ONIDA, SD –

Mary Jean Lomheim, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of her family on November 10, 2023. Born on October 19, 1935, in Jermyn, TX, she spent her 88 years enriching the lives of those around her with her faith, love, and creativity. Visitation will be held 6:00-7:00pm, Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the Onida Methodist Church, concluding with a Prayer Service at 7:00pm. Funeral Services will begin at 10:00am, Friday, Novebmer 17, 2023 at the Onida Methodist Church with interment following at the Onida Cemetery.

Mary Jean was the cherished daughter of Craig and Martha “Geneva” (Grass) Thompson. She grew up in Oklahoma City, where she attended school through her sophomore year of high school. Her family then moved to South Dakota, where she graduated as salutatorian from Agar High School in 1953. Always spirited and full of life, Mary Jean was a cheerleader during these years, proudly wearing uniforms sewn by her mother.

After high school, Mary Jean planned to attend the National College of Business in Rapid City. However, fate had a different plan when she met the love of her life, Marcel “M.C.” Lomheim. The two married on June 17, 1954, in Agar and settled on M.C.’s grandfather’s homestead. It was here that Mary Jean and M.C. built their life together, farming, ranching, and raising their family. Mary Jean was a committed farm wife, working alongside M.C. putting in the hard work that farm and ranch life requires.

Passionate about music from a young age, Mary Jean began taking piano lessons in the second grade. She continued to play and teach piano throughout her life, serving as her church pianist for over 40 years. She had many hobbies, including sewing and needlework. She was an exceptional cook and baker, often sharing her delectable creations with family, friends, and anyone fortunate enough to sit at her table.

Mary Jean’s love of travel took her to various locations, including Alaska, California, and Hawaii. She enjoyed bus trips and cherished the opportunity to see and experience God’s creation wherever she ventured. A woman of deep faith, Mary Jean was an active member of the Onida Methodist Church. She served in various capacities, including teaching Sunday school, leading vacation bible school, and conducting bible studies. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women and the county extension club.

A lover of the outdoors, Mary Jean took great pleasure in tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She spent many fall days preserving the fruits of her labor through canning and freezing. Nevertheless, the most important aspects of her life were her faith and family. Her faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was unwavering, and she desired nothing more than for her loved ones to share in that love and hope.

Mary Jean is survived by her husband Marcel “M.C.” Lomheim; her children, Gary (Linda) Lomheim, Debra Jarvis (Gene), Kathy Wiseman, Diane (Raynard) Schlenker and Jay (Mary) Michael; her nine grandchildren: Jessica Lomheim, Jennifer (Dave) Sieveking, Jamie (Conor) Lefebvre, Joseph (Rachel) Lomheim, Kirk (Amber) Handley, Heather (Skylar) Worthington, Lucas Jedlicki, Raeann (Jared) McFadden, Randi (Ben) Stotz, and nine great-grandchildren: Colter, Kamden, Kennedy, Knox, Carter, Brooks, Theodore, Ramona and Cy. She also leaves behind her special friend Nancy McKenney, whom she considered a sister, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Mary Jean’s life was a testament to her faith-filled, loving, and creative spirit. She brought joy to everyone she met, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

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