Elma DuChateau, age 90, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on June 30, 2024, at her home in Custer, South Dakota (SD).

Elma was born in Hot Springs, SD, on June 6, 1934, to Lawrence and Ebelina (Raske) Hiller. In 1935, Elma and her family moved to a farm near Custer where she attended country school as a child.  Except for a handful of years in other Black Hills communities, Custer remained her home.

Elma met Eugene (Gene) Hammer in 1948 at Custer High School (CHS) and they quickly became high school sweethearts.  After high school graduation Gene enlisted in the National Guard and was soon called to active duty.  Unsure where the Army might send him, Gene and Elma were married June 27, 1951, after Elma's junior year at Custer high school.  Gene was soon sent to Alaska, while Elma stayed in Custer.  Thanks to the persistence of her mother and the Governor of South Dakota, Elma was able to remain in high school as a married woman and graduate with her class in 1952. These actions resulted in changes to previous South Dakota policies concerning women remaining in high school after marriage.

Elma and Gene made their home in Custer after his return.  Elma spent most of her time as a homemaker and mother while her children were young.   As the children grew older, Elma and Gene became small business owners in Custer, where Elma kept the books and did anything needed to support the businesses. Elma loved to sew, crochet, embroider, and no one made better cookies, homemade ice cream, or Tom and Jerry's.  There was always time for square dancing, picnicking, and having friends and family over for Saturday night or Sunday afternoon gab sessions.

Elma was a lifelong member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (ORLC).  She was confirmed and married in ORLC, and dedicated many years of service to ORLC, especially through the ORLC Guild and Dorcas Society.

Survivors include two daughters:  Kathy Homer (David) of Custer, and Stilwell, Kansas; Sherry Bauer of Custer; one son:  Scott (Traci) Hammer of Elgin, MN; special stepson Bud Hendrickson of Washougal, WA; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, husbands Gene Hammer in 1982, Everett Hendrickson in 1985, and George DuChateau in 2010.

Funeral services for Elma will be held at ORLC on Friday, July 12 at 10:00 am.  Lunch will be served after the service.  Elma will be interred with her husband Gene at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Memorials have been established to ORLC and the Lutheran Hour ministries.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer, SD.