Mary Erz, age 77, of Rapid City, formerly of Wall, South Dakota, died on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at the Monument Hospice House in Rapid City.
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.
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.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Wall.
