeerdsma's farm, and later settled on two farms south of Avon, eventually moving to their current family farm in 1961.

Bernice worked tirelessly alongside Elmer—milking cows, helping with fieldwork, and taking care of daily chores. She was known for her strength, determination, and unshakable work ethic. Her homemade cookies and endless cups of coffee were staples in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who adored her.

A lifelong member of Emmanuel Reformed Church of Springfield, Bernice lived her faith with quiet devotion and service.

Grateful to have shared her life are her husband of nearly 73 years, Elmer Tolsma of Avon; her children: Vern (Carol) Tolsma of Avon, Paul (Juliann) Tolsma of Avon, Lyle (Marcia) Tolsma of Rapid City, and Mark (Julie) Tolsma of Avon; John (Tamra) Petersen of Rapid City; 11 grandchildren: Lora Tolsma, Mindy (Mike) Grubb, Jeff (Amy) Tolsma, Paula (Dan) Bures, Jay (Ryanna) Tolsma, Pam (Jon) Berndt, Jill (Eric) Elder, Nick (Amanda) Tolsma, Duane Tolsma, Janel (Nick) Honke, and Devin (Jill) Tolsma; 21 great-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty Tjeerdsma of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Justin Tolsma; brothers Oscar (Lela and Ilena) Tjeerdsma and Gerald Tjeerdsma; sister Arlene (Sid) Bierema; and brothers and sisters-in-law: John (Miriam) and James (Ruth) Tolsma.

Bernice will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a hardworking woman of deep faith and generosity. Her legacy of love and resilience will live on through all who knew her.