Gertrude Marie "Gert" Carstens, age 84, died on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 from heart failure while undergoing treatment for melanoma cancer at the University of Colorado hospital in Denver. She was born in Delmont, SD on February 24, 1931 to Richard and Beatha Freier. Gert was a long time resident of Rapid City and lovingly raised her five children in the area. Having owned and operated a campground in the Black Hills (Dizzyland campgrounds), she was faced with many challenges in life which made her a very strong and independent woman. Many people recognized her in Rapid City as she was a valued employee of JCPenney for many years. Gert attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church where she made many wonderful friendships. Married to Donald Lieu Gamet in 1950 and having 5 children from this union. She married William Carstens in 1974. They enjoyed traveling, sightseeing, and visiting friends and family. They were married 20 years before Bills' death from cancer. She spent her later years enjoying her friendships with her neighbors, church and JCPenney group. Her family was the most important factor in her life, and she also spent her time visiting her children that had moved from Rapid City. Survivors include her children, Michael (Marie) Gamet from Whittier, CA, Deborah Oster of Louisville, CO, Rodney (Joy) Gamet of Schwenksville, PA, David (Kathy) Gamet of Rapid City, Brian (Carla) Gamet of Highlands Ranch, CO; and 11 grandchildren, Shawn Oster, Alia Fisher, Aaron Gamet, Gabriel Gamet, Kaylea Simbeck, Sandra Ludwig, Jeremy Gamet, Jared Gamet, Scott Gamet, Luke Gamet and Nicholas Gamet; two great grandchildren Cole and Calvin Fisher; a brother Milton (Elaine) Freier; and many other loving nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Luella Sprecher of Parkston, SD and husband William Carstens of Rapid City. A time with the family will be held from 2:00 until 3:00pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Rapid City on Saturday, June 13, 2015. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 3:00pm,Sat. June 13 with inurnment at the Black Hills National Cemetery at 9:00am, Monday, June 15, 2015. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Zoe Jones medical fund at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Zoe is the daughter of Pastor Josh and Jamie Jones. Friends may sign her online guest register at www.osheimschmidt.com