It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Corine Mandler, 69, — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Below, the simplest tribute: the truth of a life as it was lived.
The story begins in 1953, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
Corine spent her working life as ['the Alex Johnson Hotel'] and held deeply to the Presbyterian faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith is the language some lives are written in. Corine's was one.
Corine Gail Mandler, 69, of Marion passed away on Sunday July 23, 2023 in her home, surrounded by loved ones. Corine was born on September 1, 1953 to Keith and Marianne Smith in Sioux Falls. She worked many jobs throughout junior high and high school such as waitressing at the Home Café and nannying in Chicago over the summers. After graduating from Marion High School in 1971, she moved to Rapid City where she worked at the Alex Johnson Hotel. On December 9, 1975 she married Monte Mandler at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Marion. The couple had two children together, Sarah and Jonathan. Corine loved living in the countryside and raising her children in that lifestyle. Corine was a fun-spirited soul who took on many passions which included crocheting, puzzling, playing video games ("Legend of Zelda" was a favorite, which she pretended she got for Sarah), and reading—particularly Stephen King novels. One of Corine's favorite adventures was taking a trip to Bangor, Maine with Sarah for a guided tour of the physical locations that inspired Stephen King's stories. She also got fresh lobster and famous Maine blueberries for every meal. Corine also enjoyed annual tours with Monte to firework display competitions all over the United States. When she wasn't on trips away from home, Corine spent many hours creating a garden that became a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary. Corine was a little bit of a hippy, a little old-fashioned, a little bit sassy, and a whole lot of love-giving. She laughed loud and always had a mischievous twinkle in her eye, especially when playing with the many children in her life—both her own and her many nieces and nephews. She will truly be missed and will never be forgotten. Corine was predeceased by her father, Keith; brother, Jon; and sister, Carol. She is survived by her children, Sarah, and Jonathan; mother, Marianne; brother, Randall; sister, Laurel, and her many nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Marion at 10:30 am Saturday on August 5, 2023.
