Dolores M. Burggraff, 91, of Egan, SD, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2016 at Riverview Healthcare Community, Flandreau, SD. Dolores Marie Penning was born January 4, 1925 at Dell Rapids, SD to Nicholas and Elizabeth (Kirpes) Penning. She graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Dell Rapids and attended General Beadle State Teachers College (DSU), earning a degree in education. After securing her first teaching job at Monroe, she later taught at the South Dakota School for the Deaf, inspired by her brother, Nick, who was a student there.

Entertaining a love for old time music and polka dancing, Dolores met Henry Burggraff at the Arkota Ballroom in Sioux Falls, later marrying him June 2, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. This was a double ring ceremony which included her sister, Alice, and Henry’s brother, Joseph. The couple made their home near Egan after initially residing briefly at Hartford and at Ward.

Eight children were raised from this union of 61 years. Being an active leader in the community, Dolores was president of the Egan PTA and a member of the Egan School Board, serving as president many years. Besides education being important to Dolores, equally so was her dedication to her Catholic faith. She was a member of Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church of Flandreau where she was Director of Religious Education of the CCD program and indulged in her passion of presenting the Christmas Tableau programs. As a member of Court Our Lady of Peace Catholic Daughters, she again shared her leadership skills by serving several terms as Regent. Catholic Daughter members across the state were kept abreast of the happenings through her Catholic Daughter Newsletter which won several state awards. She loved decorating for holidays and did so annually at the Catholic Daughter Bazaar where she was well-known for her contributions of home canned dill pickles. She also volunteered at Riverview Manor, decorating the bulletin boards monthly for the residents to enjoy. Another activity bringing joy to the residents was the development of a rhythm band. Dolores, of course, wrote the arrangements, and on a regular basis, conducted the “orchestra” of resident “musicians”. Even though she did not know how to swim, she felt everyone else should. For a time, she was the Moody County Red Cross Water Safety Chairman. Dolores delighted in attending the performances, games, and events of her children and grandchildren. The influence of her support for involvement and her generous spirit continues on into a third generation. However, without a doubt, baking bread was her specialty as all involved can attest to!

Dolores is survived by her husband Henry, eight children, Marilyn (Kalvin) Mead, Shelton, NE, Frank (Lynda) Egan, SD, Lonnelle (Keith) Rasmussen, Newman Grove, NE, Wayne (Sandy), Volga, SD, Lloyd (Lori), Union, NE, Karon (John) Tassava, West Fargo, ND, Gordon and Glenn (Jackie) both of Egan, SD, 21 grandchildren, 9 spouses of grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, five siblings, Melvin (Jeanette) Penning, Dell Rapids, Alice Burggraff, Colton, Terry (Sharen) Penning, Sioux Falls, Vera (Bernard) Burggraff, Hartford, Karon Penning, Eagleville, TN. Dolores was preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings, Vern, Bernice, Elmer, Gary, Loren, Nick, Connie and Maxine.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday at Skroch Funeral Chapel with a 7 p.m. scripture service followed by a Catholic Daughter Rosary. On-line condolences may be left at Skroch Funeral Home.