Louise Jane Lafrentz, age 81, entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, Friday, October 9, 2026, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (2200 S. Western Ave., Sioux Falls). Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 10, 2026, also at the church, with a meal to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Sioux Falls Lutheran School in loving memory of Louise.

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Louise was born on September 9, 1945, in Orlando, Oklahoma, to Walther Andrew and Amanda Susannah (Hollmann) Haefker. Growing up across Oklahoma—from Cookson Hills and Muskogee to Granite—she was confirmed in her Lutheran faith in 1959 and graduated from Granite High School in 1963. Driven by a heart for service and learning, she attended Concordia Teacher’s College in Seward, Nebraska, earning her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1967.

Louise dedicated her life to education and church music. Her career began in Missouri, where she taught first and second grade in Palmyra before moving to Stover. In Stover, she taught in the public school, gave piano lessons, and played the church organ at St. Paul Lutheran Church. It was also during these years in Stover that she welcomed her first two sons, David and Andrew.

In 1979, the family made Sioux Falls, South Dakota, their home, where her youngest son, Michael, was born. Throughout her life, Louise was devoted wholeheartedly to her three boys, always supporting and nurturing them as they grew into adulthood. She shared her musical gifts by teaching private piano lessons and serving as church organist at Christ Lutheran Church. In 1987, she joined the faculty at Sioux Falls Lutheran School, where she lovingly guided generations of young students until her retirement in 2015.

A faithful servant of God, Louise found her greatest joy in sharing the love of Jesus with everyone she met. Her musical and artistic talents blessed church communities across Oklahoma, Missouri, and South Dakota—most recently at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and Christ Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. She shared her passion for music by singing in church choirs and with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Chorus, playing the organ, and teaching piano. Louise was also a gifted artist who created vibrant church banners, loved painting, and found peace tending her garden. Above all, she treasured teaching children to read and appreciate art, the sweet companionship of her cat Mandy, and every moment spent with her family.

Louise is survived by her three loving sons and their families: David (Jen) Lafrentz of Rapid City, SD, Andrew (Tami) Lafrentz of Sioux Falls, SD, and Michael (Janelle) Lafrentz of Sioux Falls, SD; her dear sisters, Arlene (Rev. Carlton) Riemer of Stillwater, OK, Lois (Roger) Walker of Winter Haven, FL, Sylvia (Milton) Kokel of Manor, TX; along with her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, former students, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walther and Amanda Haefker, and her brother, John Walther Haefker.