Sally Ehlers

Sally Ehlers, age 78, of Midland, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.
Sally Ann Nemec was born November 7, 1940, in Pierre, South Dakota, the third of six children born to Ernest and Bessie (Sheeley) Nemec. She attended school in Midland and graduated in 1958. She was homecoming queen her senior year.
After Sally graduated, she packed up her Opal went to airline school in Nebraska. Because of the airline strike, she moved to Jasper, Indiana, to work for a radio company. Soon she moved back to Midland and went to nursing school in Pierre to be an LPN. It’s there that she met Don on a substitute blind date. They were married on February 11, 1961, in Midland, SD, on a bright, sunny 60-degree day! They raised four children. They were her pride and joy, unique in their own way.
Sally worked for her brother Ernie at Ernie’s Building Center for many years while her children attended school in Midland.  She knew every little thing that someone could possibly ask for at a hardware store, even if they asked for that thingamajig.
Don and Sally began polka dancing many years ago. It took a little work to teach Don, but they soon became graceful dancers and met many, many friends over the years.
Sally could not give up her love for the medical field and worked very hard to become an EMT and was involved in the Midland Ambulance Service for many years. She was nominated EMT of the Year in 2007.
Sally loved all seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren and treated them all the same. She made quilts for all seven grandchildren as they graduated from high school and didn’t miss one graduation ceremony. Every spring, she enjoyed planting flowers in her pots on her deck and flower beds.  She also enjoyed many trips across the ranch with Donnie.
Sally and Don enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and family. She and Don went on a polka cruise and attended many polka fests. She enjoyed the PBR with Rory and attending plays with her daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughters; and enjoyed a Vikings game and a Twins game.
Survivors include her husband Don; four children Donnie (Bonnie)Ehlers of Midland, Cheryl (Marty) Hook of Mobridge, Rory Ehlers of Ft. Pierre, and Pam Cook of Mitchell, Nebraska; seven grandchildren Rachel (Jake) Ritzman, Devon (Haley) Ehlers, Dixie Ehlers, Stephanie Gisi, Hunter Hook, Nicolette Cook, and Walker Cook; three great-grandchildren twins Alexis and Madison, and Brody Gisi; four siblings Ernest (Laurel) Nemec of Midland, Judy Fosheim of Midland, Tom (Theresa) Nemec of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, and John (Linda) Nemec of Midland.
Sally was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson Dylan Ehlers; a granddaughter Cassidy Cook; a son-in-law Morgan Cook; a sister Teresa McLaughlin; and two brother-in-laws Mac McLaughlin and Johnny Fosheim.
A memorial was set up for “Pens & Pads from Sally” to provide baskets at hospitals and waiting rooms for donations of pens, notepads, sticky notes.
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2019 at St. William Catholic Church in Midland.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, at St. William Catholic Church with Father Gary Oreshoski as celebrant with Deacon Lloyd Frein assisting.
Interment followed at the Midland Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.