Deloris ‘Dee’ Yaroch, 99
February 19, 1926 - August 9, 2025
Deloris J. Yaroch, 99, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Avera Prince of Peace. There will be a double funeral mass for both Dee and her son, Larry on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids at 10:30 a.m. After the service, a luncheon will be held at St. Mary’s Hall, followed by an informal musical gathering at the Dell Rapids City Park. Visitation will be on Friday, August 15, 2025 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a Catholic Daughters Rosary prayed at 7:00 p.m.
Dee was born February 19, 1926, in Minneapolis, MN, Dee was the daughter of Clarence and Charlotte (Peterson) Seifert. She graduated from Edison High School in 1943 and attended the Abbott Hospital Cadet Nurse Corps, later working as a medical secretary. Her father devoted 42 years to the Soo Line Railroad as a proud union member, while her mother cared deeply for home and family. Dee and her sister, Lylith, grew up in Minneapolis, often traveling to Center City, MN, and Denver, CO, to visit grandparents.
As a teenager, during a trip to Colorado, Dee was introduced to Catholicism, sparking a lifelong devotion to her faith. Following her baptism, she joined her parish choir, an experience that would change her life. There she met Merlyn “Woody” Yaroch, a young Wisconsin native who had recently moved to Minneapolis. Their shared love of music and theatre quickly turned into a love for each other, and in 1948 they were married in Minneapolis. Over the next five decades, their life together was filled with song, theatre, and dance, alongside the joy of raising ten children.
The couple first made their home in Minneapolis before Woody’s work with the federal government brought them to Arlington, VA, in 1956. In 1973, they moved to Colton, SD, and later settled in Dell Rapids in 1975, where they became active members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Dee served in many roles, including altar society, Catholic Daughters, lector, lay minister, and altar server. Together, she and Woody were founding members of the Old Opera House Players (“OOPS”), delighting audiences in lively productions such as Diamond Studs, Oklahoma, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Known for her natural stage presence and her collection of stylish hats, Dee brought a touch of charm and flair to every performance. She and Woody also shared a love of travel, especially their annual trips to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, a tradition Dee continued well into her 90s.
After Woody’s passing in 2001, Dee, who had made her home in Sioux Falls, became a devoted member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. She generously shared her time and talents, including playing piano at Prince of Peace. A lifelong music lover, she could often be found singing hymns in church or at home at her keyboard. She was also a passionate Minnesota Twins fan, rarely missing a game.
Dee is survived by seven children: Tony (Kim) Yaroch of Cottage Grove, MN; Julie (Jerry) Baustian of Dell Rapids, SD; Jimi (Deb) Yaroch of Madison, SD; Mary Green, Eddie (Linda) Yaroch, and John Yaroch of San Diego, CA; and Lisa (Dan) Ward of Laurel Springs, NJ; as well as 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Woody; sons Mark, Greg, and Larry; infant granddaughter Angela; her parents; and her sister, Lylith.
Memorials may be directed to St. Mary School.
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