Lorraine Kathleen (Leslie) Besmer, age 80, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, in Rapid City, SD.

Lorraine was born on December 24, 1943, at home in Gregory, SD, to Charles and Hilda (Fode) Leslie. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She graduated from Gregory High School in 1961.

Lorraine was united in marriage to Darrell Besmer on December 6, 1963, in Pierre, SD. They made their home in Burke, SD, and were blessed with five children. Lorraine and Darrell owned and operated Besmer Construction from 1972 until Darrell's death in 1996. In 1998, Lorraine moved to Custer, SD, where she owned a machine embroidery business for several years before moving to Rapid City in 2017.

A woman of deep faith, Lorraine found strength and comfort in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. She had a passion for genealogy and spent countless hours tracing the family's roots and preserving precious memories for future generations. She led an active lifestyle and cherished spending time with people, both in person and online. Throughout her life, she volunteered her time and talents to several causes close to her heart.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children Brad (Diane) Besmer of Colorado Springs, CO; Daria (Steve) Mann of Denver, CO; Michael Besmer of Colton, SD; April (Corey) Aker of Dell Rapids, SD; and Jason (Melissa) Besmer of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren Brianna Besmer, Jeremy Besmer (Robin Kutner), Justin Mann, Stefanie (Ishan) Chadha, Bethany Mann, Darren Mann, Owen Besmer, Adria Besmer, Ellery Besmer, Dylan Aker, Brayden Aker, Tyler Besmer, Austin Besmer, Aubrey Besmer, and Logan Besmer; great-grandson Kian Chada; sister Ronelva Hurley; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Darrell, parents Charles and Hilda, and brothers Orlin and Harley.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 20, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rapid City, SD, with fellowship afterward. Burial will be at noon on Saturday, December 21, at Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD, with a gathering of family and friends to follow at the Burke Senior Citizens Center.