RAPID CITYMelissa Kirchgesler, 46, of Hermosa, died at Rapid City Regional Hospital Auxiliary Hospice House on Thursday, January 30, 2014. Melissa was born on August 1, 1967, in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Jerry and Darleys (Dennert) Johnson. Melissa was married to Mark Kirchgesler on 12/24/2009 in the Palace Gardens of Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA. Their marriage was blessed by the Catholic Church on 02/29/2012 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral as part of her conversion to Catholicism. Until her illness Melissa was an active member of the Order Of The Eastern Star in Hermosa, the Muzzle Loaders of the Black Hills, the Rushmore German Club, St Michael's Parish of Hermosa and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #303 where she was President. Previously she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Rapid City - Apolda, Germany Sister City Association. Melissa loved to travel whether it was within the Black Hills on her 4-Wheeler; further from home at Black Powder Rendezvous/Historical Reenactments in a number of States or flying to other countries including Germany, Italy and Ireland to name a few. Her favorite travel destinations were Williamsburg, Virginia and Apolda, Germany. Traveling to Rome and the Vatican during her conversion to Catholicism inspired and increased her faith in the Catholic Church. No matter where she traveled she made and held friends close to her heart. Melissa's greatest love was the family she had through birth and marriage. Survivors include her husband, Mark Kirchgesler, Hermosa; her father, Jerry Johnson, Rapid City; a brother, Paul (Melinda) Johnson, Hermosa and a niece, Tiffany Johnson, Rapid City. She was preceded in death by her mother Darleys Johnson. A memorial reception will be from 6 until 7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. Christian wake service on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. A Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help with the Rev. Ed Vanorny presiding. Inurnment will be in Mountain View Cemetery in Keystone. Memorials may be directed to St. Michael's Catholic Church Building Fund in Hermosa. Friends and family may leave condolence wishes on her online guestbook at www.osheimschmidt.com.