David L. Lemer

David L. Lemer, 70, of Aberdeen, passed away December 15, 2020, at Prairie Heights Healthcare in Aberdeen.

Mass of Christian Burial was held December 19, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Aberdeen. Burial, with military rites, was at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary & Crematory of Aberdeen was in charge of arrangements.

David Lee Lemer, son of Matthew and Rose (Harr) Lemer, was born March 21, 1950 in Mobridge. He grew up in Isabel and as a kid worked at the Isabel Dakotan with Myron Lofgren. Myron’s nickname for David was “Luigi,” which stuck with him for many years. While in high school, David worked with Francis Nash, who trained him to be the best handyman, carpenter, and all-around “McGyver.” David was a carpenter, electrician, plumber and brick-layer, and was a master in all of those trades. He had a mind for figuring out the solution and getting the job done.

After graduating from high school, David enlisted in the US Army and served his tour of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement Against Hostile Forces, The Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces; and another Bronze Star Medal for Heroism in Ground Combat.

After receiving his honorable discharge, David worked in Isabel and Rapid City before moving to Aberdeen in the early 1980’s, where he started his own carpenter business and was self-employed until his health declined.

David was an avid crossword puzzle guru, spending many hours working the daily puzzle in the newspaper. He also liked to watch old movies on TV and look up the actors to see where they were now. David was a die-hard Republican and kept up on all the politics. He made many friends over a beer or two at the local pub and had a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family, especially his brother-in-law, Roger.

Grateful for having shared David’s life are his four sisters: Patsy Clark, Cathy (Roger) Feickert and Carol Aberle, all of Aberdeen, and Rosemary (Harvey) Greenfield of Rapid City; one brother, Francis Lemer of Rapid City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Rose; stepfather, Fritz Lawien; and five brothers: Duane, Robert, John, James, and Larry Lemer.