Theresa Meyen

Theresa Meyen, 62 of Slayton, MN, passed away on September 26, 2020 at the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg, SD. A memorial service will be held on May 8, 2021 at JP Denmark, Viborg.

Theresa Louise (Jenkins) Meyen, a marvel of a woman, with a quick wit and sense of humor, that made her a source of joy and inspiration, passed away on Saturday September 26, 2020 at Pioneer Memorial Haven in Viborg, SD.

Theresa was born on June 23rd, 1958 to John and Elizabeth (James)Jenkins in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Theresa was the fifth of nine children and the second of six girls raised in a proud Air Force family. She grew up in places as far apart as Pennsylvania and California. If you can imagine, the huge family “adventure” was being jam-packed into a 1966 Galaxie station wagon traveling from Lancaster, PA to Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage, Alaska. Theresa was only 5 years old then Alaska was struck by the Good Friday earthquake of 1964. Eventually the family took up residence in Colorado in 1970. This is the first place that Theresa lived long enough to consider “home”. She ran track as a Freshman at Widefield High and then attended Benet Hill Academy where she was a cheerleader and a dancer. Her greatest memories were the endless rehearsals for the acclaimed Benet Hill Dad-Daughter Shows. She was fortunate enough to perform alongside her dad, sisters and dear friends.

Theresa graduated from Benet Hill Academy in 1976. Shortly after, she started work at Pizza Inn. At the age of 18, she earned a management position and just a year later she was running her own store.

Theresa was introduced via blind date to Jim Meyen. The couple dated and eventually married on October 27, 1979. He was the love of her life. Theresa and Jim enjoyed skiing, playing pool and dancing.

Theresa and Jim raised three children in Colorado Springs until 1990 when the family decided to move to Jim’s home state of Minnesota. Theresa worked at R&B Grocery in Chandler, Minnesota until 1992 when a F5 tornado all but destroyed the town. The family then moved to a nearby town and Theresa continued work at the SuperValu grocery store in Slayton and eventually began waitressing at The Shady Drive In. In 2004, Thresa hung up her apron and took some well deserved time off before being hired part time at the State Bank of Chandler. This eventually became a full time job that she enjoyed until 2013.

Theresa and Jim enjoyed watching their children grow and learn. She was a Girl Scout leader, Youth Group Leader, Sunday school teacher, and science report typist. She and Jim enjoyed watching their children’s various sporting events and by the time Jesse graduated college in 2004, she said that she was “finally figuring out this football sport.”

Theresa enjoyed shopping with her daughters and daughter in law, even if that just meant she got to walk up and down the aisles of her favorite stores and didn’t buy a thing. She also loved to give her son in laws a hard time. She especially enjoyed when she became a Grammy to her 7 grandchildren. Her favorite times were when they would snuggle up with her for a nap! Theresa loved music especially Golden Oldies, ABBA and the BeeGees. She was quick witted and had an infectious laugh and a sense of humor like no other. Devoted daughter, beloved sister, Auntie “ReRe”, gracious mother and loving wife. Her inner strength never failed to lift those in her presence.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Liz, and in-laws Ardis and Walter Meyen.

Theresa is survived by her devoted husband, Jim, daughter Jamie, son-in-law Chad Nelsen and grandchildren, Camden, Maguire, Crew and Merritt, all of Viborg, SD; son Jesse, daughter-in-law Heather Meyen and grandchildren Declan and Collin, all of Chaska, MN; and daughter Molly, son-in-law Mike Mortland and granddaughter Lizabeth, all of Sioux Falls, SD.

Theresa is also survived by her siblings Chris Jenkins (Debby), Steve Jenkins (Connie), Joe Jenkins (Brenna), Mary Ellen Harrison (Rob), Robin Brennan, Trish Gottschall (Gary), Laura Sheriff (Danny) and Donna Jenkins. She also leaves behind a multitude of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life to be held in Viborg, SD on May 8, 2021