Caroline Deinema

September 25, 1932 - February 24, 2019

Visitation: Visitation will be Friday from 2-7 p.m., family present from 5-7 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.

Service: Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Canton Lutheran Church.

Mary “Caroline” Deinema died Sunday, February 24 at Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 86.

Caroline was preceded in death by her parents George and Bernice Macumber and her husband of 41 years, Jim.  She is survived by her sister Jane Weber; three children, Stephen, Mark and Judy Deinema; daughter-in-law Vicki; grandchild Hannah and Caroline’s beloved dog Ole.

Caroline and Jim met at the University of Iowa and moved to Canton, SD in 1956 and began a life of service to their community and family.  Caroline served many roles.  She was teacher of piano, cooking and Weight Watchers.  She served as a mentor to children and teens in need.  Following her love of fiber arts, she  engaged in sewing, spinning, weaving and knitting.  She had her sheep Dakota for wool. Music rang out in her home with her early years as a tuba player and later years teaching and playing piano and harp.  She enjoyed skiing, camping, fishing the Missouri River and tending oversized gardens. Caroline loved adventure, even after surviving breast cancer she was rafting rivers in Colorado and Utah at age 60 and backpacking the Grand Canyon at age 70.  Caroline was founder of the Canton Recycling Program and the Jim Deinema Canton Community Foundation.  She was an active member of Canton Lutheran Church.   On her 80th birthday she left her Canton roots to spend her final years at Touchmark  in Sioux Falls.  In that All Saints neighborhood she again had many friends and she and Ole were an inspiration to their neighbors.

In Caroline’s final months she faced her truth of impending death with a peaceful acceptance citing her deep gratitude for a life well lived and rich with blessings.

Her children and friends are graced with the gift of knowing Caroline and sharing her many gifts.  Caroline lived and believed that “God’s creation is love.”

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Canton Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be Friday from 2-7 p.m., family present from 5-7 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Canton Lutheran Church (124 E 2nd Canton, SD 57013) or the Jim and Caroline Deinema Canton Community Foundation (C/O- Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, The Depot at Cherapa Place 200 N. Cherapa Place Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57103-2205).

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9 messages have been left

  1. Patty and Craig Dittberner on February 25, 2019 said:

    Thoughts and prayers for your family. Caroline was a lovely lady to know.

  2. Jackie Lofswold on February 25, 2019 said:

    Caroline was a wonderful lady who always had a smile for everyone she met. She will be greatly missed.

  3. Joy Johnson on February 26, 2019 said:

    One of the most beautiful people I have ever had the privilege of knowing., both physically and personality-wise. She will be missed by all who had any contact with her.

  4. CARLA MCMURRY-KOZAK on February 26, 2019 said:

    Many fond memories of your mom in our neighborhood- We always enjoyed seeing her at the Washington Pavilion for all of the plays, musicals, and other music events… Prayers and thoughts to all of you-
    The McMurry Families
    Rachel McMurry
    John and Katherine McMurry
    Carla and Doug McMurry-Kozak
    Diane McMurry
    Brent and Suzanne McMurry
    Renee and Brit McMurry-Gilman

  5. Laurie Wiebe on February 26, 2019 said:

    Caroline was an inspiration to so many of us that knew her. I am
    blessed to have known her. She had such a warm caring heart and was loved by all that knew her She will be deeply missed on this Earth. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely, Laurie Wiebe

  6. Hester on February 28, 2019 said:

    Please accept my condolences for the loss of your mother. May the God of all comfort be with the family during this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3)

  7. WHS Class of '51 on March 1, 2019 said:

    There was always music in her heart and a smile on her face. The WHS class of ’51 has lost a most talented and sharing member. Go Huskies.

  8. Susan and Leon Anderson on March 1, 2019 said:

    Our thoughts are with your family at this time. May you find comfort in the memories and that she will always be with you in your heart.
    Susan and Leon Anderson

  9. Gary and Lone Deinema on March 20, 2019 said:

    It was with great sadness that we heard about Caroline’s death. Our thoughts and good wishes are with your family. Please know what an important role she always had at our Deinema reunions, spreading her warmth and kindness. We enjoyed hearing all about her latest adventures, as well as news about the family. We will miss her greatly, and will always keep her in our hearts. Hold on to special memories and blessings.