Victoria Thomas

Funeral services for Victoria Thomas were held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD with Pastor Marcus Ring & Pastor Gary Jacobsen officiating.

Music was provided by the congregation, and Geoff Smith, accompanied by Melanie Hannahs, organist.

Vickie’s granddaughters: Alisyn Donnelly, Sierra Thomas, Makayla Thomas, Gracie Kenzy, Sierra Rencountre, Sapphire Kenzy, Madison Mangulis, Ella Sperl, Regan Graesser, and Carmen Kenzy were in charge of registration and flower attendants.

Casket Bearers were her grandsons: Derek Graesser, Gavin Thomas, Chase Thomas, Rane Kenzy, Isaac Mangulis, Harvey Kenzy, Sully Sperl, Sawyer Sperl, Keanu Kenzy, and Briggs Mangulis.

Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Victoria Lee (Mashek) Thomas was born on April 15, 1949, to Leonard and Margaret, (Hoffman) Mashek in Mitchell, SD. She was the oldest of eleven children, and attended grade school and high school in Kimball, SD. On February 9, 1966, Vickie was united in marriage to Richard (Dick) Thomas and in their 57 years together had five children, 20 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, with three more on the way.

Vickie was a stay-at-home mom for many years and enjoyed gardening, reading, sewing and later on, quilting. She made several of her childrens’ clothing. This included her daughter Tammy’s wedding dress, along with the junior bridesmaid dresses for both Tammy’s and Sarah’s weddings and many Halloween costumes. She was very involved in attending the many sports and activity events of her children and grandchildren. She also served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader.

She began working as an aide at the Gregory Elementary School and in her early 30’s decided to pursue higher education. First she obtained her GED, then traveled many nights back and forth to Mission, SD for school. She graduated from Sinte Gleska University with a Bachelor of Education degree in August of 1991. She taught second grade for the majority of her 21 years with Gregory School District. Her firm, but kind hand showed many children the value of hard work and how to get things done. She was adamant her own children knew the importance of education and was extremely proud all of them graduated from college.

Vickie was baptized in faith on May 8, 1949, confirmed on May 13, 1962, at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, and was a member of the Catholic Church for many years. She became an active member of the Gregory Lutheran Church and was involved in the LWML for several years.

She passed away at home on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the age of 74.

She is survived by her husband Dick and children: Tammy Graesser of Dallas, SD, Greg (special friend Sheena) of Atkinson, NE, Jenny Mangulis (Matt) of Mankato, MN, Jessy Kenzy (Brett) of Iona, SD, and Sarah Sperl (Jon) of Burke, SD; four brothers, Jim Mashek (Rena) of Alliance, NE, Rick Mashek of Watertown, SD, Joe Mashek (Denise) of Bridgeport, NE, and Chris Mashek (Debbie) of Lexington Park, MD; two sisters, Trudie Boedeker (Jerry) of White Lake, SD, and Debbie Ernst (Bill) of Stickney, SD; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Vickie was preceded in death by her parents, sister Holly Martin, brothers Mike and Jack Mashek, a brother in infancy Patrick, and sonin-law Kevin Graesser.