Carol L. Thomas

Carol Thomas, age 78, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church (5509 W. 41st St., Sioux Falls, SD). Family will be present for visitation from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Miller Funeral Home – Westside Chapel (6200 W 41st St., Sioux Falls, SD) with family remarks beginning at 2:30 pm. 

Carol Ann Larson was born on February 16, 1947 to Martin and Lillian (Miller) Larson in Tyler, Minnesota. She was raised near Ruthton, Minnesota until they moved to the family farm outside of Holland when Carol was 15. Her love of animals began with the many she cared for on that farm. Carol graduated from Pipestone High School and then moved to Sioux Falls in 1965 where she started her employment with Northwestern Bell. She worked in various positions, and under the various title changes of the phone company, until her retirement in 1996. She was also a member of the National Business Women's Association throughout her career.

Carol was an exemplary role model of a hard-working woman who prioritized balance between work and home. She was a life-long learner, challenging herself to grow and develop for new opportunities that arose. Carol was conscientious, attentive, and detailed in both her work and her time at home, allowing her to accomplish her career goals while still devoting herself full heartedly to her family. Despite her accomplishments, Carol still focused on what was important in life and set boundaries as to not bring her work home with her.

Carol was joined in marriage to Richard L Thomas on April 30, 1966 in Pipestone, Minnesota. Together they had two children, Kent and Vance. Richard and Carol enjoyed traveling together and Carol loved the outdoors. She visited many National Parks, took a trip to Alaska, and went on a cruise. Carol would go camping, traveling in the RV or a tiny camper on the back of a pick-up truck. She even tried her hand at house boating. Carol would join in family hunting trips for deer and antelope and she could reel in some impressive fish while out on the lakes of Minnesota and Canada.

After Richard's passing, Carol found true love again with Charles "Chuck" Jensen. The couple married on October 17, 2009, and with their marriage, Carol many new family members that she loved and welcomed in with open arms, including Chuck's children, Tim, Wade, Shari, and Trecia. Carol never seemed to run out of room in her heart and supported and loved every member of her family, guiding them with her insight and wisdom while also caring and listening. She was a loving grandmother to her many grandchildren and attended all kinds of sporting events, concerts and matches. Many fond memories were made together making lefsa or when she would show up with a large tub of toys. When Carol was with those she loved, she was present in the moment. No matter how busy her life could be, she still took the time to genuinely care, listen, and understand those she loved.

Still loving to travel, Carol and Chuck started wintering in Texas, spending a few months at a time down south for the past 17 years. Loving the outdoors, she also liked riding motorcycle and gardening, and was gifted at canning vegetables and fruits, from which there are plenty still to go around. Carol loved to play games.

Once a month, Carol met up with her life-long friends from "Ma Bell" and played cards. She would play mahjong and really enjoyed any board or card game with her grandchildren, as long as it wasn't Monopoly. She always had fun and frequently won if she was the person tasked with keeping score.

Carol was a long-time member of Peace Lutheran Church and was a member of Trinity Lutheran in Renner prior. At Trinity, she served on the board as a treasurer and volunteered frequently. Carol was also a member of Telecom Pioneers, where she assisted in a number of community outreach programs including Meals on Wheels. Carol had a great sense of humor, true kindness, and a unique generosity of spirit that allowed her to develop and maintain many meaningful connections over her life. There is no doubt that she will be missed immeasurably by so many.

Grateful to have shared Carol's life with her are her husband, Chuck Jensen of Sioux Falls, SD; her sons, Kent (Becky) Thomas of Sioux Falls, SD and Vance (Jennifer) Thomas of Dubuque, IA; her step-children, Tim (Michele) Jensen of Sioux Falls, SD, Wade (Lindsay White) Jensen of Gilbert, AZ, Shari (Brian) Christenson of Brentwood, TN, and Trecia (Broc) Gulseth of Brandon, SD; her grandchildren, Peder and Solvieg Thomas of Lawrence, KS, and Magnus Weisz of Sioux Falls, SD; her step-grandchildren, Hannah, Charlie and Matnel Jensen, Isabella, Tyler, and Matthew Jensen, Caden, Taya and Hali Christenson, and Torre, Tripp, and Boone Gulseth; her brothers, Lyall (Judi) Larson of McHenry, IL, Curt (Sandra) Larson of Hudson, WI, and Daniel Larson of Garvin, MN; her sisters, Sharon Larson of St. Louis Park, MN and Linda (Brian Rohenbach) Larson of Rosemount, MN; her sister-in-law, Janice Larson of Gaylord, MN; and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Thomas; her parents, Martin and Lillian Larson; and her brother, Allan Larson.