Louise Thorsgard

Louise Thorsgard, 85, of Brandon, South Dakota, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at her home in Brandon. Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service scheduled at 6:45 p.m., Sunday, June 29, 2025, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Brandon. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 30, 2025, at Blessed Redeemer Lutheran Church in Brandon. Burial will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Norris, SD, at a later date.
Louise Mae Waack was born November 7, 1939, to Gerhardt and Alma (Fish) Waack in Valentine, NE. 
She was raised on the family farm near Norris, SD, and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
When she was in high school, the family moved to Kadoka, SD, where her mom took a teaching job.
After high school, Louise went to Beauty School in Rapid City. In 1960, she married Ralph Pedersen and they had two children, Lyla and Brenda.
She owned and operated Louise's Hairstyling and Styles Unlimited in Rapid City, making lifelong friends.
She later moved to Hettinger, ND, where she ultimately opened a child daycare in her home and became a Foster Parent. 
She married LeRoy Thorsgard, gaining four bonus children.
In 2014, she moved to Brandon, SD, to be with her daughter Lyla and family.
Grateful for her life are her daughters Lyla Pedersen and her son Andy of Sioux Falls, Brenda Shedron (Terry Parks) of Nebraska, and her children Jason (Erin Christy) Fink, Julie (Nick) Batterman and Kristen (Cam) Miles, along with six great-grandchildren. 
Louise leaves behind a sister Janet Drury and brother Duane Waack, sisters-in-laws Barb and Becky Waack, Delores Beehler, Faye Wauhob, Amy Pedersen, and Vivian Pedersen; brother-in-law Dan Pedersen, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Keeping her in their fondest memories also include Laurie Kjergaard, Caleb Kjergaard, Sean Kjergaard, Marilyn Kjergaard and Stacy Kjergaard. In her last days, her daycare kids and their families remained very special to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Lois; and brothers Jerry and Eugene, as well as both husbands & Lyla's partner, Harley Kjergaard.
The family would like to thank Pastor Dan Deardoff, Dr. Max, the Avera Health medical staff, and Hospice for their care.
Memorials may be directed to The Lutheran Hour or Meals on Wheels.