Omer Tholkes

IRON MOUNTAIN - Omer H. Tholkes, 87, of Iron Mountain, died Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, at Marquette General Hospital in Marquette. He was born Oct. 22, 1922, in Munich, N.D., son of the late Joseph and Mary (Kockelman) Tholkes. Omer grew up in Munich and graduated from Munich High School in 1941. He was very proud that he played on the 1941 Class B North Dakota State Championship basketball team. He married Geraldine Goeser on June 6, 1946, in Calio, N.D. They lived in Devils Lake, N.D. for many years, and for several years in Fargo, N.D. and Minneapolis before retiring to Detroit Lakes, Minn. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Detroit Lakes and had served as Grand Knight. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and had served as Exalted Ruler twice. Geraldine preceded him in death in 1995. In 1997, Omer moved to Iron Mountain and has been a resident here since that time. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and dancing. Omer enjoyed many trips to Texas with his dear friend, Dee Pierce, and he loved to entertain his friends. He is survived by three children, Richard (Linda) Tholkes and Jon (Carol Anne) Tholkes, both of Townsville, S.C., and Ann Cully of Martensdale, Iowa; his dear friend, Dee Pierce of Iron Mountain and her entire family; one brother, Joseph (Gerry) Tholkes of Langdon, N.D.; one sister, Minnie Metzger of Detroit Lakes, Minn.; four grandchildren, Christine Tholkes, Rick (Monica) Tholkes, Theresa Tholkes, and Jamie (Jeff) Young; five great-grandchildren, Alli, Dylan, Paige, Noah, and Tyler and another great-grandson due in March. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Steven Allen Tholkes; and three brothers, Raymond, Arnold, and Lawrence; and two sisters, Agatha and Eleanor. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. David Anderson will officiate. Burial will be in the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Detroit Lakes, Minn In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences to the family of Omer Tholkes can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Omer Tholkes

January 24, 1923 - January 24, 2010