Iola Walkes

Iola was born July 28, 1917 at Avon, South Dakota, the daughter of Emmanuel and Ida Mae (Schmidt) Buchholz. She grew up near Avon and attended country school through the 8th grade. She then worked for her brother as a housekeeper and caretaker while he worked on the farm. Iola also worked at a caf in Tyndall for a number of years. Iola married Harold Walkes on January 28, 1942 at Parkston, South Dakota. They farmed near Avon from 1942 to 1955. They came to Sioux Falls where Iola worked at Kresges Department Store and Raven Industries. She retired in 1971, and she and Harold moved to a farm near Hartford. They lived at Hartford until 1979 and returned to Sioux Falls. They enjoyed spending time at their lake cabin. Harold passed away in 1998. Iola remained in Sioux Falls and was 99 years old when she passed away December 20, 2016 at Covington Heights Golden Living Center in Sioux Falls. She was a Sunday school teacher at her church for several years. Iola loved to cook and if family or friends showed up at her door, they seldom left without having a meal. She liked gardening, sewing and crocheted many booties, hats and blankets for babies. Iola is survived by three children, Bonnie Erb, Kathleen (Gene) Walth and Robert Walkes; one grandson, Jim Erb; four great grandchildren, Josh Erb, Ashley Hartman, Tim Hartman and Cody Hartman; thirteen great-great grandchildren; two siblings, Nate (Ramona) Buchholz and Fern (Bob) Burger; many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Edna Buchholz and Dorothy Walkes. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold in 1998; a grandson, Stacy Walth in 1997, son-in-law, Burdette Erb in 1996; two great grandchildren; siblings, Mamie (Dick) Christians, Edith Buchholz, Joe (Lillian) Buchholz, Dorothy (Hank) Sayler, Minnie (Barney) Hubner, Rueben (Hilda) Buchholz, Pete (Sally) Buchholz, Eddie Buchholz, Lorine (Adolph) Fischer and Molly McGovern. Family present at visitation from 5 pm - 7 pm on December 26, 2016