Donavieve ‘Donnie’ Tofte Volga

Nov. 21, 1933 - July 14, 2019

Posted

Donavieve “Donnie” Tofte, 85, of Volga, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019, at The Neighborhoods at Brookview.  

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2019, at the First Lutheran Church in Volga, beginning at 10:30  a.m. Burial will immediately follow the service at First Lutheran Cemetery in Volga.  A time of visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. the evening prior at Eidsness Funeral Chapel in Volga.

Donavieve “Donnie” R. Tofte was born on Nov. 21, 1933, in Arlington, South Dakota, to Oscar P. and Ella J. (Olson) Dahl.  Donnie was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Volga, South Dakota.  She received her education at the elementary Oslo District #95, and graduated from Volga High School in 1951.  Donnie continued her education at Augustana College in Sioux Falls following graduation.  After completing her education, she worked for Dr. Peeke and Dr. Kalp as a lab technician and receptionist from 1952 until 1955.

Donnie was united in marriage to Dale Tofte on July 17, 1954, and the couple farmed southwest of Volga for over 40 years.  

Donnie was Dale’s faithful truck and tractor driver on the farm for many years, moving to Volga in 1985, and continuing to farm until 2003.  In 1987, Donnie started to work for the Sioux Valley School District as a middle school teacher’s aide, working for 13 years, and continuing for an additional 15 years as a volunteer at the school.  Dale passed away on August 22, 2004.

Donnie was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Volga, and served on the Worship Board, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday School and Bible School.  She was also active in WELCA, circle, and also the Banner Committee for over 40 years.  Donnie was also an active member of the Sunshine Girls 4-H Club, Century Club, and a 50 year member of the Simplicity Extension Club, where she served on the county board.  

Donnie had many loves in life, but she especially enjoyed baking, completing crossword puzzles, playing on her I-Pad, working in her yard and flower garden, entertaining guests, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  As a mother, she was always interested in education.  

One of her goals in life was to see that her children could and would be able to obtain college educations. Thankfully they proved her right!

Donnie is survived by her children: Gwen (Dallas) Olson, of Plymouth, MN, Richard Tofte, of Plymouth, MN, and Thomas (Fran) Tofte, of Sioux Falls; grandchildren: Andrea (Glen) Hedstrom, Alyssa Olson, and Holly Tofte; great-granddaughter, Anya Hedstrom; sister Ardys (Dahl) Brandt, of Chandler, AZ; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale; infant brother Richard; two sisters-in-law: Maxine and Margaret; and three brothers-in-law: Carol, Donald, and Eugene.