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Submitted: 5/6/24 • Approved: 5/15/24 • Last Updated: 5/18/24 • R275919-G275918-S3
Lorelei Joahn Reynolds
March 15, 1961 – November 14, 2023
Lorelei Joan Reynolds, age 62, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota after a six-and-a-half-year long fight with pancreatic cancer. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Memorial Lutheran Church (5000 S Western Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57108.) Family will be present for visitation from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Miller Funeral Home – Downtown Chapel (507 S Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD) with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to Memorial Lutheran Church in Lorelei’s honor.
Lorelei Gregersen was born on March 15, 1961 to Lester and Lillian (Rockman) Gregersen in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. She grew up on the family farm until they moved to an acreage in Sioux Falls. Lorelei attended Hayward Elementary School and Axtell Park Middle School. She graduated from Washington High School and attended Southeast Votech to become a licensed practical nurse. She held licenses in Iowa and South Dakota. Lorelei devoted her life to caring for others, and it showed in her chosen profession. She especially loved working with the elderly and one of her favorite positions was working at the Ceili Cottage for the Center of Active Generations. Later in life, she joined the American Legion Auxiliary, to express her love for her country.
On December 20, 1986 Lorelei was joined in marriage to Bryon Reynolds at Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. The youngest of five, Lorelei was the little sister with a gigantic heart. Nothing mattered to her more than family. Lorelei was perfectly ready for every occasion, whether it was a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, she always had a little something prepared. She didn’t forget a single date. With her fine attention to detail, Lorelei would celebrate the small moments with care. Lorelei was dedicated to the people that she loved, with an open, forgiving heart and generosity with her time and talents. She believed in caring for others before herself. Lorelei extended her home and heart to foster children, facilitating short-term placements and respite care. She was strong-willed, even in her last few months, and wanted to always be a source of support for others.
Faith was incredibly important to Lorelei. Growing up going to Willow Creek Lutheran Church in the country and later being confirmed in Sioux Falls, she was active in her beliefs her entire life. Lorelei was a member of Memorial Lutheran Church. She found joy in teaching and sharing her faith in Sunday School classes. She truly lived by her belief system. Lorelei was also a renowned animal lover. She took care of any critter that crossed her path, including a beloved salamander named Sally. She donated to the Humane Society throughout her life.
Lorelei had a number of hobbies that exemplified her keen eye for presentation. She frequented many rummage and estate sales, looking for the perfect piece of treasure to fix up. Her creative talent transformed the smallest items into decorative masterpieces. She would put her green thumb to work in the yard, and had a wonderful flower garden with coordinated yard decorations to match. Lorelei also had impeccable penmanship, teaching herself how to write gorgeous calligraphy. She always had the right finishing touch for any occasion. Lorelei also enjoyed being in nature, taking in sights during road trips or camping in a tent outdoors. She took many trips with the family and genuinely enjoyed being together and laughing.
Grateful to have share Lorelei’s life with her are her husband, Bryon Reynolds of Sioux Falls, SD; her daughter, Michaela Reynolds of Sioux Falls, SD; her siblings, Lucinda “Cindy” (Joe) Sheaffer of Sioux Falls, SD, Leighton (Rosemary) Gregersen of Garretson, SD, LaNette Gregersen of Sioux Falls, SD, and Laureen (Jeff) Schram of Rock Rapids, IA; her sister-in-law, Vicki (Alan) Greene; her aunts, Mae Hanscom, Juanita Gregersen, and LaVonne Schrader; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Lillian Gregersen; and her in-laws, Dean and Nola Reynolds.
Contributed on 5/6/24 by 9katz
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Record #: 275919