LaJean Gates, 82, of Mitchell, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Wilmot Care Center in Wilmot, SD. Funeral services will be at 11:30 AM Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Will Funeral Chapel. Visitation will begin one hour prior. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Per LaJean's request, in lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell.

LaJean was the third daughter born to Walter L. and Vera N. (Hillman) Gates on July 30, 1942 at the Methodist Hospital in Mitchell, SD. She attended Canova South Dakota Public School and graduated in 1960. She moved to Rapid City, SD where she worked for Black Hills Power and Light Company. LaJean married Howard Morris Jr. June 10, 1961. Three children were born to that union, Valerie and twins, Victor and Victoria. LaJean divorced in 1971. She worked for the Rapid City School System before moving back to Canova and marrying Gary W. Koepsell June 19, 1971; living on a farm and working for the Security State Bank of Canova. She divorced in 1995. She moved to Mitchell where she worked several jobs and becoming assistant manager for Days Inn Motel before retiring.

She was a member of the Immanual Lutheran Church in Canova and the Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell.

LaJean is survived by her children; Valerie Morris of Rapid City, Victor Morris of Rapid City, and Victoria (Bart) Johnson of Revillo, SD, 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews, friends and business friend, Dave Helleloid.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Geraldine (Kenneth) Sorenson and Myrtle (Laverne) Eich.

In keeping with LaJean's wishes she wanted to say thank you to her mother, two sisters and their husbands, all family, friends and Dave who supported her during her good and bad days of her life. May God hold them all in His holy heart.