Marian "Babe" Rasmussen, 103, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Mary House in Pierre, SD, surrounded by the loving family. Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 7, 2025 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Presho, SD. The Rosary will be said at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 10:30 a.m. and the burial service at Holy Angels Cemetery in Presho.

Marian Rasmussen was born on July 3, 1921 on the family farm north of Presho, SD to Henry R. Rasmussen and Mary Anna Urban Rasmussen. She would welcome her two younger brothers Hans R. Rasmussen and LaVern "Fritz" Rasmussen over the next decade.

In the fall of 1927, Marian started her journey with education, in 1st grade at the Brule School. She needed to stay with her Aunt Anna and Uncle Bill Urban at this time, as there were no schools near their farm for her to attend. She had very fond memories of this year. In second grade she moved back home and started attending Cedar Valley School. Education was very important to Marian and she left the farm on several occasions to pursue her own education. It was not uncommon for her to spend days, weeks or months away from home. Staying with family, friends or boarding to obtain an education. She graduated high school in 1939 from Pierre Senior High School and went on to get her first-grade teaching certificate from Notre Dame Junior College in, Mitchell, SD. After receiving her certificate, she started her teaching career in a one-room school house, teaching in several locations throughout Stanley and Lyman counties over the next several years. She would continue her education by obtaining her State Certificate for teaching. In the fall of 1958 she returned to school, attending Southern State College in Springfield, SD, to complete her 4-year degree. She had received her 2-year degree earlier during the summer months off from teaching. After obtaining her 4-year degree Marian taught several years in Presho. In 1962 she started teaching 4th grade in Chamberlain Public School system, where she would remain until her retirement.

Marian never married but continued to educate and aspire her students until 1983 when she retired from a 39-year teaching career. Throughout the remaining years of her life, her former students would often stop her and regal her with the memoirs for their time in her classroom. Marian had an amazing memory of all her students and continued to follow their achievements throughout their lifetime.

After retiring Marian moved back to the family farm north of Presho where she continued to live until moving to Presho permanently in 2005. Marian was a fundamental part of the farm and her family. During the summer months her home was a revolving door of family, where she would make sure everyone was fed a proper noon-time meal a.k.a dinner. Additionally, there was always a sweet treat nearby, often including her special apricot cookies. She maintained the homestead, continuing to do her daily chores including feeding the chickens and cats, loved tending her flower beds, and crafting with the nieces and nephews; she made sure to pass along her knowledge and love of the farm to each generation. Marian cherished family, the farm, her faith and education.

Marian is survived by her brother LaVern "Fritz" Rasmussen and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, baby Rasmussen born to early, her brother Hans R. Rasmussen Sr., her sisters-in-law Betty M. Rasmussen (Hans) and Jean A. Rasmussen (Fritz), her nephew Robert "Bob" Rasmussen and several aunts, uncles and cousins. She will be greatly missed but left each with a plethora of knowledge and memories.

Barbara Ann (Schillinger) Brown, of Presho South Dakota, beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, embraced her parents and other loved ones in Heaven on November 29, 2024 - her 67th birthday.

Barbara was born on November 29, 1957, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Ervin and Gloria (Peppmuller) Schillinger. She spent her formative years in Bridgewater, where she formed lasting memories with her siblings and parents. Highlights of her childhood included celebrating holidays together and taking memorable trips to California to visit family and walk along the beach. She received her early education at Holy Family Catholic School and proudly graduated from Mitchell High School as a “Kernel.”

At just 18 years old, Barbara embraced motherhood with the birth of her first son, Clint, followed closely by her second son, Curt. Her boys were her world, and she often proclaimed that “being their mom changed her life for the better.” The love and unwavering support she provided shaped their lives in profound ways.

Barbara embodied her father’s strong work ethic, dedicating 30 years of her life to the local café, “Hutches.” She also took on various cleaning jobs and engaged in numerous community activities.

For over 45 years, she called Presho home and became an integral part of the community. Her commitment was evident through her volunteering with the O.E.S., the Thrift Store & More, the City of Presho Softball team, and countless fundraisers supporting those in need.

Barb valued her friendships deeply, nurturing them at every stage of her life, many lasting a lifetime. Her friendships defined nearly every aspect of life, and each one was significant. She cherished phone calls , quick drives around town, and sharing meals both casual and special. Barb was always there for her friends during times of sadness and difficulty. She was not only a friend who enjoyed life but also a rock for those around her.

Barbara will be remembered for being fiercely competitive. She earned the title of "The Cutest Baby" in a local contest, and despite being the second of four children, she was always known as "dad's favorite." As an adult, her passion for softball shone through as both a player and a coach. Fueled by her competitive spirit, she actively and loudly supported her boys, their friends, her grandkids, the "Hutches kids," and countless local youths, always ready to lend her voice of encouragement.

She was the cornerstone of her family. Barbara took immense pride in raising her sons and, once she embraced her role as "Grandma Barb," she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her grandkids’ lives. Lovingly, she cared for her granddaughter Madison when she was just 9 months old while fighting and triumphing over stage 4 lung cancer.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Gloria, and her older sister Linda. She is survived by her two sons, Clint and Curt along with his wife Echo; granddaughter Madison; grandsons Braxton, Gavin, Ruxin, and Ezrin; her younger sister Anita; younger brother Chris along with his wife Bobbi; two nieces, Mara and Pasquel; one nephew Anthony, and all of her friends that she loved like family.

The family urges everyone to find comfort in the memories and love shared with Barbara. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal services; private arrangements will occur later. We extend our gratitude to all who preserve Barb's legacy and continue to celebrate the love she instilled in all of us.