Kim Reller

LEAD - Kim Reller, age 54, of Lead, died Sunday, July 5, 2009, at Rapid City Regional Hospital surrounded by his family. Kim was born Oct. 24, 1954, in Deadwood, S.D., to Fritz and Millie (Mollendorf) Reller. He grew up in Lead where he attended Lead elementary and high school. Kim married Shelley Satter in December 1971, and into this union a daughter, Kimberly, was born. Kim entered the U.S. Army Jan. 6, 1972, and served in Germany. He was discharged Dec. 12, 1974, then returned to Lead where he began employment at the Homestake Mine. Kim married Philys McQuirk, July 27, 1991. One son, Lucas, was born to them. He worked at the Homestake until 2002 when the mine closed. He had the honor of assisting in the final blast at the Homestake Mine. He then worked for the Burlington Railroad, Pope & Talbot Sawmill and for G & J Construction. He presently was employed as a hoist operator for the South Dakota Science & Technology Authority at the Sanford Underground Lab at Homestake where he helped to reopen the Ross Shaft. He was a member of the American Legion, the Elks, and coached baseball and basketball for many years. He played the city league basketball, and enjoyed skiing, camping, fishing and hunting. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Kim is survived by his wife, Philys Reller, Lead, S.D., his sons Lucas Reller, Lead, and Preston (Chanda) Findley, Lead, his daughter, Kimberly (Greg) Germain, Syracuse, N.Y.; his brothers, Butch Thomas, Andy (Rhonda) Thomas, Henderson, Nev., Fritz (Danielle) Reller, Lead, Neil (Elaine) Reller, Pollock, S.D., and Bret (Kathy) Reller, Sturgis, S.D.; his sisters, Toni (Doug) Kymala, Whitewood, S.D., Dale (Marty) O'Dea, Whitewood, and Corlyn Thomas, Madison, S.D., and two grandchildren, Taylor and Grady Germain. His parents, his brother Bart and his nephew Shawn Bartel preceded him in death. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 9, 2009, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lead with Rev. Kerry Prendiville as Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 8, at the Lead-Deadwood Funeral Chapel in Lead. A vigil service will be at 7 p.m., Wednesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial with military honors will be at Black Hills National Cemetery. A memorial has been established. The Aldinger Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Spearfish has been entrusted with the services. Condolences may be left at www.aldingerfuneralhome.com.