SIOUX FALLS DeVona DeDe M. Prostrollo, age 73, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2024, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, surrounded by her loving family and friends. As they held her hands, prayed, sang, and shared their favorite memories, DeDes heart of gold and her legacy of kindness, generosity, and love were evident until the very end. Her family, faith, and friends were always at the center of her life, and her deep devotion to them touched everyone who knew her.
A funeral service celebrating DeDes life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls. The family will be present to greet friends on Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In honor of DeDes memory, the family requests that any monetary gifts be made to St. Thomas Aquinas School, 415 N Van Eps Ave., Madison, S.D. 57042, with the memo DeDe Prostrollo Memorial for tuition assistance.
DeDe was born on June 13, 1951, to Howard and Clementine (Bergin) Peters and was raised and received her education in Alpena, where she was a high school cheerleader and lifeguard.
After graduating from Alpena High School in 1969, she attended SDSU with the intention of becoming a nurse, although she ultimately chose a different path. Nonetheless, her nurturing spirit and her dedication to caring for others never wavered. While at SDSU, she had a memorable experience being asked to appear in a Hobo Day parade television commercial, where she proudly rode in the bum mobile.
DeDe worked in banking, first at American Bank & Trust with her father Howard and later at Norwest Bank in Madison.
On May 17, 1974, Dede was united in marriage to Jerry Prostrollo, who had two children from a previous marriage, Laurel Laurie and Pat. Together, Jerry and DeDe were blessed with a daughter, Angie. DeDe found her greatest joy and purpose in being a mother and grandmother. Her love for her family was unmatched, and she was the most dedicated, attentive parent anyone could ask for.
DeDe was deeply involved in her community and her faith. She served as President of the Madison La Leche League and was an active member of the St. Thomas School Board. She loved volunteering at St. Thomas School and Parish, dedicating countless hours to helping with standardized testing and serving lunch to the children. Every morning, she took Angie and her friends to school, and the car rides were filled with laughter and 60s music. In later years, DeDe would have lunch ready for Angie and her friends throughout high school.
An avid card player, DeDe loved bridge and was known for her impressive memory and knowledge, which made her a champion at the board game, Trivial Pursuit. She could also often outpace the contestants when watching Jeopardy! on TV. Dede was also talented at playing the piano.
Generosity and thoughtfulness were hallmarks of DeDes character.
She found immense joy in helping others and always put their needs before her own. Every Christmas, she made sure all the children in her family received their most wanted gifts. She brought comfort, joy, and love to those around her, and her selflessness inspired all who knew her.
DeDe spent much of her life in Madison but later moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to her beloved grandchildren, whom she adored and supported at their sporting and school events. She became their biggest fan and now, their guardian angel. While in Sioux Falls, she enjoyed spending time with her dear sister-in-law, Pat Peters, attending plays, concerts, and sharing many laughs. DeDe also treasured her relationships with her nephew Greg and niece Meggan, and she loved spending holidays and time with them and their children.
DeDe leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and selflessness, and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter, Angie (Nick) Bahr of Madison; step-daughter, Laurel Laurie (John) Deniger of Huron; step-son, Pat (Deb) Prostrollo of Madison; seven grandchildren, Jazper Bahr, Blaize Bahr, Katie (Eric Tillman) Deniger, Patrick Deniger, Nick (Renae) Prostrollo, and Lindsey (Chris) Wentz; six great-grandchildren, Jonah Tillman, Logan Prostrollo, Parker Prostrollo, Oakley Prostrollo, Brooklin Wentz, and Morgan Wentz; one brother, Jeff (Pat) Peters of Sioux Falls; as well as her cherished nephew, Greg (Robin) Peters, niece Meggan (Steve Hohnecher) Carter, and great-nephew and great-nieces, Ella Peters, Cameron Peters, Quinn Peters, Monroe Carter, and Emerson Carter.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to those who supported DeDe during her health struggles, especially the David and Lorrie Piehl family, her longtime friend Amy Meehan, and many others who were there for her with kindness and love.
DeDes love, kindness, and dedication to her family and friends will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
She was truly a shining example of how to live with grace, compassion, and unwavering devotion to others.
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