Catherine Marie Armstrong

We wish to celebrate the life of former Custer, SD resident, Catherine Marie Armstrong. Catherine was born in Philadelphia on December 30, 1938 to George (Sr.) and Catherine Mink, the second of three children. She married Edward Armstrong (Sr.) in 1958 while he was enlisted in the Navy. After having their first child (a son), they relocated to Edward’s home town, Sioux Falls, SD, where they proceeded to have three more sons, and one daughter.

The Black Hills of South Dakota had always been a special place for Catherine and Edward, and they moved to Custer, SD upon Edward’s retirement. They lived in the Custer area for nineteen years.

Catherine obtained a nursing degree (LPN) in 1970, and worked in the Sioux Falls, Mckennan hospital for many years while raising her five children. After their move to Custer, Catherine worked in the Colonial Manor of Custer for many years until her retirement.

Catherine passed away in Springfield, IL on March 3, 2019. She fought a brave battle against cancer for nine years. Catherine is preceded in death by her husband, Edward and survived by her sister, Barbara Copeland, and brother, George (Bud) Mink. Catherine and Edward have five children, fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren – Edward Jr., spouse Lynn, and children Stephanie, Sean and Sierra; Joseph, spouse Debra, and children Benjamin, Andrew and Emily; Richard and children Christian and Alex; Robert, spouse Brenda, and children Ryan and Britt, and great grandchildren Rilynn and Josslin; Karen, spouse Donald, and children Megan, Christopher, Tabitha and Roger, and great grandchildren Gauge, Ashley, Nadine, Nicole, Elizabeth and Alexandria.

Catherine’s children would like to give special appreciation to Vern (deceased) and Barb Copeland, and their children for the care, love and support they gave Catherine in her final years.

Funeral services for Catherine will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Custer, SD on April 24th at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at the Black Hills National Cemetery at 2:30 PM.

Memorial donations in memory of Catherine may be made to Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, [email protected]