After a life of love and quiet grace, Doris DeVries, 94, of Viborg, SD has passed.
Some lives speak quietly; her is one such story.
The story begins in 1931, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
Doris held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Some find their compass in faith. Doris was among them.
Doris DeVries, 94 of Viborg, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home. Memorial services will be on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11:00am in Bethany Lutheran Church in Viborg with burial in Bethania Lutheran Cemetery, rural Viborg. Visitation will be at the church from 3-5pm Sunday. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home.Doris E. Devries, age 94, passed away peacefully April 12, 2026 at Pioneer Memorial Nursing in Viborg, SD. She was born April 15, 1931 on a farm west of Viborg, SD to Peter and Rose (Petersen) Westegaard. Doris attended Augustana Academy her freshman year of high school and then returned to Viborg and graduated in 1949. She completed her teaching certificate training at Freeman Junior College and went on to teach country school in rural Freeman. During her teaching career she met her husband to be, Darwin DeVries. Doris loved to tell the story of how they met in February of 1953, were engaged by March and married June 4th after the school year was done. They made their home on a farm southeast of Viborg where they raised their 5 children.Doris loved to cook and bake. This led to her first job at the hospital cooking after marriage and kids. She continued her devotion to cooking spending many years cooking at the Viborg School. She really shined when cooking for a crowd. She was a life-long member of Bethany Lutheran Church and one of her priorities was being very active in the choir, sewing circle and Ladies Aid. In retirement, she put her love for cooking and baking to good use by providing dishes and desserts for community and church functions. They spent several winters in southern Texas, and many summers at the river camping and she excelled at fishing. Doris loved to attend her family's events and outings and especially enjoyed watching all the little ones participate and grow.She is survived by her children: David DeVries, Luverne, MN, Mike (Jaime) DeVries, Chester, SD, Laurie Gilmore, Monroe, SD. Grandchildren: Jenny (Neal) Hanson, Annie (Dan) Dangel, Ben DeVries, Jesse (Blair) DeVries, Lindsey (Chris) McKenzie, Erin (Mitch) McNary, Jake (Samantha) Bymers, Jared (Sarah) Bymers. Great grandchildren: Brandon (Rosalyn) DeVries, Nick and Olivia Hanson, Daniel, Garrett, Emily and Owen Dangel, Lewis and Otto McKenzie, Griffin and Max McNary, Nathan, Oliver and Henry Bymers, Natalie, Lucas and Isabella Bymers, Great-great grandchildren: Nora and Carter DeVries, several nieces and nephews and special niece Roxie Phillips, her husband Carlton and children Rachel and Brooke. Doris was preceded in death by her beloved husband Darwin, parents, brothers Nels, Carl, Earl, Arland and Leslie Westegaard, sister Ruth Bak, sons Steve and Allan DeVries, daughter-in-law, Roxie DeVries and grandson Carson DeVries.
