Earlwin James Rencountre, Sr., 77, passed away at Rapid City Regional Hospital on Tuesday, November 26, 2008. He was born on November 20, 1931, in Mission, SD, to Alexander, Sr., and Martha E. (Frazier) Rencountre. He lived in Lower Brule, Rapid City and Torrington, WY growing up. On October 29, 1955, he married Rebecca Solano. Earlwin worked as a roofer for Church Sheet Metal, K & K Sheet Metal and numerous other roofing companies in Rapid City, retiring in 1979. He was a member of St. Isaac Jogues Parish and the Indian Men's Club there. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Rebecca Rencountre, Rapid City; 4 sons, Earlwin J. 'Jim" (Debra) Rencountre, Jr., Rapid City, Charles Rencountre, Santa Fe, NM, Roy (Skoshie) Rencountre, Rapid City and Francis Rencountre, Rapid City; 2 daughters, Jeavene ( Louis) Running Shield, Rapid City and Adele Jean (John) Dougherty, Panama City, FL; 5 sisters, Artie McCrae, Rapid City, Ethel (Ron) Lovelace, Browerville, MN, Jeanne (Tom) Grissom, Rapid City, Linda (Shannon) Horton, Oklahoma and Karen (Bob) Guess, Georgia and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, David Lee Rencountre in 1959, 2 brothers, Alex and Frank Rencountre and 2 sisters, Bernice Swick and Loretta Rencountre. A Christian wake service will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30, at St. Isaac Jogues Church. All-night wake will commence at Mother Butler Center following the service at the church. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, at St. Isaac Jogues Church with Father David Matzko, S. J. presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Friends may sign his online guestbook at www.osheimschmidt.com.