Jeanette Ruth Staufer McGough Thorstenson
July 10, 1930 – June 13, 2025

Jeanette Ruth Staufer McGough Thorstenson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at The Village at Skyline Pines on June 13th at the age of 94.

Born on July 10, 1930, near Orient, South Dakota, to Ed and Hilda Staufer, Jeanette grew up on the family farm and attended Staufer Grade School. She graduated from Miller High School and soon after moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she began her career working for Maytag.

Jeanette married Duane McGough and returned to South Dakota, where they raised their seven children while living in Orient, Miller, Pierre, and eventually settling in Rapid City. Jeanette had a remarkable career—she served as a Postmistress and worked in real estate, becoming the first female licensed real estate broker in Rapid City. She also owned 11 apartment units.

In 1979, Jeanette married Bud Thorstenson, expanding her family with four step-children and more grandchildren. Jeanette and Bud shared a love for travel, horseback riding, auctions, and hosting large family dinners.

A woman of deep faith and strong community spirit, Jeanette was a Eucharistic Minister at Blessed Sacrament Church and participated in a prayer group and bridge club. She had a passion for quilting, sports—especially baseball and softball—and was well known for her delicious pies and home-cooked meals. Her compassion extended to animals as well, especially her horses, Sleepy and Mercy, and her beloved dog, Willow.

Jeanette is survived by her sister, Jane Samuelson (Don); her children: Allan McGough (Wina), Patrick McGough (Betty), Karen Vidal (Patrick), Jeff McGough, Joan McGough, and Mary Gill (Brian); her step-children: Linda Sietsema(Larry), Janet Ronneberg (Ron), Marie Thorsten, and Paul Thorstenson; her grandchildren: Melissa Hennings (Scott), Mike Bradshaw (Mikayla), Michaela Bradshaw (Eric), Matthew Vidal, Joshua Long, Dustin McGough, Shannon Church (Cory), Mindy Ugland, Brittany Malott (Seth); and many step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bud Thorstenson; her parents, Ed and Hilda Staufer; her siblings, Harley Staufer and Joyce Baker; and her son, Mark McGough.

Visitation will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church on June 23 at 5:00 PM, followed by the Vigil Service at 6:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Blessed Sacrament Church on June 24 at 10:30 AM, with the Very Rev. Tim Hoag, JCL as the celebrant.
A luncheon will follow at the church at 11:30 AM, and interment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

Arrangements are being handled by Osheim and Schmidt Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church.

Jeanette's life was a testament to love, faith, and perseverance. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

To view a memorial slideshow of Jeanette's life, please visit the following link: Memorial Slideshow