Mariem Bernice Whittemore of Rapid City, passed away peacefully at the age of 104, on December 21, 2025, at Good Samaritan St. Martin Village.

Mariem was born May 23, 1921, to Ray S. & Clara L. Galland in Craig, Iowa and spent her school years growing up in Estelline and at Lake Poinsett, SD. She became the proud big “Sis” to Carol who was born in 1923. Mariem spoke fondly of her school days in Estelline and the fun they had growing up around Lake Poinsett and the dances they attended. Mom & Carol actually ended up graduating from Estelline High School together as Mariem stayed home and took care of her mom who was ill.

She met Lloyd Eisnach of Estelline and when Lloyd asked her to marry him, he was already stationed at Ft. Benning, and she told how she marveled at her parents allowing her to ride the train alone, full of wartime troops from Brookings SD to Ft. Benning in Augusta, Georgia so they could be married on July 24, 1943. 1st Lieutenant Eisnach was killed in action in France in October 1944, so Mariem returned to Estelline, SD and to her job at the hometown bank.

On Sept. 15, 1946, she married Robert L. Whittemore of Estelline. Together with Bob’s folks, they operated the Gambles Skogmo Dept. store. Wanting a family, they adopted a baby boy, Jim, in 1955 and she delighted in being a mom. In 1958, they moved to Watertown, SD. Then in 1959 they adopted a baby girl, Mary. In 1968, the family moved to Rapid City, but Mariem & Bob kept close to their East River roots, returning for family get togethers & Estelline class reunions.

Mariem worked for many years at Sooper Dooper Grocery, which then added the Ben Franklin Store to the west Rapid City location and eventually at the Ben Franklin when it relocated to Baken Park. She also worked several years at Duhamel’s Mercantile downtown.

Loving the Black Hills, Mariem & Bob spent much of their free hours touring the area, enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife. Eventually Bob & Mariem moved to Good Samaritans Echo Ridge where they enjoyed retirement & making more friends. In 2016, Robert passed away. In 2018, after health issues, Mariem moved to St. Martins Village Serenity Place where she enjoyed those around her. She always wanted to present her best face & be ready to dance, applying lipstick, perfume and earrings right up to the end.

The family would like to offer their deepest gratitude to all the caregivers for the loving care they gave Mom and who became a family to all of us. Mariem was the very best mom. We feel the Lord blessed us to be able to cherish our mom for so many years and though we will miss you Mama, we are comforted to know you are in Heaven and we are sure Dad was waiting at the gates for you with all your loved ones there.

Mariem is survived by son Jim & his family, daughter, Mary Gasper (husband Tim), her sister, Carol Youell, nephew, Gary Youell and many close friends who say they will miss her sense of humor & warm laugh.

Mariem was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lloyd, husband Robert, 1 son, 1 daughter and niece Sharon Cromwell.

No services are pending.

Again… the family wants to say a big THANK YOU to the nurses & all the staff of Good Samaritans, Rapid City for all of the comfort & care that you gave her. Bless you all.