Ann Joyce Tuchscherer was born April 23, 1936, in Milbank to Cecelia (Boruta) and Jacob Tuchscherer, the oldest of three children. She worked in a bakery as a teenager and the Milbank Courthouse.

Ann married her husband, Gordon Cazer, March 2, 1957. They moved to Chamberlain shortly after their marriage, but then to Custer in 1961. They built their own home, near Ann's sister, Rosie, and her family. She loved living close to her family and watching her nephews — as well as all the children Rosie babysat over the years — grow up.

Ann worked for over 30 years at the Black Hills Electric Co-op as a receptionist.

Ann's favorite place and and second home — was the Custer Senior Center. After she retired, Ann became heavily involved with the senior center. She worked in the gift shop and served committees and on the center's board of directors for many years, holding all positions, including president. While she was president, she directed a large kitchen remodeling project in the 1980s.

Ann is most noted for her tireless volunteerism with cooking for the Custer Senior Center. For over 20 years, she cooked for all local service clubs, including Rotary, Lion's, Gideon's, Zonta and the American Legion, as well as numerous other functions, events and family reunions.

All in all, Ann was an active member and supporter of the Custer Senior Center for more than 30 years. Her work also extended past Custer, having helped establish the Western South Dakota Council of Senior Centers, which is a network of 12 senior centers within South Dakota. She served as its secretary and treasurer for over 15 years.

Ann was an avid card player, was a member of a bowling league — which went to the state tournament many times — and a member of BETA. She was a lifetime member of the Hot Springs Senior Center.

Also known as the "Cake Lady," Ann has made thousands of cakes for birthdays and special events during her life. She made many wedding cakes in her life and was known for meringue pie and caramel rolls, which she took to many meetings at the co-op.

Ann Joyce Cazer of Custer died June 5, 2019, at Custer Senior Care after a short battle with cancer. She was 83 years old.

Ann will be remembered by her heart of gold, love and care for family, friends and the community, which she often showed by frequently telephoning said family and friends. The phone calls will be missed, but everyone takes comfort in knowing Ann is seeing the news as it happens from up above.

Ann is survived by nephews Tim (Jenny) Behlings and Joel (Christie) Behlings, both of Custer, and Brian (Brenda) Behlings of Hill City; great nephews, Russell (Tessah) Behlings of Wisconsin and Joshua (Courtney) Behlings of Washington; great-niece Jacie Behlings of Custer; and great-great niece, Ellen Bee Behlings — all of whom were considered surrogate children.

Ann is also survived by brother-in-law Roger Behlings of Custer, sister-in-laws Peg Clark of Lemon and Mary Cazer of Sioux Falls; many extended Cazer nephews and nieces; and many wonderful friends, including Jill Kettle of the Custer Senior Center and Julie Boettcher.

Ann is preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; parents, Cecelia and Jacob Tuchscherer; brother, Jim Tuchscherer; and sister, Rosie (Tuchscherer) Behlings.

The family will hold a private interment, with burial at the Custer Cemetery. There will be an open house to celebrate the life of Ann Cazer on Thursday, June 20, starting at 11 a.m. at the Custer Senior Center, with lunch to follow.

Memorials in Ann's name can be sent to the Custer Senior Center.

Arrangements are in care of Chamberlain McColley Funeral Home in Custer.