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Mary Erzof Rapid City, formerly of Wall, South Dakota, died on Thursday, June 27, 2024
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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.
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