Louise "Dolly" Blucher passed suddenly but peacefully to her eternal home with her Lord and Savior, on Christmas Eve, 2015. Her family was at her side as she made the joyous journey.
Louise Clara Block was born January 31, 1928 in Pierre, South Dakota to Fred and Clara (Jeitz) Block. She arrived within minutes of her twin brother, Louis. When the twins were brought home to the farm south of Capa, their grandpa "renamed" them Dick and Dolly.
Dolly attended White Bell Country School through 8th grade. Her freshman year was at Philip High School, but she then attended Midland High School, graduating in 1946. That summer she went to Black Hills State College where she earned her teaching certificate, and then taught rural schools in the Midland area for three years.
On June 12, 1949, Dolly was united in marriage to Lennard Blucher in Rapid City, South Dakota. They moved to the Blucher farm north of Midland where they resided for the next 58 years. In 2007, they retired, sold the farm and moved to Wall. Lennard passed away on June 6, 2011, and Dolly then moved to Philip. In June of 2015, she moved to Pierre and made her home at Edgewood Senior Memory Care.
Dolly was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran in Midland where she taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. She later transferred to Lutheran Memorial in Pierre, and enjoyed crocheting numerous table cloths for the church bazaars.
Crocheting, gardening, sewing, cooking and dancing were some of her many talents. She worked hard, made do with what she had, and was a true and honest friend. She always told her daughters, "If you can't say something good, don't say anything at all."
Dolly was the loving mother of Lavonne (Jim) Nameny of Cloverdale, CA and Marlis (Rick) Doud of Midland, SD; Grandmother of Tia (Josh) Johnson, Oceanside, CA, Lindsy (Chad) Reagle, Wall, SD, and her favorite grandson Jared Doud of Midland, SD; and Great Grandmother of Ellie, Ava, Jagger and Dawson Johnson, Oceanside, CA. She is also survived by her twin brother, Dick (Betty) Block of Midland, and a host of relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lennard, her sister Rose Marie Peterson, and her step-father, Wayne Hawley.
Dolly was always “Thankful.” She made it “home” for Christmas with Jesus and Family who had gone on before. Blessed be her memory.
Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. MST on Dec. 29, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. CST Dec. 30, at the Lutheran Memorial Church in Pierre. A luncheon will follow the services at the Lutheran Memorial Church.
Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m. MST Dec. 30, at the Midland Cemetery. A time of fellowship will follow the graveside services at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland.
Guest Book
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
~ Darwin and Betty Haerer
Wall (12/26/2015)
To Dolly's Family
We are so blessed to have known Dolly and been able to call her Grammy! She was so nice to us when we'd visit her. She always had time to visit and was ALWAYS smiling :)
I always enjoyed meeting her on the sidewalk because when asked how she was she'd smile and respond "thankful". Just a very simple answer that meant so much. Often times when I greet someone on the street and ask how they are, no matter how they respond, I can hear Grammy saying thankful. It will always be a precious memory.
May you feel the love of family and friends and prayers for healing thru your grief.
What a Christmas Celebration Grammy must of had!
Love to you all
David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie and Lukas Butler
~ Michelle
Philip SD (12/27/2015)
My sincere sympathy Marlis and family! She was a grateful lady, and I am grateful for having the opportunity to get to know and enjoy her just a little bit in the last few years! What a great day for her to go to Jesus! My love to all of you.
~ Mary Kay Sandal
Howes, SD (12/28/2015)
My heart is so full of memories of Dolly. She definitely brightened my world. Marlis, Tia, Lindsey, Jared and Rick my heart is sending you hugs. I wish I could be home to do it in person. I love you guys. I hope you are filled with happy memories to help you through this tough time. Hugs and prayers
~ Kathy Larson LaDue
Anamosa, IA (12/28/2015)
Thinking of Dolly and all the little crosses she gave to her friends. Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart.
