With a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, Erwin Ludwig Kirschenmann was called home to his eternal glory on Thursday, March 8, 2012. He was born August 24, 1923, at New Underwood, SD to Louis and Magdalena (Hoff) Kirschenmann. His childhood days involved farming activities on the family homestead just north of New Underwood. Erwin graduated from New Underwood High School in 1942 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943. He was wounded in action in the Pacific Theatre during WW II and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of corporal. On Feb. 1, 1948, Erwin married Eda Billing in Rapid City. They remained in Rapid City dedicating their lives to serving the Lord Jesus at Zion Lutheran Church, working hard, and raising their four children. Erwin worked various jobs in retail and insurance before beginning a 32-year career in sales and service at Montana Dakota Utilities Company. Erwin is remembered as one of the founders and presidents of Harney Little League, and he was instrumental, along with other church leaders, in establishing Zion Lutheran School, which opened in 1957 and is still providing education in a Christian setting today. Erwin’s main interest was his family, making sure the needs of his children and grandchildren were met. He enjoyed attending the children’s and grandchildren’s sporting and musical activities, assisting with house or yard projects, taking grandchildren to Mr. Donut, attending family get-togethers at birthday or holiday times, playing ball in his backyard after school, or walking at the mall. He also enjoyed flower gardening and yard work, listening to summer band concerts at Canyon Lake or Memorial Park, and keeping up with the Minnesota Twins. Erwin spent his last years as a resident of G Ward at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center. The care that he received from the loving staff there was nothing short of phenomenal! Erwin’s family will be forever indebted to them for the patient, diligent care and attention they provided to make his last years enjoyable, as physical limitations curtailed his independent activity. They are indeed a blessing from God, and to them we say, “THANK YOU!!” Erwin is survived by his children, Kendrick (Jane) Kirschenmann, Rapid City; Kelton Kirschenmann, Richardson, TX; Kathleen (Richard) Wold, Rapid City; and Karla (Bruce) Bessert, Wauwatosa, WI; nine grandchildren, Kristin, Korey (Rachael), Kasey, and Kevin (Samantha) Kirschenmann; Hanne (Devon) Burke and Kirre Wold; Brian, Justin (Nicole), and Allison Bessert; eight great-grandchildren, Zachary, Nathaniel, Noah, Elise, Elijah, Andrew, Sophia, and Haley; sisters-in-law, Mildred Kirschenmann, Rapid City; Christine Hennemann, St. Charles, MO; and Bea Morris, Schertz, TX; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eda, as well as three sisters and seven brothers.