Teresa Lynne Nothem, age 65, of Rapid City, South Dakota, will be remembered for her strength, generosity, and unwavering sense of self. Teresa was born on November 15, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Larry and Eileen Sheehy, who preceded her in death. After a courageous 10-year battle with cancer, Teresa faced her journey with remarkable determination, resilience, and honesty.

Teresa was the beloved wife of Donald S. Nothem, with whom she shared a life shaped by service, perseverance, and many chapters lived across the country. Married for 41 years, they met while Don was serving in the United States Coast Guard, beginning a partnership that carried them through numerous relocations and experiences. Their journey together took them to Iowa, Oregon, Nevada, Washington, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Alaska, each place becoming home through Teresa’s presence and adaptability.

Teresa is survived by her husband, Donald S. Nothem; her daughter, Shawna (Timothy) Colvin; her son, Michael (Angela) Aitchison; and five grandsons, Caleb, Jack, Riley, Adrian, and Jace.

Professionally, Teresa worked as a bank teller in Clear Lake, South Dakota, where she was respected for her reliability, attention to detail, and the straightforward care she showed to customers and coworkers alike.

Teresa was deeply connected to military life. While she personally served briefly in the United States Army in 1981, much of her service came through steadfast support of her husband’s career in the United States Coast Guard. She also served as Ombudsman for the USCGC Polar Sea from 1994 to 1996, where she offered guidance, advocacy, and compassion to Coast Guard families navigating the challenges of military life.

Those who knew Teresa will remember her as outspoken, independent, and deeply caring in her own way. She was someone who showed up when needed, spoke her mind, and valued authenticity. Teresa enjoyed gardening, baking, and home renovation projects, finding satisfaction in creating order, comfort, and beauty around her. She earned her GED in 1979, a reflection of her determination and persistence.

In recent years, Teresa became known affectionately as the “Block Grandmother,” a familiar and reassuring presence in her neighborhood. Whether keeping an eye out, offering a word of encouragement, or simply being someone others could count on, Teresa built quiet connections that mattered deeply to those around her.

Teresa is survived by her siblings: Sally Vanderlinden of Pleasantville, IA; Sara Landstrum of Burlington, IA; Lawrence Sheehy of Arizona; Cyndi (Terry) McDermott of Peosta, IA; Kim (Kate) Sheehy of Worthington, IA; Dale Sheehy of Maquoketa, IA; Shelley Sheehy (Frank Holst) of Davenport, IA; Phil Sheehy of California; George (Sonya) Sheehy of Cincinnati, OH; Mary Sheehy of North Liberty, IA; and Rena Sheehy (Ernie Bolibaugh) of Epworth, IA. She is also survived by many dear in-laws, including Amy Sheehy of Dyersville, IA; Deborah (Doug) Full of Canby, MN; her mother-in-law, Edna Nothem, of Canby, MN; Brenda (Gary) Denesbeck of Porter, MN; Steve (Kelli) Nothem of Gilcrest, CO; Robert Nothem of Anchorage, AK; Jeffery (Nicky) Nothem of Clear Lake, SD; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Eileen Sheehy; her brothers Steve, Brian, and James Sheehy; her sister Susan Sheehy; and in-laws Nancy Sheehy, Leland Vanderlinden, and Bill Landstrum.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, located at 2700 Jackson Blvd., Rapid City, SD. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Monument Health Cancer Care team, especially Dr. Bayan Al-Share, Oncology; Dr. Emily Duffy, Palliative Care; and Dr. Michael Swartz, Radiation Oncology, as well as the hospice staff who provided Teresa with compassionate, respectful, and attentive care. Their kindness and support brought comfort to Teresa and to those who loved her during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of the Black Hills (HSBH) or Monument Hospice House.

Teresa’s legacy is one of strength, honesty, and quiet impact, carried forward by the many lives she touched in ways both large and small.