Rhoda M. Wold

Rhoda M. Wold, 100, of Baltic, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at East Nidaros Lutheran Church in Baltic. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday at the church. Burial will be in the East Nidaros Lutheran Cemetery.

Rhoda was born on July 16, 1923, to Julia (Nyhus) and Sivert Paulsness. She grew up on the Paulsness family farm and attended Kringen Country School. She graduated from Baltic High School in 1941. Rhoda was baptized, confirmed, and later married at East Nidaros Lutheran Church, marking the church a central part of her life.

On March 20, 1947, Rhoda married Roger Wold, who owned and operated Midway Service until 1988. Together, they lived a life deeply rooted in their community, with most of their lives centering around 2.5 miles from Rhoda's childhood home, church, and their business at Midway. They were married for 66 years before Roger’s passing.

Rhoda enjoyed traveling with Roger, including memorable trips to Hawaii and Acapulco, and visits to the east and west coasts to see her sisters and her son.

She was a dedicated volunteer at the VA in Sioux Falls for several years and a proud founding member of the Baltic American Legion Auxiliary. Rhoda and Roger were also active members of a community card club that rotated between homes for nearly 40 years.

A devoted member of East Nidaros Lutheran Church, Rhoda was very active in the lady’s aid, circles, and quilting group. She also taught Sunday school and summer Bible school.

Rhoda had a passion for cooking and baking, especially during Christmas when she prepared Norwegian goodies like lefse, flatbread, krumkake, and a variety of cookies. Her apple pies were renowned, with apples often picked from trees at her home. She maintained a well-kept home and always had sugar cookies available for visitors. Rhoda also enjoyed arts and crafts, including rosemaling, needlepoint, and cross-stitching. Her love for music often had her clapping, humming, or moving along. Rhoda and Roger enjoyed dancing at the VFW and Moose Club and participating in Norwegian folk dancing.

Family holidays, especially Christmas, were cherished times for Rhoda. She had short stints in bowling and lady’s golf leagues. She also liked snacking on M&Ms and watching local high school activities. Rhoda and Roger were faithful attendees at their great-grandson's activities. In her later years, Rhoda enjoyed attending church as often as she could and Sunday drives, taking in the beauty of the countryside and reminiscing about days gone by.

Following Roger's passing, Rhoda lived with her daughter, Mary Lee. Mary and Rhoda were great companions, and as time went on, Mary, along with her faithful golden doodle, Izzy, lovingly cared for her. Rhoda delighted in the celebration of her 100th birthday, surrounded by family and friends, and felt deeply appreciated. She was eagerly looking forward to her 101st birthday, which was just 16 days away.

Rhoda is survived by her daughter, Mary Lee Lohnes of Sioux Falls; her grandsons, Shawn (Kristin) Lohnes of Sioux Falls; Ian (Robin) Wold of New York City; Leif Wold (Danielle Rubio) of California; and her great-grandchildren, Brandon and Jaxon Lohnes, Estella and Agathe Wold, and Voa Rubio Wold. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; son, Jeffrey; her siblings, Sandra, Clara, Annie, and Gilbert; and her parents.

Rhoda's life was a testament to her love for family, community, and faith. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.