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Funeral services will take place on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 1:00 PM (Mountain).

First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota

Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Sunday, November 19, at First Lutheran Church in Philip.



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In memory of

Mercades Dahlvang

of Piedmont, formerly of Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at Monument Health in Rapid City at the age of 32

Badass, adventurous, fun-loving, beautiful blue-eyed Mercades (Martin) Dahlvang, with the heart of an angel, was taken from us too soon. A blessing to so many troubled souls, she was welcomed into this world by her parents Randy and Peggy Martin on December 16, 1990. She grew up in Philip, South Dakota where she was a tomboy at heart riding motorcycles, working on her pickups, and caring deeply for all. She had a way with words, whether they were giving you comfort or in the many poems she wrote.

Mercades had three beautiful children with Rodney: Jaylee, Jasmine, and Maxwell. Her children were her world. She loved their antics and individual personalities. She shared her passions of hunting, fishing, exploring dirt roads with the music cranked, with them on many outings.

She graduated from Philip High School and then attended Minnesota State Community Technical College in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, majoring as an automotive technician. She moved back to Philip where she worked at Philip Health Services for the next eight years. Mercades loved her job as a home health nurse taking care of people with compassion and love, grieving deeply when someone in her care left this world. The constant deaths were too hard on her, so she took a different curve in the road and switched gears. Mercades moved to Rapid City and started attending classes at Western Dakota Tech where she graduated with an Associate degree in Applied Science of Criminal Justice in 2019. Her career path changed once again in 2020 when she did on the job training to be a certified Pharmacy Technician at Walgreens, where many co-workers laughed at her loud sneezes, will miss the echo of loud boots, and will never see a pair of crazy socks without thinking of her. She cherished all her co-worker’s friendships.
She created many fond memories while always attempting to make people laugh and spread joy during karaoke with her friends. She navigated the journey of life with a fervor for living, a touch of sassy sarcasm, a grin full of smirk, and a lively enthusiastic, “oooooh yeeeaah!!!” while seizing the moment with confidence.

Survivors include her three children: Jaylee, Jasmine, and Maxwell Dahlvang, all of Philip; parents Randy and Peggy Martin of Philip; brother Brad Osborn of Philip; father of their children, Rodney Dahlvang of Philip; and a host of aunts, uncles, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandpa Albert "Fuzz" Martin; uncle Scott Martin; and her maternal great-grandparents.

In lieu of flowers all memorial money received will go to a college fund for her three beautiful children. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 493 Philip, SD 57567.

Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Sunday, November 19, at First Lutheran Church in Philip.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 20, at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.

Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

VISITATION
Sunday, November 19, 2023 - 4-6 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday, November 20, 2023 - 1:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Cindy Bisser

MUSIC
“Angels Among Us"
“Sanctuary and Holy Spirit”

USHERS
Darin Buhmann - Chevy Konst

PALLBEARERS
Jared Rutherford - Emery Gibson - Brad Walker
Robbie Shipp - Colton Martin - Brodie Martin - David Hart

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Family and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

MEMORIAL
Mercades Children's College Funds

  • Randy and Peggy, We are shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic loss of your Mercades. There cannot be any words that can comfort enough, and we are praying for you all. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville, SD (11/20/2023)
  • I am so sorry for the loss of Mercedes!! This was so sad to hear! I really hope every one is doing well and I am thinking of you guys!! ~ Jaya Evans Colorado Springs (11/17/2023)
  • Children's children are the crown of old men...Proverbs 17:6
    Mercedes was such a blessing to her Grandpa Fuzz and Grandma Bonnie, always willing to attend to their healthcare needs, cleaning their apartment or even fixing things that weren't working, when she lived in Philip. They were always so happy to see her. I remember her sending me a video of her pot bellied pig chasing her kids from one room to the other while they squealed in delight, just so I could show it to her Grandpa Fuzz. It made his day!
    You are a jewel in your Grandpa Fuzz's crown Mercedes and you will never be forgotten niece! Aunt Jill     ~ Jill Evans Colorado Springs (11/17/2023)
  • I was blessed to meet you from your dad and the times we were together your beautiful person we get back together with your dad build parts your dad can be the boss ~ Chuck VanVleck Philip, SD (11/17/2023)
  • Randy Peggy, I cannot imagine what your family is going through. Sending you all light and love. ~ Kristin Woitte Vancouver, WA (11/17/2023)
  • We are so sorry for your loss. The loss of a child is every parent's nightmare. No matter their age we always remember them in our arms as babies and young children who we always tried to protect from harm. I cannot even comprehend the pain you are feeling. You have lots of people praying, and I pray that God wraps his loving arms around you and gives you the strength your family will need to find peace in a storm such as this. Please know we care and will continue to pray. ~ Roxy and Ray Formanek PHILIP (11/16/2023)
  • Randy & Peggy, we are so sorry for the loss of your daughter. A young lady who was barely started in her life. stay strong as you deal with loss of your child. Try to always remember all the happy times and only the good memories. May the lord bring you both love and peace. ~ Rex and Linda Woitte 1645 Dorothy Dr Rapid City SD, 57703 (11/16/2023)
  • Randy, Peggy -My heart is breaking for all of you. I have memories of long visits with Mercedes when she worked for me and of watching the extra care and attention she gave our residents. She had a loving heart. I saw that in her and I know God did too. Know she is safe now and watching over all of you. May God hold you close in the days ahead. ~ Julie McLaughlin Midland (11/16/2023)
  • I just remember a spunky little girl that I had the pleasure to babysit! Peggy and Randy I am so sorry for your loss of your baby girl! Prayers to you all! ~ Kali Uecker (Neilan) Ft Pierre (11/16/2023)
  • My grandma was so appreciative for the help you provided when she still lived in Philip (Shirley chin). I am forever grateful for that. I also have fond memories of us playing outside your home and going to games.
    You are all in my heart.     ~ Brittney (Dick) Hahn Rochester, MN (11/16/2023)