Thelma Neis, 69, of Esmond, ND passed away Sunday, February 5, 2017 at the St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, February 10, 2017 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Esmond, ND with Pastor Harold Ovre officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday, February 9, 2017 at the Trinity Lutheran Church with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Music will be provided by Paula Duren and Rachel Markestad. Pall Bearers will be brother's-in-law, Dennis Johnson, Jeff Klein, Gail College, Gary Dockter and grandsons, Ethan Nolden and Jacob Neis. Burial will take place at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Esmond, ND in the spring.

Thelma was born on November 11, 1947 to George and Selma (Straabe) Peiler in Rugby, ND. She attended school in Leeds, ND and graduated from the Leeds High School in 1965. Thelma continued her education at the Minot Business College and graduated in 1966. After graduating Business College, Thelma was employed with an insurance company in Minot, ND for a short time.

Thelma was united in marriage to Larry Neis on November 27, 1970 at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond, ND and the couple moved to Esmond in the spring of 1971. Thelma worked at the Café in Esmond and at the Benson County Social Services for a few years before dedicating her life as a homemaker.

Thelma was an animal lover throughout her life and enjoyed watching and caring for her rabbits, dogs, cats and birds. She enjoyed hosting an annual craft show in Esmond and had a passion for sewing, crafting and attending other craft shows. She also enjoyed gardening and planting her flowers. Thelma's greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a very active member in the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Thelma is survived by her husband of 46 years, Larry; her children, Lee (Alyssa) Neis of Bismarck, ND and Sara Nolden of Esmond, ND; grandchildren, Ethan Nolden, Emily Nolden and Jacob Neis; sisters, Shirley (Dennis) Johnson, Laurie (Gail) College and Carol (Jeff) Klein; mother-in-law, Ann Neis; sisters-in-law, Linda Jorgens and Bonnie (Gary) Dockter; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Selma (Straabe) Peiler; father-in-law, Jerome Neis; brother-in-law, Joe Jorgens.