Florence G. Krantz

We lost a beautiful mother, wife and friend as Florence G. (Theisen) Krantz, 98, passed through Jesus to our Father on October 19, 2015, at the Seven Sisters living Center in Hot Springs.
Florence was born in a sod house near Sterling, CO, on December 5, 1916 to Peter H. and Sadie (Lantis) Theisen. She was the sixth child of a family of 12 children. During her school years, her family lived in Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota.
Florence was united in marriage to William E. Krantz on April 29, 1936, in Big Stone City. To this union, three sons were born: William F., Richard, and David Krantz.
In 1948, the family moved from St. Cloud, Minnesota, to the black Hills Army Depot (BHAD) in Igloo. Florence was first employed there as a Recreational Assistant at the Depot’s Community Building. Florence loved working with the kids and though of them as her family.
Florence later worked at the BHAD Federal Credit Union as an assistant treasurer and office manager. She worked there until the Credit Union closed its doors, then various other Federal Government offices assisting in the final closure of the BHAD.
In February of 1967, she and her husband moved from Igloo to Edgemont. Florence and her husband, Bill, were a driving force in establishing the elderly meals program in Edgemont.
Florence lost her husband in 1985 and then moved to Rapid City in 2002, so she could be close to her family. In 2012, Florence move back to her original home in Edgemont, splitting her time between her home and the Seven Sisters Living Center.
Florence was an active member of the St. James Catholic Church and the Edgemont Senior Citizens. She loved her family, friends and thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Each year, Florence looked forward to having her great-grandchildren spend time with her during the Fall River County Fair. They all attended the events together and put aside a special day for baking pies.
In 1986, Florence took four of the teenage grandchildren to Sweden to visit their uncles, aunts and cousins. The main focus of this trip was to explore their grandfather’s roots, as he had emigrated from Sundsvall, Sweden in 1929.
Florence is survived by one son, David, and his wife, Brenda, of Rapid City; a sister, Lucille Stewart, Edgemont; daughter-in-law, Betty Krantz, Chadron, NE; nine grandchildren and numerous great-granchildren.
Florence was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Krantz; two sons, William F. and Richard krantz; father, Peter H. Theisen; mother, Saide (Lantis) Theisen; ten brothers and one sister.
Visitation was held on Thursday, October 22, at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City, and for one hour before services at the church. Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, October 23, at St. James Catholic Church in Edgemont. Interment followed at the Edgemont Cemetery.
A memorial has been established tot eh St. James Catholic Church in Edgemont and the Edgemont Senior Citizen’s Club. Friends may sign Florence’s online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.

Elden Olson

Elden Lee Olson, age 53, of Custer, SD, passed away on October 3, 2015, at the Custer Regional Hospital in Custer. Elden was born in San Antonio, TX, on March 19, 1962, to Lee and Helga (Ludwig) Olson.
Elden is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine Olson of Custer; step children, James Grimes of Tea, SD; Robert Grimes of Ft. Lupton, CO; Shawn Grimes; three sisters, Illona Olson; Iris Christensen; Ila Olson all of Rapid City, SD; and brother, Ira Olson of Lead, SD. He is preceded by his parents and brother, Irving Olson.
Memorial services were held October 4, 2015, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer with Fr. Kerry Prendiville officiating.

Palace Johnson

Palace George Johnson, age 84, of Custer, SD, passed away on October 4, 2015, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, SD.
Palace was born in LeFlore County, OK, on June 23, 1931, to George and Lizzie (Queen) Johnson. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 21 years until his retirement in March 1972.
Palace is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Johnson of Custer; son, Clyde (Brenda) Johnson of Rapid City, SD; daughters, Bobbie Jo (Mike) Alexander of Pringle, SD; Cathy (Dave) Burnette of Rapid City; Patricia (Steve) Morgan of Rapid City; 14 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.
A celebration of life was held October 10, 2015, at the Custer VFW Post 3442 in Custer. Interment was October 13, 2015, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD, with military honors being provided by the Ellsworth Air Force Base.