Rapid City – Ernestine Lynne (Schierz) Dusek, 91, of Rapid City was called home to heaven on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Monument Health Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Her Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be 11:00 am Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Westminster Church, 1012 Sioux San Drive.

Cemetery Services will be at 2:00 pm at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Ernestine was born on April 23, 1932 to Ernest and Lois (Daniels) Schierz in Laramie, Wyoming. In her youth, Ernestine was involved in band and took many trips to the Snowy Range with her parents to visit their cabin. She graduated from Laramie High School in 1949, and from the University of Wyoming in 1952 with a degree in Home Economics. While at the University of Wyoming, Ernestine was member of the Tri Delta Sorority, rifle club, and marching band. It was in band that she met her sweetheart Dorrance Dusek, and the two were married in Laramie, WY on March 1, 1952. They spent the first 4 years of married life in London, England where Dorrance was stationed for the United States Air Force. Upon completion of Dorrance's Air Force service, they made their home in Rapid City, SD.

Ernestine and Dorrance had 4 children: John, Mary-Ellen, Kathleen and Margaret. During the early years of raising their family, Ernestine became involved in PEO (Chapter BR) and was a charter member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Ernestine was a stay-at-home mother until her youngest child was in school, and then worked at MDU as a Home Economist from 1968-1992.

Ernestine's retirement was robustly filled with her hobbies and social engagements. Ernestine remained involved with PEO for 70 years, serving as South Dakota State President from 1996-1997. Her hobbies included knitting, spinning wool and submitting projects to the fair, making jelly's/jams, baking Christmas stollen, daily walks, signing up for race walks/hikes, collecting cans, attending grandchildren's activities, and traveling.

Ernestine was a friend to many, and seemed to always encounter a friend no matter where she went. Ernestine's greatest joy was her family. She was often planning an event to bring her family together, or keeping in touch through cards and phone calls. She will be remembered as an involved and giving member of her community, a Christian strong in her faith, and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Lois Schierz, daughter Mary-Ellen Helgen, son-in-law John Helgen, and son-in-law John Lien.

Ernestine is survived by husband Dorrance Dusek, son John Dusek (Connie) of Rapid City, SD, daughter Kathleen Dusek-Lien of St. Coud, MN, and daughter Margi Dusek (Brooks) of Corvallis, OR; seven grandchildren: Eric Helgen (Alison), Melissa Dusek (Andrew), Melanie Stevens (Josh), Michael Dusek (Jennifer), Whitney Orn (Joshua), Abby Lipanot (Timothy), Owen Hatch, and 14 great-grandchildren.

To honor Ernestine's memory, drop a note in the mail, place a phone call, or pay someone a visit. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to PEO Chapter BR, %Becky Fahrenholz, 3613 Padre Drive, Rapid City, SD, 57703 and Westminster Church.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.