Carl W. Bangert, 89

Rapid City, S.D. — Carl W. Bangert, long-time Rapid City resident died on Dec. 19, 2008, at Rapid City Regional Hospital at the age of 89.

Carl was born on Oct. 17, 1919, on a farm near Avon, S.D., to Walter C. and Nora (Hughes) Bangert. He was the oldest of five children. After he graduated from Avon High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in February 1941 and served with the 147th Field Artillery in the South Pacific during World War II.

Shortly after returning home from his tour of duty, Carl took the position of County Veterans Service Officer for Bon Homme County, Tyndall, S.D. On Oct. 24, 1944, Carl married the love of his life, Leona Mae Jurrens, also of Avon. He began his career in banking as Assistant Cashier at the Security State Bank in Tyndall on Jan. 1, 1949. In July 1951, Carl and Leona moved to Rapid City where he joined the Rapid City National Bank (now US Bank). In June of 1969 they moved to Blue Earth where Carl was elected Executive Vice President of the First National Bank of Blue Earth and shortly after that President of the bank, a position he held until his retirement in March 1983. Following his retirement, Carol and Leona returned to Rapid City. Shortly after the death of Leona, his wife of 63 years on Dec. 24, 2007, Carl moved into Westhills Village where he renewed many old friendships and gained many new ones. One of his final comments was “I’ve had a good life.”

Carl was an active member of the community and served numerous positions with the Red Cross, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, United Fund and Kiwanis Club. As a member of the First Baptist Church of Rapid City, he had served as treasurer and chair of the board and financial chair of the building fund at the time the current church was erected.

Carl is survived by three children and their families Byron (Hayden) of Bloomington, Ind., with sons Andrew and Nathan; Lila (Daniel) Paschke of Rapid City, with son David (Julie) Munstedt and their daughter Keira; Charles (Michele) of Richardson, Texas, with daughter Kelly. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Leona, his two brothers, Warren and Walter Jr. (Bud), and his two sisters, Vera Grasso and Voreta Reinhold.

Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Rapid City on Dec. 23, 2008. Dr. Gregg Hemmen and Dr. Byron Bangert officiated. A committal service and burial followed at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City with military honors.

The family prefers memorials to the charity of the donor’s choice. Friends may sign Carl’s online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.