Thelma Calkins

Thelma Calkins November 3, 1915 - January 3, 2009

Thelma M. Calkins, age 93, of Faribault, died Saturday, January 3, 2009 at the District One Hospital in Faribault. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour in Faribault. Inurnment will be in the Cathedral Columbarium. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Cloister. Arrangements are with the Parker Kohl Funeral Home of Faribault. Thelma Margaret Roederer, the daughter of Edward and Viola (Lewellyn) Roederer, was born on November 3, 1915 in Jefferson County, Kentucky. She was valedictorian of her high school, was the first in her family to attend college, and was the first to receive a degree in Medical Technology from the University of Kentucky. She was married to Harmon Calkins on April 30, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA. He preceded her in death on September 16, 1996. Thelma worked in a hospital in Philadelphia before raising her family. She later worked in the Biochemistry Departments at South Dakota State University and University of Idaho. She enjoyed fishing, cooking, playing piano, and her church. She is survived by three children, Cynthia Wagner of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Emily (Robert) Nesvold of Northfield, and John (Emily) Calkins of Portland, OR; six grandchildren, Stephanie Stoll, Rebecca (Doug) Carnahan, Todd (Jill) Nesvold, Scott Nesvold, and David and Nathan Calkins; six great grandchildren, Alex and Tekela Fischer, Trind and Tally Nesvold, and Dillon and Sterling Stoll; sister, Betty Barton of Holiday, FL; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and three brothers, Edward, Curtis, and Leroy Roederer. Memorials may be designated to the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour in memory of Thelma.