Patsye M. Stolpe

Rapid City - Patsye (Remschel) Stolpe passed away peacefully, Thursday February 15, 2018, at the age of 96, after a long, happy and adventurous life. As her health declined, she became a resident of Morningstar Assisted Living where she received kind, compassionate care.

Pat was born on September 14, 1921, in Spearfish, SD, to Roger and Jessie (Driskill) Remschel. After high school she attended Black Hills Teacher's College where she received her teaching credentials. As a result of the outbreak of WWII, a civil aeronautics course was created at the college which she eventually taught. During this time she learned to fly with Clyde Ice as her instructor. Through flying, she met her first husband, Sully Luft, also a pilot. They resided in Chadron, Nebraska where he managed the airport prior to his death.

While living in Chadron, Pat was married to Arvid Stolpe on November 14, 1953. They lived in Downey, California as well as Sioux City, Iowa before moving to Rapid City in 1959. She taught music for several years individually and in the public schools and accompanied countless school programs including several Christmas musicals in the Rapid City Area Schools. At Trinity Lutheran and South Canyon Lutheran churches, she was a choir director for several different choirs which included every age group possible. Everyone in the choirs were encouraged to sing their hearts out!

Pat always was happy to support her children and grandchildren in all their many activities, often wearing her 'good luck hat' as she cheered them on. She was full of life and ready to tackle anything with a positive attitude and a smile on her face! She enjoyed downhill and cross country skiing, participating as a guide for many years in Ski For Light. Many great times were had and close friendships were formed while she played tennis and participated in leagues for numerous years.

After retirement, Pat and Arvid moved to Mesa, Arizona, where they lived for 20 years before moving back to Rapid City. They were very active during that time playing tennis often and enjoying the warm winters of the southwest!

Pat is survived by her husband of 64 years, Arvid; her son, Randy (Reva) Stolpe,

Saddlebrook, AZ, two grandchildren, Patrick Stolpe, (Kelly Miller), Scottsdale, AZ, Russell (Jenny) Stolpe, Virginia Beach, Virginia; and her daughter, Sherry Oyler (Steve Gilliland) of Rapid City; two grandchildren, Greg (Danielle) Oyler, Livingston, MT and Courtney Oyler, Missoula, MT; and many special nieces and nephews.

Proceeding her in death were her parents; in-laws, Emmanuel and Anna Stolpe, brother Roger (Aldora) Remschel, and sisters-in-law, Lillian, Violet, Norma, Yvonne, Emmalyn and Ethel, and brothers-in-law, Kenneth, Raymond, and Eldon.

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Osheim and Schmidt Funeral Home. A reception will follow.

Inurnment will be at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery.

A memorial has been established.

Friends may sign her online guest register at www.osheimschmidt.com.