Carol J. Ferwerda, 65, of Springfield

Carol passed away suddenly Monday, November 16, 2009 at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, with her family by her side. Her funeral services are 1:30 PM, Friday, November 20, 2009 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, with burial in the Springfield Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation will be Thursday from 2 PM until 5 PM at Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield, with a 7:00 PM prayer service at the church.

Carol was born May 26, 1944 to Charlie and Jennie (DeRoos) Odens on the family farm near Kingsburg, SD. Carol was the youngest of eight children. She attended Quinn Country School for eight years and graduated from Springfield High School. In 1980 she returned to USD/S and completed the one year secretarial program.

On September 14, 1961, she married Leroy Edward Jochims at the family farm near Kingsburg, SD. To this union four children: John, Dennis, Richard and Barbra Jochims were born. They farmed in the Avon and Tyndall areas for several years and also lived in Cedar Rapids, IA for several years. Leroy passed away on September 22, 1970 following an illness.

On November 26, 1971, Carol married Harlan Ferwerda at the Kingsburg Church in Kingsburg, SD. One daughter, Terri Lynn was born to this union. Carol and Harlan and their family lived in Lake Crystal, MN for one and half years while Harlan attended Mankato State. They also lived in Stewartville, MN for one and a half years. The rest of their married life was spent in the Springfield and Yankton areas. Carol was a homemaker most of her life and served as Executive Director at the Yankton Senior Center for seven years and was also Alumni Director at USD/S prior to its closing.

Carol's greatest joy was the time spent with family and friends. She loved quilting and was known to have a "quilters stash" available. She loved music and enjoyed playing piano and singing.

Carol was a member of Kingsburg Church for many years and most recently a member of the Emmanuel Reformed Church, Springfield. She has been very active in Women's Groups in her church and has spent much time with Vacation Bible School and Sunday School.

Carol is survived by her husband, Harlan, of Springfield; five children: John (Cindy) Jochims of Centerville, SD; Dennis (Amy) Jochims of Wright, WY; Richard (Lynda) Jochims of Tabor, SD; Barbra (Scott) Pechous of Avon and Terri (Allen) Sarutzki of Sioux Falls, SD; nine grandchildren: Daniel and Kayla Jochims, Kelsie and Kaden Jochims, Krystal Jochims, Rosanna (Ryan) Zachary, Justin, Jessica and Kristina Renner; three step-grandchildren: Nick, Emily and Rachel Pechous; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Naomi (Fred) Hale of Senora, CA; three brothers: Frank (Peggy) Odens of Springfield; Darrell (Elaine) Odens of Avon; and Charles (Joan) Odens of Forest City, IA; and sister-in-law, Ilene (Bob) Odens Pudwill; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leroy Jochims; infant brother, Delbert Odens; sister, Charlotte Mudder; brother, Philip Odens; brother-in-law, Marvin Mudder and mother-in-law, Henrietta Ferwerda.