Rapid City South Dakota Genealogy

The Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1860-1960

“Pioneer Church: The History of the South Dakota District, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1860-1960” is a meticulously crafted chronicle that delves deep into the roots of Lutheran Christianity across South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. Spanning a century, this volume unfolds the vibrant narrative of faith, community, and relentless dedication to the service of God and humanity in a region marked by its pioneering history. Free to read or download.

Cahill, Joseph Earl – Obituary

Joseph Earl Cahill, a longtime resident of Sturgis, passed away at his home on Saturday morning. Born on October 2, 1897, in Chicago, he relocated to South Dakota at 17. He married Alice V. Boers in 1926 and worked at the Veterans Hospital before retiring in 1967. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, with burial at Bear Butte Cemetery. Cahill is survived by his wife, three children, nine grandchildren, and numerous family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and a sister.

Phillips, Freeman H. – Obituary

Freeman H. Phillips, 81, passed away on June 4, 2007, in Joseph, Oregon. Born on December 27, 1926, in New Hampshire, he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, where he was seriously injured in the battle for Okinawa. He married Dorothy Adams in 1947, later moved to South Dakota, and ultimately settled in Oregon after retiring. He was known for his love of the outdoors and is survived by his wife Mary, children, siblings, and numerous grandchildren. Memorial services were held on June 13, 2007.

Muller, Darrell M. – Obituary

Darrell Marvin Muller, 78, of La Grande, passed away on October 7 after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born on September 12, 1931, in Rapid City, South Dakota, he served in the U.S. Army and earned degrees from Eastern Oregon Normal School and the University of Colorado. A dedicated educator, he retired from the Pendleton School District after 30 years. Darrell is survived by his three sons, grandchildren, and sister. Memorial services will be held, with contributions to Grande Ronde Hospice appreciated.

Cahill, Alice V. Boers – Obituary

Alice V. Cahill, born June 14, 1905, in Lacon, Illinois, passed away on Thursday at Sturgis Community Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at F. O. Jolley Funeral Home, with burial at Bear Butte Cemetery. Alice married Joseph E. Cahill in 1926 and lived in various locations including South Dakota and Washington before settling in Sturgis in 1946. She is survived by three children and nine grandchildren, and was preceded in death by her husband in 1974.

Heacock, Thomas Alphonso “Tom” – Obituary

Thomas Alphonso Heacock, 68, of Richland, Oregon, passed away on June 16, 2003. Born on December 27, 1934, in Rapid City, South Dakota, he later moved to St. Helens, where he graduated high school and worked at Boise Cascade for 43 years before retiring. An outdoor enthusiast and devoted family man, he is survived by his wife Nancy, five daughters, 16 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A celebration of his life is scheduled for June 25 at Columbia View Park.

Clapp, Katheryn Frances “Fritz” Shryack Mrs. – Obituary

Katheryn Frances “Fritz” Clapp, 80, passed away on September 19, 2002, in Baker City, Oregon. A graveside service will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Lura Kidner-Miesen. Born on November 30, 1921, in Eagle, Colorado, she graduated from Haines High School. She married Eldon Clapp in 1946, and they relocated often due to military assignments. They settled in Baker City in 1992 to care for her mother. She is survived by her husband, brother, and extended family.