RAPID CITY--Vern E. Belzer, 89, formerly of DeSmet, S.D. died November 30th at Clarkson Health Care in Rapid City. Vern was born on December 24, 1920 to E.E. and Ida Belzer of DeSmet. He attended school in DeSmet, graduating from high school in 1939. He married Irene Wilson at Winner, S.D. on August 31, 1944. They had two children, Elizabeth and Stephen. He and his wife farmed near DeSmet for many years. He was very interested and active in the soil conservation service and received several awards of appreciation from the US Department of Agriculture while farming. He and his wife owned and operated the motel in DeSmet for several years. His wife, Irene, taught school in the DeSmet school system for 26 years. He also managed the Central Bi-Products Company for a few years and was employed by the City of DeSmet as City Engineer for some time. During retirement, he drove a school bus for the DeSmet school district. He was a member of the American Lutheran Church in DeSmet and the DeSmet Masonic Lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Irene, a son Stephen, sisters Jean, Bernice, and Bessie. He is survived by daughter Elizabeth, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a brother, Emiel E. (Irene) Belzer, Rapid City. There will be a memorial service at 7:00 pm on Friday, December 3rd at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.