Rapid City Thomas O. Colhoff, 70, of Rapid City, died Monday, June 15, 2009 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Thomas was born on September 8, 1938, in Rapid City, to Louis and Cecelia (Janis) Colhoff. His paternal grandparents were George W. and Mary (Hand) Colhoff and Tom and Rose (Pulliam) Janis. He grew up in Rapid City graduated from Cathedral High School in 1956. Thomas served in the U. S. Army from 1957 until 1960, when he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He attended Spearfish Normal School and attained his Bachelor's Degree and then attended the University of South Dakota, where he attained his Master's Degree. Thomas taught at various Indian schools in North Dakota, Flandreau and most recently at Little Would School in Kyle. Thomas was active in St. Isaac Jogues Church in Rapid City for many years, performing many volunteer duties there. He also loved opera and reading. Thomas traveled to many areas to enjoy opera, including Santa Fe and Minneapolis. He is survived by a sister, Lois Manica and her husband, George, Chico, California; 2 nephews, Steven Manica, Chico and Charles 'Tony' Manica, Boise, ID.; 2 nieces, Barbara Miller and her husband, Bill, Coeur dAlene ID, Mary Pokorny and her husband, Mike, Yorba Linda, California and 2 great grand nephews Zachary and Hunter Pokorny, Yorba Linda. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Phyllis Colhoff. A Christian Wake Service was held at 7PM on Wednesday at St Isaac Jogues Church. Mass of Christian Burial was offered at 10 AM on Thursday June 18 at the St. Isaac Jogues Church with Father David Matzko, S.J. presiding. Burial, with military honors provided by Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the SD Army National Guard, followed at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.