Elmer Duane Tolsma

August 6, 1933 - August 16, 2026

Funeral services are 2 PM, Thursday, August 20, 2026 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Burial is in the Emmanuel Cemetery. Visitation is the hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. The funeral will be live-streamed on the Emmanuel Reformed Church, Springfield SD Youtube page.

Elmer Duane Tolsma, age 93, of rural Avon, South Dakota, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall, South Dakota.

Elmer was born on August 6, 1933, west of Springfield in the Petersburg area, the son of William and Mary (Mesman) Tolsma. He attended Lincoln District No. 38 country school. After completing eighth grade, he began what would become a lifelong career in farming.

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

Elmer worked tirelessly alongside Bernice on the family farm, carefully tending the land, milking cows, and completing the daily chores. He also drove truck for Orvan Tjeerdsma hauling freight and cattle. He was known for his strength, determination, and unwavering work ethic. He especially enjoyed Bernice's homemade cookies and the endless cups of coffee shared in their home, where no one was ever a stranger.

A lifelong member of Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, Elmer lived his faith through quiet devotion and service.

Grateful to have shared his life are his 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; 22 great-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Betty Tjeerdsma of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice; his parents, William and Mary Tolsma; his grandson, Justin Tolsma; his brothers, John (Miriam) Tolsma and James (Ruth) Tolsma; his brothers-in-law, Oscar (Lela and Ilena) Tjeerdsma and Gerald Tjeerdsma; and his sister-in-law, Arlene (Sid) Bierema.

Elmer will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and as a hardworking man of deep faith and generosity. His legacy of love and resilience will live on in all who knew him.