JOANNE KIRCHGASLER

Joanne Mary Kirchgasler, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 20 at the age of 87.

A beautiful blonde baby girl, Joanne was the first born to Walter and Sophia Peltier on March 18, 1938 in Duluth Minnesota. It was there she met a handsome soldier, Ronald Kirchgasler, whom she married on May 19, 1958. The two of them traveled the world during Ron’s 21 years of service in the Air Force – they lived in Germany, Guam, and England, where their oldest daughter, Laurie, was born. After returning to the United States, they welcomed their second daughter, Lynne, into their family. Ron and Joanne eventually settled in Rapid City, where they enjoyed their retirement years together.

Joanne was a woman of elegance and quiet strength. A self- taught seamstress and knitter, Joanne was known for her beautiful afghans and sweaters that she gifted to family members. Joanne was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where she and Ron attended Mass every Sunday. She enjoyed baking, reading, walking the mall with her husband and friends, and consistently beating her family in Scrabble. Joanne’s love of butterflies is something her family will carry with them, especially in the quiet moments when one crosses their path.

Joanne had a quick wit and never shied away from saying exactly what was on her mind—often with a little sass that made everyone laugh. Her playful honesty was a hallmark of who she was, and those closest to her knew that beneath every remark was a heart full of love. She took great pride in all she did – whether her knitting, sewing, upkeep of her home, or personal appearance.

She leaves behind not just memories, but the traditions and values she lovingly passed down through generations – her strong faith, love of family, and the practice of always having cookies in the freezer for her grandchildren, to name a few. Her family is grateful for the time they shared with her and the deep roots she planted in their hearts.

Joanne is survived by her daughters, Laurie Martell of Loveland, CO, and Lynne (Scott) Doom of Wagner; her grandchildren, David Martell, Rachel ( David) Woods, Kelsey (Sam) Doom-Bjornestad, and granddaughter-in-law Mindy Doom. She is also lovingly remembered by her great-grandchildren: Faith, Chloe, and Charlotte Martell; Jackson, Alex, and William Woods; Baker and Graham Doom; and Kristen, Alyssa, and Everett Bjornestad. Joanne is further survived by her brothers, James, Gary, and Robert Peltier and brotherin- law Roger Kirchgasler.

She is preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, sisters-in-law, and two grandsons, Joey Martell and Jon Doom. We find comfort knowing she is reunited with them in heaven.

Services were arranged through Kirk Funeral Home of Rapid City.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimers Assocation - Chapter of South Dakota (5915 South Remington Place, Suite 110, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 or online at alz.org/donate).