Our mother, grandmother, sister and friend has been carried on eagle's wings into the loving embraces of Jesus and Denny, who was her husband of 37 years.  She will be missed greatly by all of us, but our shared time and memories with her will be with us forever.  Her life was full of adventures such as traveling throughout Europe and the United States.  She was born March 25, 1938 in Mt. Lake, Minnesota.  She was strong, respectful, loyal, faithful, and loving.  She was the best woman a family could ever have.  Though there were relationship and health concerns during her lifetime, she met the issues with faith that God would lead her through the difficulties and thanked the Lord for her blessings.  She always said that "taking the easy path doesn't usually end well and choices last forever."  Family and friends mattered greatly to her and she loved being with them whether it was a phone call, a shared meal or cup of coffee, a drive through the hills, or sitting outside enjoying the view and birds that always amused her.

She was a Licensed Practical Nurse for over 20 years and helped to deliver more than 1,800 babies into this world, including several of her grandchildren.  Her work ethic was meticulous and she challenged any person, including the doctors, when something was below the level of care she expected for her patients.   She could see fingerprints on the walls and dust on furniture from a mile away.   Snakes and tarantulas terrified her and she would be leery to walk in the grass if she even suspected their presence.   Being bored bothered her as she thought it best to be busy doing something meaningful and make the best of her time.   She and Denny enjoyed karaoke and would sing at The Moose and would go to assisted living and nursing homes in Rapid City to help brighten the lives of the elderly.  Her faith was strong and was a member of Faith Lutheran Church for more than 50 years.  She attended Candlelight Service and gratefully took communion on Christmas Eve of 2024.

Mom would oftentimes say: "It is our choice how we live the life given to us.  It isn't always easy, but with faith, dedication, love, forgiveness, respect and commitment to one another it can be better. "  Mom believed this completely and she was a wonderful example for us to follow.

So many hearts are hurting today thinking of a loved one that is no longer physically with us.  We pray that God will help each of us to find a way to keep the sweet memories alive, to heal broken hearts and keep them open to face another day because life will move on and the sun will shine again. We will miss her greatly and will hold her spirit and memories in our hearts forever.

We will love you always and forever!

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church in Rapid City with refreshments to follow at the church.  She will be laid to rest following the services at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.   Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Faith Lutheran Church.