Lorraine Mae (Ekstrom) Biel

On Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 Lorraine Mae (Ekstrom) Biel passed away after a long battle with dementia at Avantara in Rapid City, SD.

Lorraine was born on Oct. 18, 1933 to Manfred and Lula Mae (Gottlieb) Ekstrom and grew up on the family farm in Rosholt SD. After attending school, Lorraine and her husband Orville moved to Rapid City, SD

Lorraine worked at Sanmina SCI Rapid City for over 30 years before retiring at the age of 73.

Lorraine was proceeded in death by her husband Orville Biel, daughter Patty (Panick) Howard also her parents Manfred and Lula Mae, siblings, Alvin Ekstrom, Beverly Ekstrom, Barry Ekstrom, Lillian (Betty) (Ekstrom) Rydell, Darrell Ekstrom and in-laws.

She is survived by her son Craig Panick and daughters, Tami (Biel) Burnside, Pam (Biel) Cowling (Mike) along with grandchildren Keith Panick (Trisha), Jeremy Lutzke (Amanda), Justin Howard (Samantha), Ryan Howard, Julia Panick, Tiffany Montano, Adam Cowling, great grandchildren Faith Panick, Kadden Olson, Tyler Lutzke, Alyssa Howard, Natalie Howard, Raine Montano, Gage Montano, Autumn Lutzke and Aubrey Lutzke along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Lorraine was a self-taught organ/piano player and loved playing music with her son and for others to enjoy. She also enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, playing bingo and numerous other hobbies. After retirement she looked forward to meeting the employees of SCI for their get togethers while she was able.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Avantara and Stillwater Hospice for their care over the past months.

The family is planning a private ceremony at the Rosholt church in the spring of 2026.