John Lemer, age 79, passed away peacefully in the company of his family on May 9, 2026.

He was born June 6, 1946 in Hettinger, ND to Joseph and Amelia (Riedl) Lemer. The family moved to Rapid City in 1961 and John attended Rapid City High School. In 1963 John joined the US Navy and trained as a USN Corpsman and served on the USS Penguin. John married Joan (Sorensen) in 1981.

John was a member of the Gold Dust Chapter VMCCA for 29 years and enjoyed many out-of-state and local tours with various antique cars. John loved a good road trip and playing cribbage and pinochle. John and Brian spent time fishing, camping and playing pool together, and spent many evenings watching Willis play baseball from the time of Coach Pitch thru the years of Post 22 American Legion baseball.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Lemer; sister, Joan George; and brothers-in-law Tom George and Harold Tramp.

John is survived by his wife, Joan Lemer; son, Brian (Stephanie) Lemer; grandson, Willis Lemer, all of Rapid City; sister, Mary Jane (Mike) DeWitt, Abilene, TX; sisters-in-law: Janet Lemer of Rapid City; Marilyn Tramp of Crofton, NE; brother-in-law, Lyle (Verna) Sorensen of Comfort, TX; his uncle, Frank Lemer of Reno, NV; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

He will be laid to rest Tuesday, May 19th at 11:00 AM at Black Hills National Cemetery with full Military Honors rendered by the US Navy Honor Guard.

Donations may be directed to the American Legion Post 22 Legion Riders in Rapid City to support their Funeral Honors Program, or the charity of your choice.