Aleatha Pesek died peacefully at home on November 19, 2016. She was born July 6, 1928, in Sturgis, SD, to Laurence and Eulah Murner. She graduated from Rapid City High School in 1946. On April 26, 1948, she was married to Ralph C. Pesek in Rapid City. The two had six children, and enjoyed 56 years of marriage until Ralph's death in 2004.

Aleatha was exceptional in many ways. She began a long career with Northwestern Bell, later Qwest, in 1958, working as a telephone operator. She later became a warehouse clerk. She worked for the company for 28 years, until she was furloughed in 1986. While working for the telephone company, she realized the importance of labor unions, and became actively involved with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). She eventually served as the President of CWA Local 7505, a position she held for seventeen years. She remained active with the union for the remainder of her life, working most recently to protect retiree pensions.

Her passion and work ethic did not end with the union. In 1994 she proudly ran for South Dakota House of Representatives in District 32. While she was not elected, her campaign served as a symbol of her dedication to helping others. She believed in herself and all of us. Her entire life reflected the values of hard work, perseverance, compassion, and above all, love.

Never one to slow down, Aleatha continued working until age 82. After her retirement from the telephone company, she co-owned and managed the Eighth Street Liquor Store for many years. She later worked as the manager of the Eighth Street Casino for 12 years. When she finally retired from the workforce, she spent as much time as possible with her family and friends. She enjoyed socializing at the Minneluzahan Senior Center and volunteering at the Rushmore VFW every week.

Aleatha is survived by her six children and their spouses: Terry Pesek, Casper, WY, Christina Boylan and her husband John, Piedmont, Mary Kay Buum and her husband Dennis, Rapid City, Larry Pesek and his wife Sue, Arvada, CO, Kandy Magnuson and her husband Bill, Rapid City, and Robert Pesek, also of Rapid City. In addition, she is survived by 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, with 3 more arriving in 2017, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ralph, her three brothers, and one grandson. She was greatly loved and admired, and will be sorely missed.

There will be a memorial visitation Tuesday, November 22 from 5 – 7 pm at Osheim Schmidt Funeral Home. There will be a memorial service and celebration of life on Wednesday, November 23 at 1:00 pm at Crossroad Wesleyan Church, 1823 Sheridan Lake Road, Rapid City. A luncheon will follow at Rushmore VFW Post 1273.

A private inurnment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Rushmore VFW Post 1273, 420 Main Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, or Regional Health Hospice of the Hills, 224 Elk Street, Rapid City, SD 57701.