Thora Eide

Thora Syneva Eide, our inspiration, our sister, and a daughter of the Lord Almighty, has joined her heavenly father, passing peacefully on November 28, 2018. Done are her earthly toils, her unwavering attention to collecting family history and curating family relics.

She was born August 31, 1928 to John and Aagot Eide of Baltic, in the heat of a South Dakota summer with the farm crops in their full bounty.

After graduating from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, she dedicated her career to teaching. She delighted in young people and loved all children equally.  Teaching math and reading to third graders brought her the most joy.

Thora was an avid reader, writer, singer, musician (piano, saxophone, organ), family historian, night owl and joke teller.

Her travels brought her to Israel, Africa, Branson, Missouri and many places in between. Though, her “once in a lifetime trip” was with her sister, Ardis to Norway to meet “all the relatives.” They traveled over fjords and mountains, dining on Gjetost and flatbrod, listening to Hardanger fiddle and learning about the family that was left behind. This trip created an indelible impression on her heart.

Her writings included reams and reams of prayer chain notebooks, as she was in a constant state of concern for others. Her faith carried her through the years like a tidal wave. She led a pious life, deeply religious and visibly following a moral code.

She loved family, and her unending kindness, generosity and curiosity will be dearly missed by her sister, Ardis Jons, nephew Mark Jons (Catherine), nieces Kim Jons, Amy Saccoccia (Rich) and Pamela Jons (Mike Cohen), along with beloved grand-nieces and nephews: Freyja, Elliott, Erica, Piper, Mathew, and Elizabeth; and great-grandnephew and niece Kaden and Lena. She leaves behind many close friends, a close-knit church community, and an extended family of devoted cousins who take comfort in memories of family reunions on the farm surrounded by laughter and sugar cookies.

A service will be held on Friday, December 7th, at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Bloomington, MN.  She will be laid to rest next to her parents at West Nidaros Cemetery, Baltic South, Dakota.