10/28/2021
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Custer County Candy Company’s Owner and Chocolatier, Lee Lampert. She passed in the early morning of October 27th, 2021 with her family by her side.
Lee was the heartbeat of this family business for twenty years, bringing smiles to the faces of both locals and travelers from around the world. Lee was so committed to her store that she drove back and forth from Rapid City to Custer daily, totaling over 14,000 hours in twenty years. She had such a hard work ethic, often going weeks or months without taking a day off. Lee created a true family business with multiple generations helping craft candy over the years. Lee’s relationship-building business extended to the larger staff, cultivating a work family that knew they were valued, exchanged gifts every Christmas, watched plays at the Black Hills Playhouse together, and that still keep in touch to this day. Lee’s impact reached beyond the doors of the store to the Black Hills community in making special events, Christmases, birthdays, Valentine’s, and a summer trip to the Hills even better with her chocolates and friendly service. She was committed to ensuring every customer’s experience was exceptional—so much so that customers would return regularly and eagerly ask, “Is Lee in?!” Lee brought people together by carefully crafting each of her delectable hand-made chocolates, helping customers with a true servant’s heart, and cultivating the morale and comradery of the staff. She touched everyone she met through this store with love, a hearty laugh, and loads of her witty humor. She had such a selfless personality and a true heart of gold.
Custer County Candy Company’s secret ingredient has been hidden in plain sight for years: Lee. She was truly the most special component of the Sweetest Spot in the Black Hills and nobody will ever compare to the joy she brought to our lives. We will miss her terribly. We aren’t sure what the future holds for Custer County Candy Company, but we know one thing is for sure: Lee’s legacy will never fade.