Caregiver Feature
33 Years of Impact – Get to Know Darlyce Bollwerk
Published March 2026 in Winter 2026
Darlyce Bollwerk makes an impact wherever she goes. Celebrating an impressive 33 years with Monument Health, she has witnessed firsthand the evolution of health care through technological advancements, organizational changes and the expansion of services. However, as the current Executive Assistant and GEAR Store Manager for Monument Health Foundation, Darlyce’s impact goes beyond job titles and milestones. Her story is one of quiet leadership and a commitment to helping others.
Born and raised on a farm/ranch near the very small town of Meadow, South Dakota, Darlyce learned early the value of hard work and attention to detail. She recalls driving the tractor and truck on the family farm, a job that required precision, especially when driving between rows of corn. A task, as Darlyce humorously recalls, was assigned to herself over her brother due to her more detail-oriented nature.
“Farm life is a good place for kids to grow up,” said Darlyce. “I also think there is benefit in attending a small school. I had 27 in my class, and that was one of the big classes. I still have two of my best friends from high school that live in Rapid City and I am fortunate to see them often. Those friendships are cherished.”
After high school, Darlyce attended college and lived in Dickinson, North Dakota, before moving to Rapid City, where her first jobs included cocktail waitressing, working at a gift shop in Keystone and nannying for her brother’s twin boys. She also spent time at Black Hills Works, before transitioning to Monument Health in 1992, working as Administrative Assistant to then-VP of Finance, Ron Troutman. After nearly four years, she transitioned to the Education Department, beginning as Office Assistant, and eventually assuming the role of Patient Education Coordinator. In this position, she designed and managed educational materials for the system and helped launch annual educational programs.
Later in her role as Instructional Design Coordinator, she helped to establish the organization’s rewards and recognition program, facilitating monthly orientations for new employees at Rapid City Hospital and designing eLearning courses for caregivers. Her contributions to Monument Health were felt across the organization. After 21 years in the Education Department, Darlyce decided it was time for a change. Within two weeks, she secured a new position as Executive Assistant in the Foundation.
She described the Foundation role as a perfect fit, combining office work, events and social interaction, plus the opportunity to make an even greater impact on the community.
One of her most rewarding responsibilities is assisting with the distribution of Children’s Miracle Network travel and emergency funds, which help families with sick children afford the cost of travel for medical treatments outside of Rapid City.
“Without the fund, many of these families wouldn’t be able to travel to these appointments because they can’t afford to,” said Darlyce. “People are so appreciative, and it puts things into perspective for me.”
As of late, what Darlyce might be most well-known for is her involvement in the GEAR store, Monument Health’s brand store. There, she manages all aspects of the store, from identifying what is offered in the store to sale of items, apparel, drinkware and much more.
“I had never worked retail before in my life,” said Darlyce. “I really do like it, and I like being over at the hospital. I get to see a lot of people I haven’t seen for years.”
Darlyce has exciting plans for retirement within the next few years. She looks forward to spending more time with her husband Bill, daughters Carlee and Samantha and granddaughter Mara. More travel and beach trips that include her favorite pastime, paddleboarding, are on her bucket list.