Garland Chris Soenksen, 79, Rapid City passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at Fountain Springs Healthcare on Saturday June 6, 2009. Garland was born in Schaller, Iowa on June 11, 1929. He was commissioned into the US Army in 1951 as an auto mechanic. Garland met Hilde Wilhelm in Augsburg Germany in 1952. They were married November 5, 1953 in Germany. Garland left the Army in 1954 and they made their home in Laramie, WY. In 1968 they moved to Rapid City where Garland worked at Johnson Machine until his retirement. He enjoyed spending time and camping with his family. He spent the last days with his family at his side. His spirit will never leave us and his presence in our lives will be felt forever. Thank you Dad for loving us and for all the life lessons you taught us, love your children. Thank you Garland for being the love of my life, love Hilde. Thank you Grandpa for hugging us, and raising our parent’s right, love your grandchildren. Thank you for all the good things you did in our lives, love your friends and family. Garland was preceded in death by his father, John; mother, Ella; brother, Douglas and sister, Wilma. He is survived by his loving wife Hilde and his children, Vickey (Jon); Kenny; Judy and David all of Rapid City; grandchildren, Michelle Taylor, Melissa Grace (Pat), Chris Taylor, Cassandra Taylor, Kimberly, Tyler, Lindsey and Chase Allen Tracy Soenksen and three great grandchildren.