Erwin H Kost 84, Hermosa , died Saturday October 30, 2010 at the Rapid City Regional Hospice House, Rapid City, after a courageous battle with cancer.Erwin was born June 7, 1926 in Hutchinson County on the farm SE of Menno SD to Henry and Magdalena (Docktor) Kost. He had two sisters, Emma Kost Walz and Lydia Kost Schramm.Erwin attended elementary school in Menno and High School in Freeman. He worked on his parent’s farm until joining the Army in 1951. He was in the service until 1953 and then returned to the farm. He attended Freeman Jr. College from 1957-1959, Augustana College from 1959-1960 with a teaching degree. He taught at Willow Creek MT from 1959-1960 and was a Business teacher at Beaver Creek MN from 1960-1964. During the summers of 1961-1965, Erwin attended The University of Minnesota and earned his MA Degree. Erwin taught Business from 1964-1984 for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Pine Ridge SD. He also was one of the founders of the Lakota Nations Basketball Tournaments that are now held each December. He retired in 1984 and moved from Pine Ridge to Hermosa. Erwin kept busy after retiring with a repair business and lots of other odd jobs. He was very inventive and was always creating something in his shop. While at Augustana College, he served as lay minister at La Valley Presbyterian Church and while at Pine Ridge was lay minister for Martin and Tuthill Presbyterian churches.Erwin was a member of the UCC Church in Hermosa and was active serving on various boards and teaching Sunday School.He was a member of The American Legion Battle Creek Post 303 and served as Adjutant for many years. He was on the Firing Squad and always worked at Post functions.He belonged to the Metropolitan Lions Club in Rapid City and served as a board member and worked on projects.He was a member of Retired Federal Employees Chapter 336 and also served on the board.In April 2007, Erwin lost his home to fire and in August 2007 the rest of his property got flooded. He lost almost everything he had but you never heard him complain. He was a very religious man and studied his Bible daily even when his eyes were failing him.Erwin is survived by nieces, Linda Schramm ,Los Lunas NM and Shirley Adam ,Yankton SD. Nephews, Charles Walz and Glenn Walz ,Freeman SD and Alton Walz Yankton SD. Special friends Margie and Gary Jurrens ,Hermosa. 6 Great nephews and 4 Great nieces and several step Great nieces and nephews. 3 great, great nephews and 2 great, great nieces.He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and a nephew.