Marilyn Lakner

Marilyn Luice “Midge” (Katsch) Latner was born Aug. 2, 1931, in Rapid City, S.D., to Alfred and Nellie (Lowe) Katsch. She grew up in Fairburn, S.D., along with her brothers, Dale and George, and sister, Charlotte.  She attended school through the eighth grade in Fairburn and completed high school in Hobson, Mont.

On June 5, 1953, Midge married Donald Lakner.  They shared a love of Black Hills hunting, fishing and travel. Midge enjoyed volunteering her time and talents. She was involved in the garden club, Minnilusa Historical Society, Fairburn Community Museum, the You and I Club and was a life member of VFW Woman’s Auxiliary. She also loved baking for her friends at Westhills.

Midge died Oct. 20, 2019, at Westhills Village Health Care in Rapid City, S.D. She was 88.

She is survived by her children, Steve (Shannon) Lakner of Casper, Wyo., Gary (Pam) Lakner of Oronoco, Minn., Kay (Scott) Lakner Newman of Osceola, Wis., and Jeff (Sue) Thayer of Rapid City; grandchildren, Christopher (Angie) Lakner, Jennifer (Jeff) Lakner, Stephanie (Nick) Lakner-Neely, Courtney Lakner, Cody Lakner, Joshua Newman, Hailee Newman, Zachary Newman, Kristen (Travis) Kulhavy, Ryane (Paul) Clark and Brandon Phelps Hvamstad; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister, Charlotte Elison.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Journey Museum or Westhills Village Foundation.

Graveside services were Oct. 24 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D., with Pastor Gary Walters officiating.

Family and friends may sign Midge’s online guestbook at kirkfuneralhome.com