Lore Bisgaard, age 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, left this earth to meet her heavenly Father on Monday, August 31, 2015, surrounded by her family at Hospice House. Lore Gehring was born in Swabisch Hall, Germany, on September 28, 1926. Her family included three brothers and three sisters, all who lived in Germany and England. Lore grew up during World War II and hand many interesting stories of life in a country at war. Her father was an orthopedic shoemaker and hid Jewish refugees in his shoe store. Lore herself was caught in a bomb raid as a young woman. A gentleman who threw his body over hers during a bombing was killed trying to protect her, and Lore still carries shrapnel in her leg from that day. She tells stories of waking up, and her Jewish friend and neighbors had disappeared and all their belongings lay in the street. Lore worked for a time with the German Air Force and later with US Government Occupation Forces. It was during this time that Lore met the love of her life, Calvin, a handsome US Army Staff Sergeant, and this strong and independent woman began a new adventure. Calvin and Lore were married in Stuttgart, Germany in 1952. Lore, at age 25, bravely left Germany, her friends and family, speaking little English and moved to Nisland, South Dakota. She later lived in Newcastle, Pierre and Rapid City. Lore was active in her community, and worked many years in the food service industry. She was a member of Elks Lodge 1187 Does, and an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church. She especially loved time spent with her Phoebe Circle sisters in bible study at Calvary. She joyfully spent many hours volunteering with Canyon Lake Little League, and loved watching her son and grandsons play baseball. Lore also volunteered with Brownies and Girl Scouts. Lifelong friends were made through employment with Safeway, Family Thrift Center and Alex Johnson Hotel. Her greatest passion in life was her grandchildren. Lore will always be remembered as a loving devoted grandma, a hard worker and a loyal friend. She was especially grateful for her compassionate medical and nursing friends. Lore's love gift to her family and friends was cooking and baking. She had a servant heart, and she was happiest when surrounded by family and friends over a meal she had lovingly prepared. She will fondly be remembered for special German dishes, such as spaetzle and sweet desserts, passionately loving and connecting her family, and always planning the next celebration. Special times with friends included playing cards, dancing, camping and enjoying her flower garden. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Calvin Bisgaard of Rapid City; two children, Connie (Michael) Diedrich of Rapid City and Steve (Debra) Bisgaard of Piedmont; treasured grandchildren, Chris (Sarah) Diedrich of Denver, Ross (and friend Brittany) Diedrich of Denver, James Hauer of Moab, UT and Michaela Hauer of Piedmont; her sister, Frieda Oetken of Konstanz, Germany and many dear nieces and nephews in Germany and United States. She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid City. A luncheon will follow at the church. Memorials have been established for the Humane Society and the Hospice House in Rapid City.