homemade cookies and the endless cups of coffee shared in their home, where no one was ever a stranger.

A lifelong member of Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, Elmer lived his faith through quiet devotion and service.

Grateful to have shared his life are his children: Vern (Carol) Tolsma of Avon, Paul (Juliann) Tolsma of Avon, Lyle (Marcia) Tolsma of Rapid City, and Mark (Julie) Tolsma of Avon; John (Tamra) Petersen ofRapidCity;11grandchildren: Lora Tolsma, Mindy (Mike) Grubb,Jeff(Amy)Tolsma,Paula (Dan) Bures, Jay (Ryanna) Tolsma, Pam (Jon) Berndt, Jill (Eric) Elder, Nick (Amanda) Tolsma, Duane Tolsma, Janel (Nick) Honke, and Devin (Jill) Tolsma; 22 great-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Betty

Elmer Duane Tolsma, age 93, of rural Avon, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall.

ElmerwasbornonAugust 6, 1933, west of Springfield in the Petersburg area, the son of William and Mary (Mesman) Tolsma. He attended Lincoln District No. 38 country school. After completing eighth grade, he began what would become a lifelong career in farming.

On May 27, 1952, Elmer was united in marriage to Bernice Tjeerdsma. Together, they raised four sons and welcomedJohnPeterseninto their home for eight years followingthelossofhismother. Early in their marriage, Elmer and Bernice lived in BapaTolsma'shome,thenon Grandpa Tjeerdsma's farm. They later settled on two farms south of Avon before moving to their long-time family farm in 1961.

Elmer worked tirelessly alongside Bernice on the family farm, carefully tending the land, milking cows, and completing the daily chores. He also drove truck for Orvan Tjeerdsma hauling freight and cattle. He was known for his strength,determination,and unwavering work ethic. He especially enjoyed Bernice's Tjeerdsma of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice; his parents, William and Mary Tolsma;hisgrandson,Justin Tolsma; his brothers, John (Miriam) Tolsma and James (Ruth) Tolsma; his brothers- in-law, Oscar (Lela and Ilena)TjeerdsmaandGerald Tjeerdsma;andhissister-inlaw, Arlene (Sid) Bierema.

Elmerwillberemembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and as a hardworking man of deep faith and generosity. His legacy ofloveandresiliencewill live on in all who knew him.

Funeral services were Thursday, August 20 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Burial was in the Emmanuel Cemetery. The service was live-streamed on the Emmanuel Reformed Church, Springfield, SD Youtube page. Peters Funeral Home in Avon was in charge of arrangements.