~ Jim and Vonnie O'Dea
Howes, SD (12/28/2015)
So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was such a gentle, sweet, kind person. My thoughts and prayers are with you always, Shirley
~ Shirley Chin
Philip, SD (12/29/2015)
To all of Dolly's Family: We send our sympathy and prayers to each of you at this time. May God's loving touch be around all of you as you go through this difficult time now and the days ahead. Godd Bless.
~ Larry and Vicki Neiderworder
Philip,SD (12/27/2015)
Marlis, Rick, Lavonne & Jim
I was so sadden to hear of Dolly's passing she was everything gracious, kind and beautiful. I will cherish my childhood memories growing up
with the Blucher Family. May God grant you Peace in this time of loss. God has called another angel we will miss her so much!
~ Mary Scott Schwalm
Pierre (12/30/2015)
I only knew Dolly as an neighbor to my mother in Edgewood, she was a delight to say hi to and visit with. Prayers to the family.
~ Debbie Millard
Presho SD (12/26/2015)
Marlis and family,
Sorry to hear about Dolly's death. I remember her kindness and graciousness. Regardless of where we were singing, she always was there was Leonard.
~ Mark Ford
Brainerd, MN (12/30/2015)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dolly was a pleasure to have as a resident at SilverLeaf. Her smile brightened my day. She faithfully prayed for the staff and residents at SilverLeaf. No doubt she continues to do so from her special place in Heaven. How fitting that she should be called home on Christmas Eve. How happy she must be. Rest in peace, Dolly.
~ Larry and Julie McLaughlin
Midland, SD (12/30/2015)
Thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this time. We were neighbors for over 25 years and Dolly was as good of person as there was. Like many of the farm wives around, it didn't matter what time of day you showed up, you were invited in to visit and there was always something freshly baked and a cool drink to enjoy. I am sure Lennard met her at the Pearly Gates with a big smile on his face and there will be someone else playing the music on New Years Eve so they can dance the night away.
~ EJ Engelhaupt
Gillette WY (12/30/2015)
Lavonne and Marlis: I am so sorry for your loss. I've been away from my computer and just heard last night about Dolly's passing. But what great memories I have!! In my mind's eye, I can still see and hear her all the weekends I spent at your ranch during high school. They were the best times, and her cooking was so good; and even cleaning up the kitchen & dishes was fun! We are so lucky to have such good Moms! May you have many "remember whens" and precious memories as you begin a new part of your "growing up", because it really is another part of our aging journey. Love in Christ, Beryl
~ Beryl (Addison) Geer
Gillette, WY (1/4/2016)
I am "Thankful" for being able to work with Dolly during the Midland School reunions she was so pleasant and complimentary.I'm also "Thankful" that I was so fortunate to win the table cloth that she spent so many hours on crocheting as a donation for The Relay For life. I cna see her dancing with your Dad, he is so happy to have the love of his life in his arms again.
~ Dorothy Hansen
Philip SD (12/29/2015)
So very sad for your loss, she was a wonderful lady. Hugs and prayers to you all.
~ Jesse & Sheryl Hansen
Philip (12/26/2015)
So sorry for your family's loss. Dolly was a wonderful lady. I knew Dolly from Silver Leaf Assisted Living in Phillip. I will always remember that when you asked her how she was doing she would always respond with "thankful".
~ Peggy Gilliam
Rozet, Wyoming (12/27/2015)
We are thinking of you folks during this difficult time, hold onto all the memories. We enjoyed all the times we spent with her at the dances at the nursing home. She always had stories to tell us.
~ Les & Joann Pearson
Philip, SD (12/29/2015)
What a treasure of a lady!! Love this picture . It shows much of her personality, a caring and kind smile. Cherish the happy memories . Dolly will be remembered as a gracious lady.
~ Gene and Theresa Deuchar
Milesville, SD (12/26/2015)
May God's peace be with you
~ Lonnie & Teri Ann Arneson
Elm Springs, SD (12/27/2015)