Margaret Holmes, 88, of Redfield, SD and formerly of Doland, SD, died Monday, October 11, 2010 at Eastern Star Home in Redfield. Her funeral will be Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Redfield. Reverend Stephen Perry will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-8:00 p.m. with a Eastern Star service and prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Margaret was born May 4, 1922 in Minneapolis, MN to William and Marion (Albrecht) Hansen. She attended Redfield Public School, graduating in 1940 as salutatorian, before attending business college in Grand Island, NE. Margaret helped her dad at the Dakota CafAC. in Redfield during her school years. She worked for South Dakota Benevolent Insurance Company in Doland for several years, before marrying David "Bob" Holmes on August 26, 1946 in Doland. Margaret was business manager for the Doland School District for 16 years. She loved working with the students and school staff. During her tenure at school, she was "Jo Jo" to many students. It was her way of being a secret pal. She revealed herself when the students graduated from school.

She was a 60 year member of the Rebekahs and the Order of the Eastern Star. She served as Noble Grand of Rebekahs and Worthy Matron of Eastern Star. She was also a member of Doland Business and Professional Women's Club, Study Club, Sew and Sews, Senior Center, National Rural Letter Carrier's Auxiliary and F&M Bank Senior Citizen Advisory Board.

She was an active member of Doland United Methodist Church. She served as the church treasurer, Sunday School teacher, superintendent of Sunday School and on the worship committee for many years. She enjoyed decorating the church sanctuary during Easter and Christmas holidays.

She was a booster for the city of Doland, serving as president of the "Back to Doland" celebrations in 2000 and 2005.

Margaret enjoyed needlework, playing cards, trying new recipes and life in general.

Margaret was very patriotic and proud of her family members serving in the military: her father, US Navy WWI; her husband US Army WWII; sons: David US Navy Vietnam War; Hugh US Army Cold War; and grandson Ben US Army Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Margaret is survived by two sons: David (Pam) Holmes of Richardson, TX and Hugh (Linda) Holmes of Mitchell, SD, two grandchildren: Ben (Rachel) Holmes of New Cumberland, PA and Hilary Holmes of Mitchell and three great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1979 and a sister Cathy Boughner.