Richard Stanley

Richard Arthur Stanley was born June 3, 1944, in the Redfield  (S.D.) Community Hospital during a tornado. After completing high school he served in the Navy in Morocco, and then lived in Minneapolis, Minn., beginning his 40 year career in the telephone industry with Northwestern Bell and retiring in 2007 from Golden West.

He married Judy Rae Halverson on Dec. 31, 1966, in Paynesville, Minn. They began their life together in Minneapolis and then moved to Watertown, S.D., where they raised three children.

Activities he enjoyed throughout his life besides being an adoring husband and father were camping, hunting, traveling the U.S., scouting, square dancing, antique tractors and volunteering at Custer State Park.

Richard loved to play cards and games with young and old. He would go out of his way to help anyone who needed him—family, friends and the random stranger stranded on the side of the road. 

Retirement in Hermosa, S.D., led him to volunteer/play as a herdsman working with the buffalo in Custer State Park. Richard was a long time member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and found a wonderful church family at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hermosa.

During their 43-year marriage they raised three children. Their son, Larry Arthur (Jodi) Stanley, lives in Piedmont, S.D. They have four children and one grandchild. Their daughter, Diana Rae (Michael) Stanley Baschnagel lives in Las Vegas, Nev. They have two children. Their youngest son, Kevin Alvin (Sandy) Stanley lives in Camanche, Iowa. They have two children.

Richard died Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, in his home. He was 65.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step dad and many other special family members.

Richard is survived by his sisters, Madge Buccholz of Florida and Elsie Ellis of Kansas; brother, Layle Stanley of Florida; his wife; children; and eight grandchildren, Justin, Jessica, Lisa, Blake, Zachary, Hannah, Emma and Isaac; and one great-granddaughter, Kaydence.

Services were Feb. 5 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hermosa with Pastor Becky Piper officiating. Burial with full military honors followed at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.

A memorial has been established.

Family and friends may sign Richard’s online guest book at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.