Thelma Mendel

Thelma Hofer was born in rural Bridgewater, SD on June 29, 1931 and passed away May 28, 2022 in Peoria, AZ at the age of 90. 

  Thelma was privileged to grow up in a Christ-centered home, where parents had daily, family devotions.   During a community DVBS series in a country school, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and upon confession of her faith, was baptized and became a member of Hutterthal Mennonite Church.  Later she joined Salem MB Church where she was involved in various church ministries.    

 She attended Freeman Academy and graduated from Grace College of the Bible in 1952.  Dennis & Thelma were married on June 6, 1952 and moved to Waukegan, IL for two years while Dennis worked at a Veterans Hospital doing 1W Service.  In 1955, they returned to Den Dor Haven, their ranch west of Freeman, SD, where they farmed until 1986 (32 years) at which time they moved to Glendale, AZ.  Thelma worked for Glencroft, a Christian retirement community and completed 25 years’ service retiring in 2014.   

  Thelma & Dennis met many new friends over the years at both Grace Bible Church (Sun City) and Copper Hills Church (Peoria, AZ) and traveled to many US and international destinations finding opportunities to share their faith.  Thelma was a caring person and gave generously of her time and energy to others.  

       Surviving Thelma are their children, 

Lynn Mendel and Denise (Jim) Lockwood of Scottsdale, AZ, and 

Kent (Teri) Mendel of Enid, OK, plus 

      grandchildren, Andrea (Jason) Edwards and  

                      Travis (Daley) Mendel  

      and great grandchildren, Elijah, Ezra, Elissa & Faith Edwards of Castle Rock, CO 

    and Charlie & Cash Mendel of Edmond, OK and 

step-grandchildren, Jeff Lockwood of Phoenix, AZ and 

            Colby (Claire) Stephens and step-great granddaughter Sorena of Oregon City, OR, 

and sister-in-law Alvina Hofer and many other family members. 

 III John 1:4:   I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.   

 Preceding her in death is her husband Dennis, parents Peter J.S. & Adina Hofer, still-born sister Ann, and brother Gordon Hofer.  A Celebration of Life is planned at Salem MB Church, Bridgewater, SD on July 24 at 3:00 PM.   

 Memorial gifts will be directed to Dr. Russ and Melody Ebersole's medical mission in Togo, West Africa through ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism, P. O. Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA. 17105-8585).   

 The Mendel family wishes to express our gratitude for your love and concern for our family throughout our lifetime.