Berdia Mae Martin was born March 9, 1931 in Milwaukee Wisconsin. She was the daughter of George and Bethel (Parks) Martin. Berdia grew up and attended school in Milwaukee. It was there that she also met her future husband, Franz “Fritz” Flaigg. Fritz served in the U.S. Navy, and while stationed in the Milwaukee area, he met Berdia. They were united in marriage on March 11, 1949. Following their marriage, Fritz was honorably discharged from the Navy. They lived in Milwaukee and Oklahoma for a period of time before settling on the Flaigg Family Ranch near Hoover SD. In 1952 they moved to Rapid City, where Fritz worked as a Boiler Operator at Ellsworth Airforce Base. During those years, Berdia graduated from a Cosmetology School and worked at a salon at Ellsworth for many years. In 1967 they moved to Cheyenne WY, and then returned to Rapid City in 1970. They later retired to Spearfish, and then Buffalo WY where they lived for 20 years. In 2002 they moved to Billings MT, and then California in 2005. Fritz died in 2012. In 2020, Berdia moved with her son and wife Steven (Kym) to Deadwood and since August of 2021 she has lived at the Belle Estate in Belle Fourche. She died Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the age of 93.
For many years, Fritz and Berdia enjoyed owning their Studebaker cars. And for many years they were dedicated and enthusiastic members of the Studebaker Drivers Club, both the Yellowstone and the Dakotas chapters. Berdia will be remembered for her spunkiness and how she was not shy of anyone. She had a great life, and enjoyed traveling. Berdia also loved hats, crafts, painting, and singing. She was a caring person and loved her grandchildren very much.
Berdia is survived by her son, Steven (Kymberly) Flaigg of Deadwood; 2 grandchildren, Ryan and Breanna McQuoid of California; and 2 great grandchildren, Ayvah and Maggie McQuoid. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and several brothers and sisters.
A graveside service will be held 11am Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Rosehill Cemetery in Spearfish. Arrangements are with Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche.
