Dorrance Alston Dusek, 94, passed away Friday, February 2, 2024, of age-related causes.

Dorrance was born in Rapid City to Fred and Viola (Struve) Dusek on May 14,1929. The oldest of two children, he grew up in Rapid City. As a youth he was involved in Boy Scouts, band, football, track and field and orchestra, and was an accomplished pianist. He graduated from Rapid City High School in 1947.

He continued his education at the University of Wyoming and graduated in 1951 with a history degree. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, earned top of his class honors, and was stationed in London at the headquarters of the 3rd Air Force, Ruislip.

Dorrance married his college sweetheart, Ernestine Schierz of Laramie, Wyo., on March 1, 1952. They spent their first four years together in England, where their son John was born in 1954.

The family returned to Rapid City in 1955 and made their home there for the rest of their lives. Dorrance joined his parents working at the Dusek Furniture Exchange in downtown Rapid City until it closed. It was then converted into the Dusek Office Building, which he managed into his senior years.

Dorrance and Ernstine had four children. John was joined by Mary-Ellen in 1955, by Kathleen in 1956 and by Margaret in 1960. Dorrance supported his children's extracurricular activities and was the driver to all of the family vacations.

Dorrance was a charter member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He and Ernestine, who passed in Nov., 2023, were the final two charter members of the church.

A man of many hobbies and interests, he enjoyed woodworking, fly fishing, reading, current affairs and frequent visits to the family cabin in Centennial, Wyo. He was always starting or finishing a project, and items he made can be found in the homes of family members. He followed sports and politics and enjoyed reading the newspaper and writing letters to the editor.

Dorrance was a man of conviction, quick wit, humor, creativity, and often engaged in friendly banter. He was dedicated to causes he valued, his Christian faith and his fierce love for his family. He was a respected member of the community and made a lasting impression on people he met.

Dorrance is survived by his son John Dusek (Connie) of Rapid City; daughter Kathleen Dusek-Lien of Waite Park, Minn., and daughter Margaret Dusek (Brooks Hatch) of Corvallis, Ore. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and his sister Barbara of Rapid City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ernestine, daughter Mary-Ellen Helgen and sons-in law John Helgen and John Lien.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 15, 2024 at Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Burial will follow at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16 at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Donations in his memory can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church.