Archived Services

Rae T. Lalley
11-13-2010

Rae T. Lalley passed suddenly November 13th, 2010 at Avera McKennan Hospital surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Born September 24th 1922, Rae married Delores "Dee" Lalley on August 29th, 1949. He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-nine years, his grandson Lee Baumgart, and his parents John J. and Stella Rae Lalley. A lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion, Rae joined the service on Jan 21st 1943 during WWII and was honorably discharged on January 5th 1946 as a Technician 5th class in the 866th Anti-Aircraft Battalion. He re-enlisted in October of 1950 during Korea and was honorably discharged August of 1951 as a Sergeant in the 19th Infantry Regiment. He didn't like to speak about his time in the service very often, but he did tell the story of how he spent a year in Korea in which he stayed outside for a whole year and has never been that cold again. Rae was bestowed with multiple honors and medals including five bronze service stars. During his civilian career, Rae was a charitable member of the community and was always available to lend a hand or to give a loan to those in need. He spent forty-four years answering late night telephone calls to bail people out of jail. In addition to owning multiple types of properties, Rae sold both automotive and property insurance. After he retired from the bondsman business, he spent years as a bailiff of Minnehaha County. Rae is survived by his older brother John Lalley, his children, Becky (Jerry) Berke of Sioux Falls, SD, Tim (Dawn) Lalley of Sioux Falls, SD, Cheri (Dale) Baumgart of Sioux Falls, SD, Joe (Michelle Coan) Lalley of Omaha, NE, and Mike (April) Lalley of Sioux Falls, SD. His children raised sixteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. A member of the Saint Joseph's Cathedral for over sixty years, Rae had a melodious tenor voice. He was an avid tap dancer and as a child won a contest that took him to Hollywood for a screen test. Rae performed in the Cathedral Capers for many years performing tap duets with his friend since first grade; Doctor Lou Barnett. Rae loved animals and had a dray of hand fed squirrels in his yard that were so spoiled they would only eat Planters Virginia Peanuts. As a young man, he was a jockey and he kept a picture of his race horse Tiny Annie with him until the day he died. He was known for his Tuesday cookie deliveries, Thursday Night YMCA friends, Friday Night Supper Club, and breakfasts at Sunshine and McDonald's. He enjoyed going to his grandchildren's school and sporting events and could be counted on to be a chauffeur any time he was needed. He would leave his front door open on Sundays so his family could just walk in for a visit. Rae will always be remembered for the many years he was the leprechaun in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade. Visitation will be Tuesday, 5:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Cathedral with burial to follow at St. Michael Cemetery with Full Military Rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #628.