Louise Pauline Fitzgerald was born on September 13, 1920, on a ranch west of Midland, the daughter of Paul and Margaret (Timm) Stahl. She grew up on the ranch and attended Midland school, graduating from Midland High School. She then attended the University of Minnesota where she received her teaching degree. Following her studies she moved back to the Midland area where she taught at the Witcher School for three years. It was at this time she met James Fitzgerald.
On September 8, 1944, during a break from boot camp, they were married in Rapid City, South Dakota. Louise and Jimmy then moved to San Mateo, California, where they made their home while Jimmy was finishing his tour of duty in the Navy.
While living in California, Jimmy and Louise’s eldest son, Bruce, was born. Two years later the family returned to South Dakota where they made their permanent home on a farm-ranch in the Milesville area, and had six more children; Dawn, Duane, Cheryl, Mark, Brett and Dana.
After her husband’s death on November 20, 1996, Louise continued to reside on the farm-ranch until her death.
Louise was a loving mother who always had her children’s best interest at heart. The love her children felt for her knew no bounds and the loss of her will be felt forever.
Grateful for having shared her life include four sons Duane Fitzgerald and his wife Deborah of Pierre, Mark Fitzgerald and his wife Lori of Rozet, Wyoming, Brett Fitzgerald of Geneva, Switzerland, and Dana Fitzgerald of Milesville and his fiancee Lana Hussey of Rapid City; one daughter Cheryl Steelman and her husband Steve of Casa Grande, Arizona; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters Evelyn Speck of Wessington Springs, Edna Speck of Wessington Springs, and Elfrieda Noteboom of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband Jimmy, Louise was preceded in death by a son Bruce Wayne Fitzgerald; and a daughter Dawn Rae Fitzgerald.
Visitation was held 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 18, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Tuesday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 19, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.
Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, February 19, 2008 – 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Frezil Westerlund
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage – Pianist
Barb Bowen – Vocalist
“Wind Beneath My Wings”
“On Eagles Wings”
USHERS
Dawn Nipp – Kirsten Stilwell
PALLBEARERS
Dallas Fitzgerald – Colt Fitzgerald
Erika LeBeau – C.J. Fitzgerald
Denise Fitzgerald-Johnston– Daniel Fitzgerald
Darcy Fitzgerald-Triplett – Kelsey Fitzgerald
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota