Joan (Bonsell) Egge

Joan Egge passed away peacefully on February 22, 2017 in Rapid City, SD. She was born on January 22, 1938 to Russell and Neva Bonsell in Lusk, Wyoming. Joan grew up on the family ranch with her siblings where her father instilled the value of hard work and her mother taught her the importance of education. Joan graduated from Sturgis Brown High School in 1956 and from there, attended Black Hills Teachers College (Black Hills State University). It was there that she met and fell in love with Gene Egge. They were married in 1959 and moved to Newcastle, Wyoming, where they had 2 children, Robert "Bob" and Gary. Joan loved her boys and raised them with the same values that she was taught on the ranch.

Joan went back to school and attended Black Hills State University where she graduated with the Class of 1970 with a Bachelor’s in Education. She taught in the Weston County School District for 32 years. Joan loved teaching and expected nothing but the best from her students. If they struggled to learn a concept, she just taught a different way until they understood it. She also enjoyed teaching the Gifted and Talented program and coached the Geography Bee for several years.

Joan's two grandchildren, Sara and Garrett Egge, were the light of her life. She loved to spoil them and was so proud of their accomplishments. She entertained them with her silly sense of humor and enjoyed their summer stays with her. Their fondest memories are when she took them to Flintstone Village, Reptile Gardens, Mt Rushmore, Story Book Island, and riding the 1880's train.

Joan thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her friends playing Bridge and Bunco and attending plays at the Black Hills Playhouse.

Joan is survived by her sons, Robert and Gary (Ami); grandchildren, Sara and Garrett; sister, Connie (Doug) Yates of Cheyenne, WY; brother, Doug (Rhonda) Bonsell of Ekalaka, MT; many nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Russell (Cookie) Bonsell; sister, Janice (Roy) Gorsuch.

At Joan's request, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date.

Memorial donations in memory of Joan may be made to First State Bank of Newcastle, PO Box 910, Newcastle, WY 82701 or to an organization of your choice.

Friends and family may sign her online guest register and leave written condolences for the family at the Black Hills Funeral Home website.