Mass of Christian Burial for Loretta Thares, 84, of Ipswich was at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Ipswich, SD with Fr. Timothy Cone serving as Celebrant. Burial followed at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
Loretta M. Thares was born to Daniel E. Wegner and Anna (Green) Wegner in Aberdeen on October 26, 1938. She grew up on the family farm near Mina. Her father leaned on her as a helping-hand with the farm work which consisted of harvest, driving trucks, and unloading grain at the elevator, beginning at a very young age.
She attended grade school in Richland Township and Holy Cross School in Ipswich. Loretta graduated from Ipswich High School in 1956.
Loretta married Andrew Thares on October 9, 1956 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Ipswich. They spent their first year on base in Oak Harbor, Wash. during Andy's Navy military service, then settling back in Ipswich.
She worked part-time at Thares Grocery Store and Thares Jack and Jill Grocery Store. Loretta was also employed by Ipswich Community Hospital, part-time for approximately eight years.
Loretta was an avid member of the community. She was a member of the Holy Cross Church & Society, serving as an officer and chairman of the rummage sale committee for 17 years. She was a charter member of the Ipswich Flower & Garden Club and served as its chairman for many years, which originated in June 1963. She served on the Ipswich Commercial Club as Civic Improvement Chairman and organized all-school reunions during the years of 1976, 1983, and 2000. She served as Vice Chairman of the Bi-Centennial Committee in 1976 and as a past hospital auxiliary chairman.
Loretta was a member of the local quilting group, quilting many beautiful quilts for families and the Ipswich Flower Club. She was also a member of various Bridge groups and loved various card games.
Loretta thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved time with her grandkids - organizing projects and activities for the grandkids throughout the summer, taking grandkids to the circus, attending sports/school activities, baking (especially pies), and holiday decorating, camping and keeping busy.
Loretta passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen with her family by her side.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 65+ year (Andy Thares), her parents, sister Alice Wegner, daughter Sharon Thomas and grandson Andrew Thomas.
She is survived by her children Carol (Scott) Magnuson, Dave (Lynn) Thares, and Kristi (Earl) Jarolimek; eight grandchildren, Tyler (Mayensi) Wagner, Dustin (Teresa) Wagner, Kyle (Teni) Magnuson; Myranda (Nathan) Kolb, Brayden (Lexie) Thares, Margaret Thares and fiancé Oliver Doeden; Hunter Jarolimek and Hannah Jarolimek. Nine great-grandchildren: Luka Wagner, Isaiha, Logan, and Hailey Fletcher, baby on-the-way Magnuson; Lincoln, Khloe, baby on-the-way Kolb and Chase Thares.
Schriver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Thares family.
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