South Dakota priest, family assess losses and blessings after tornado destroys home

[Episcopal News Service] The Diocese of South Dakota is calling for prayers after one of its priests, the Rev. Kim Fonder, and his wife, Tammy Fonder, lost their ranch home in a tornado that touched down early morning July 23 on the Lower Brule Indian Reservation. Their three grandchildren and a family friend were with them in the house when the tornado hit, but all escaped uninjured.

In a July 24 phone interview with Episcopal News Service, Fonder described the moment the tornado hit:

“We were watching the strong winds, and all of a sudden it calmed down a little bit. I looked out the southeast window, and then we heard the choo-choo train coming right for us – the sound of a tornado. The kids ran straight for the basement, and my wife grabbed our 2-year-old granddaughter as she headed down.

“The door exploded, and the roof flew off our house at the same time. I got hit in the face with some sheetrock and insulation. Thankfully, I was by the doorknob, so I didn’t go with the roof. …The house had been lifted up two, three inches.”

Fonder said everyone, including their three horses, is safe. The horse stable is also intact.

The Rev. Kim Fonder, superintending presbyter of the Diocese of South Dakota’s Mni Sose Episcopal Mission. Photo: Diocese of South Dakota

Born and raised in South Dakota, Fonder oversees seven churches located on and near the Lower Brule Indian Reservation and the Crow Creek Indian Reservation. He serves as superintending presbyter of the diocese’s Mni Sose Episcopal Mission. He previously held the same role at the diocese’s Stand Rock Episcopal Mission, and he has served as a deputy to General Convention and as member of the House of Deputies’ Committee on the State of the Church, among other churchwide leadership roles.

Tammy Fonder, an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, owns the property. Kim Fonder said they’ve discussed rebuilding their home as it was before the tornado. But first, they are assessing damages and losses as the family temporarily stays in a hotel in nearby Oacama that the diocese is paying for.

South Dakota Bishop Jonathan H. Folts told ENS that he “is coming out of this with a very grateful heart” knowing everyone is safe.

“This family is extraordinarily valuable to our faith community, and Kim has been a blessing in every place that he has served,” Folts said. “Items can be replaced, and houses can be rebuilt. I’m so grateful to God that Kim and Tammy and their family are still here and that Kim’s ministry will be continuing.”

The diocese also has given the Fonders $1,600 to buy new clothes and other immediate necessities while they stay in the hotel. He said clergy in the diocese have been donating money to the Fonders and a priest is working to set up a GoFundMe account for the family. Folts also said that the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe is helping the Fonders where needed.

“I very much think that God is in the midst of this tragedy,” Folts said. “I do not believe for a second God caused it, but I do believe that there are blessings to be found.”

Fonder, at 71, said he’s lived through eight tornadoes, including five in the community where he lives now, though this most recent tornado was the first to cause damage. Even so, he said he and his family are staying positive as they process this catastrophe. The grandchildren are also “in good spirits” and finding small ways to relax and take their minds off the tornado, like taking advantage of the hotel’s swimming pool.

“I’m upset that everything is gone, but I’m not mad at God because I’ve lived through so many tragedies,” Fonder said. “While we assess and rebuild, I’ll continue serving the churches until it’s time for me to retire next year. … I’m a very big fan of the Gospel of John, and I also love to read Revelation. It helps me deal with things within my life.”

-Shireen Korkzan is a reporter and assistant editor for Episcopal News Service. She can be reached at skorkzan@episcopalchurch.org.