Pearletta Drolc went to be with Jesus on July 15, 2021 at her home with two of her daughters by her side. Heaven was full of reunions that morning as Pearletta and many were reunited again.
Pearletta Siewert Drolc was born on April 28, 1929 at Firesteel, SD to Jacob and Meniva (Thorstenson) Siewert. The family moved to Harding County when she was 6 years of age. She always talked about the sod house they lived in. She attended Vessey school which was approximately 4 miles from their home. She rode her horse to school every day and a neighbor girl became her friend and graciously helped her since she was so young to be on her own.
There were 2 sisters that lived in the house beside the school Pearletta attended. One taught the kids their school work, the other one was a minister and conducted church services on Sunday. Both their school and their church were in the same building as the family decided to attend church there. The lady that was the teacher also gave Pearletta piano lessons and was responsible for her unique style of playing. Pearletta knew how to drive a team of horses at around 8 years of age and hook them up when necessary. She also drove a John Deere tractor in the fields, many times she drove all night if needed at her young age. She always said she was her dad’s hired hand, and she knew how to take care of the necessary business of farming even though she was young. Pearletta said her dad taught her well.
Pearletta started high school in Bowman, ND and attended there for 2 years. She lived in a dormitory and cleaned for a family across the street which helped pay her room and board. Her last two years of high school were spent in Hettinger, ND. She stayed in different homes until she was a senior and her parents bought a home there. Her dad helped her get a job at the bank in Hettinger after she graduated from high school in 1947, and she worked there for 2 ½ years until she married Sam Drolc on April 2, 1950. Sam and Pearletta farmed in the Ralph SD area for 5 years and the had three children: Kathy, Monte, and Randy. They moved to Belle Fourche in 1955 where Sam started working as a mechanic at Butte County Motors. They had two more children: Karen and LaRae. They attended the Foursquare Gospel Church where she was the pianist for 42 years. She also taught Sunday School for many years.
Pearletta will always be known for her unconditional love of family, taking the time to cook many a meal for unexpected guests, and always having a listening ear. Her commitment to serve Jesus all the days of her life has left a legacy that her family and others will be eternally grateful for.
Pearletta is survived by her 5 children, Kathy and Pete Gradinaru, Monte and Heide Drolc, Randy and Sherry Drolc, Karen and Keith Massey, and LaRae Huffman. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; brother, Manley Siewert; sister, Minetta (Henry) Zimmermann; and very special friends, Arlene Bowman and Bob Magby.
Pearletta was preceded in death by her husband, Sam; her parents, Jacob and Meniva Siewert; brother, Duane Siewert; and 2 sisters-in-law, Virginia and Arlene Siewert.
The funeral service will be held 10:30 am Saturday, July 24th, 2021 at the Connection Church in Belle Fourche. Visitation will take place 5 to 7pm Friday at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Interment will take place at Pine Slope Cemetery.
Memorial gifts will be shared between SD Kids Belong and Rainbow Bible Ranch.