Mary Erz

of Rapid City, formerly of Wall, South Dakota, died on Thursday, June 27, 2024
at the Monument Hospice House in Rapid City at the age of 77

Mary Frances was born on April 4,1947 in Bismarck, ND to Gabriel “Prof” and Marjorie (Shindoll) Meurer. Her little sister Carol was welcomed to the family 18 months later. Mary attended grade school in Morristown SD and graduated from McIntosh High School in 1965. She attended SDSU in Brookings where she earned her B.A. in Journalism.

On May 31, 1969, a day before her college graduation, Mary married her high school sweetheart, Mike Erz, in Morristown. Mike and Mary recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

On November 1, 1974 they welcomed their first child, Michael. On August 23, 1977 they welcomed their second child, Madge. Mary cherished her family, and she was blessed with the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. In 1989, they welcomed Lynette and Veronica Two Bulls into their family. In 1993, Lynette and Veronica, joined their own forever family, but they continue to be a very important piece of the Erz family.

Mary was devoted to her passion for music, service to others, and many community activities. She was a part of the Jaycettes, Wall Street Players, CASA, and Red Hat Society. She was very active in the music department of her church, playing the organ/ piano and singing in the Chorus Angelorum and Village Voices. She was a foster mom for 13 children. She volunteered at the Cancer Center for 23 years and Hospice House for 10 years.

Mary was full of love and enjoyed sharing it with others whenever possible. Stories she told of her years with Mike and family were sure to come up whenever time allowed. Her commitment to family, the community and Christ assures all of us that Jesus has welcomed her with open arms into a special place he has reserved for her in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Survivors include her husband, Mike Erz of Rapid City; children, Michael Erz of Spearfish and Madge (Brett) McManigal of Rapid City; grandchildren, Trevor Gartner, Allison Gartner and Jack McManigal; brother-in-law Tom Varilek, and many other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Gabriel "Prof" and Marjorie Meurer and her sister, Carol Varilek.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church in Wall.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church at 532 Adams Street Rapid City, SD 57701 with Father Kerry Prendiville as celebrant.

Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with Father Kerry Prendiville officiating. Those that would like to attend please park in Lane #2 prior to 10 a.m. at the cemetery.

Service Details

VISITATION
Tuesday, July 2, 2024 - 5-7 p.m.
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Wall, South Dakota

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 - 10:00 a.m.
St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church
532 Adams Street
Rapid City, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Kerry Prendiville
assisted by Deacon Chuck Rausch

MUSIC
Bonnie Josten - Pianist
Tammy Schnittgrund - Cantor
Congregational Hymns
“Be Not Afraid”
“On That Holy Mountain”
“On Eagle’s Wings”
“Song of Farewell”
Special Music
“Ashoken Farewell”

USHERS
Gail Johnson - Marilyn Wulf

READERS
Michael Erz - Brett McManigal

PALLBEARERS
Dean Patterson - Gene Patterson - Dennis Schone
Jack McManigal - Trevor Gartner
John McManigal - Clark Mortensen

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All of Mary’s Family and Friends

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - 10:00 a.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota

Guest Book

Our sincere condolences to you, Michael and Madge and the whole family. I remember fondly Mary's kindness and sense of humor. She was so thoughtful and loving and I know she is in heaven!
   ~ Cheryl (Bielmaier) Stewart Fort Worth, TX (7/8/2024)
Our love and deepest sympathy to you and your family…Mary was a beautiful lady with Beautiful smiles a warm heart!!
   ~ Gail and Wanda Johnson Rapid City (6/30/2024)
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. Such a giving person. She was a very good friend to my mom Alice Mettler.
   ~ Tina Carstensen Tampa, FL (7/1/2024)
Mike and family, so sorry to hear about Mary.
   ~ Bruce Kjerstad Sheridan Wy (7/3/2024)
Wall, SD
   ~ Margie Eisenbraun Wall,SD (6/30/2024)
Our deepest sympathy to you, Mike, Michael and Madge. Death leaves heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal. We have many good memories with both you and Mary. Again, our thoughts and prayers—Mark and Sandy
   ~ Mark and Sandy Gant Geddes, SD (7/1/2024)
SD
   ~ Diane Hetzel Bilbrey Sturgis (7/2/2024)
Just be quiet now sad to hear the passing of our friend Mary Erz such a wonderful Christian lady and dear friend. She was my main prayer lawyer. I feel so blessed that our pass crossed in this journey through life will be missed by many what a general and caring person. our deepest sympathy. Until we meet again, Mary I love you. ♥️
   ~ Erwin and Betty Crown Rapid City, South Dakota (6/30/2024)
Mike and Family,
My Deepest Sympathy. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

   ~ Fawna Geigle Sturgis, SD (6/29/2024)

Flowers

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Wall Economic Development
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The Cancer Care Institute Family
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Dan, Janae, Hanna, and Alex Hagberg and Justin, Cheryl, and Tayler Keyser
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WHS Class of 1992
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BHFCU Insurance - Jeb, Dustin, Sammi, Amber, and Taylor
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Marv and Jeanne; Dan and Cindy; Gale and Tammie; and Jeanie Smith
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City of Wall
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Doug and Justine Estes
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Thietje, Donna, and Delene
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Catholic Social Services and Board
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Your Friends at Vitalant
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Janice Williams
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Jim and Jackie and Chorus Angelorum