Pamela Rae Michalek

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Pam left our presence for her heavenly home November 12, 2025 at the age of 73.

Born November 10, 1952, to LE (Gene) and Esther (Venekamp) Gerard, Pam joined older sister Delores and began her job of causing Gene to start balding and bringing another delight to Grandparents Harry & Ruby Gerard and John & Ethel Venekamp .  Four brothers would join the family over the coming years.

Raised on the family farm south of Kennebec Pam attended Gibson Country School through 8th grade.  Actively involved in school and social life at Kennebec High School she met and married Timothy Long from Witten, SD.  They began married life working for Tim's Uncle & Aunt, Ron & Bonnie Horstman.  Their first son, Derek, was born while they were living there.  Pam & Tim then moved to her growing up home South of Kennebec to work for LE & Esther.  During these years second son, Christopher, was born.  As the boys approached school age the family moves into Kennebec.  Tim joined the work force of Halvorson Oil and Pam went to work at the County Auditor's Office.   Thoroughly enjoying the boys school years and sport activities kept them very busy through High School and on into the College years.

In 1996 Pam married John Michalek and moved to Oacoma.  In 2002 she was elected to the office of County Auditor for Lyman County.   Following John's death in 2003 Pam moved back to Kennebec and in 2018 retired from the County to pursue more grandkid time, golfing and travel with Tim, friends and family.

Becoming Grandma was the highlight of her life!  Spending time and lavishing love upon her 6 grandchildren brought the greatest joy.  She delighted in their baby and early years and travelled all over the state as they became active in school, 4-H, sports and careers.  Putting miles on those vehicles was a favorite activity when these 6 were involved!!

Preceding her in death were husbands John Michalek and Tim Long, L.E. (Gene) Gerard, in-laws Robert and Gayle Long, Gerard and Venekamp Grandparents, brothers-in-law Kevin and Jody Long, sister-in-law Melanie Long.

Remaining to celebrate Pam's life are son Derek and Barb (Blasius) along with children  Avany, Quinn, and Leigha Long; son Christopher and Naomi (Schroeder) and children Addison, Avreigh, and Tucker Long; Mother Esther Gerard, Sister Delores (Raymond) Symens of Conroe, TX:  Dennis (Linda) Gerard of Kennebec; Doug (Tammye Hutton) Gerard of Sulphur Springs, TX;  Phil Gerard of Brookings and Don (Connie) Gerard of Edgemont, SD; Brothers-in -law Cary, Rob, Kelly, Brian (Catie), and Todd Long, sisters-in-law Becky (Rick) Eischeid, Susan Long, and numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

For certain The Prairie Dust will have an open chair sparking memories of times together over the years of friendship shared!

Celebration of Life gathering will be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in the at St. Michael's Catholic Church Fellowship Hall in Kennebec, SD.  Stay for lunch and visiting with the family.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to Fishing For A Cure or Dig Pink.