Agnes Tastad, of Rapid City and formerly of Plankinton, God’s good and faithful servant, went home to be with her Lord on December 11, 2014 at the age of 92. Her final days were spent at the Hospice House of the Black Hills.

Agnes was born on November 15, 1922 on her family’s farm near Corsica, SD. Her parents were William G. and Otillia (Wreczorek) Gerlach. She was raised in a Christian home and maintained a lifelong walk with Christ. She shared her home with three brothers and two sisters and she remained on the farm in Corsica until young adulthood.

On November 12, 1941 Agnes was joined in marriage to her beloved husband Wayne Tastad. Shortly after their marriage, Wayne was drafted into the Air Force and served his country during WWII. Upon being discharged from the service, Agnes and Wayne moved to a farm near Storla, SD and remained there for 30 years. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters. Agnes worked side by side with her husband on the farm, was a devoted mother, and was actively involved in her church and community. She also maintained a part time job at the Storla Store.

In 1972, Agnes and Wayne purchased the I-90 Motel and relocated to Plankinton, SD. They operated the business for 19 years. The couple remained in Plankinton upon retirement. During Agnes’ retirement years, she continued to be active and involved. She volunteered at Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, SD and at the Plankinton School. Agnes also enjoyed lending a helping hand at her church, St. Paul’s Lutheran, and spending time with friends at the Senior Center. Agnes moved to Rapid City, SD in 2007 and remained there until her death. She became an Honorary Member of Zion Lutheran Church of Rapid City and was blessed to be involved in the Bible Study group and the quilting group. She made her home at Somerset Court, an assisted-living facility in Rapid City and enjoyed the friendship of both residents and staff.

Agnes is survived by her daughters, Carol Rost (Lowell) of Deadwood, SD; Barbara Schetnan (Doug) of Northfield, MN; and Shirley Andrews (Russell) of Rapid City, SD and by seven grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Wilma Bogenhagen (Ray) of Dell Rapids, SD. Preceding her in death are her husband, parents, four brothers, (infant brother, Lawrence, Leonard, and Ludwig Gerlach) and a sister, Gladys Jorgensen (Delbert). Agnes will be remembered for being a woman who loved and served her Lord. Her favorite saying was, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.”

Agnes will be commended into the arms of Christ in a memorial service at Zion Lutheran Church of Rapid City on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 11 AM. There will be a memorial service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Plankinton at a later date in January. Memorials may be sent to Shirley Andrews, 2601 Merlot Dr., Rapid City, SD 57701. Family and friends may sign Agnes guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com