Edmunds County Tribune -

Florence Catherine Malsam, 91, of Hosmer, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Primrose Cottages of Aberdeen, surrounded by her husband, Paul, and her family.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023, at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church, Roscoe, with Father Tim Cone officiating.

Burial was at the Holy Trinity Cemetery in Hosmer.

Florence was born on January 6, 1932, to Peter and Rosina (Imberi) Heilman in Bowdle. She was the middle child of nine children who grew up on their family farm near Bowdle. She attended country school through the eighth grade. Her mother passed away when Florence was at the young age of eight years old. She helped raise her siblings and care for her dad.

Florence met the love of her life, Paul, at the age of 15 years old while cooking for Paul's threshing crew. Several years later their courtship began. They married on November 5, 1952, and farmed and resided on Paul's grandfather and father's farm for 70-plus years until the summer of 2023 when Florence and Paul transitioned to Primrose Cottages, Aberdeen. Six daughters and four sons were blessed to call Florence "Mom."

Florence was an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and a Christian Mother and Auxiliary Legion member. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed reading the Bible, dancing to polka and waltz music, fishing, cooking, baking, sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, going for walks with her children, tending her flower and vegetable gardens, running the combine during harvest, and spending quiet time with the Lord. Florence was a prayer warrior who diligently prayed the rosary and prayed for her family or anyone in need.

Florence is survived by her loving husband, Paul, with whom she was blessed to have nearly 71 years of marriage; her children, Judy (Gary) Weishaar of Hosmer, Linda Battest of Aberdeen, Tilly (David) Heier of Hosmer, Adam (Lauri) Malsam of Aberdeen, Martha (Damian) Kappenman of Eureka, Conrad (Jackie) Malsam of Hosmer, Cathy (Don) Mohr of Huron, Erv (Mary) Malsam of Aberdeen, Sheila (Dave Hagen) Malsam of Aberdeen; daughter-in-law, Dawn Malsam of Sioux Falls; one sister, Josephine Mattern of West Fargo, N.D .; one sister-in-law, Elenora Heilman of Aberdeen; 30 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Rosina Heilman; son, Kasper Malsam; brothers, Joe Heilman, Pius Heilman, George Heilman, Ray Heilman; and sisters, Magdelena Gisi, Virginia Schmaltz, and Rose Lauinger.

Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, Aberdeen, was in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at http://www.schriversmemorial.com.