Richard Arthur Stanley, 65, passed away Sunday, January 31st in his home.

He was born June 3rd, 1944 in the Redfield Community Hospital during a tornado. After completing high school he served our country in the Navy in Morocco, and then established his residence in Minneapolis, MN. Beginning his 40 year career in the telephone industry with Northwestern Bell and retired in 2007 from Golden West. He married Judy Rae Halverson on December 31st, 1966 in Paynesville, MN. They begin there life together in Minneapolis and then moved to Watertown, SD where they raised 3 children. Many activities he enjoyed through out his life besides being an adoring husband and father were; camping, hunting, traveling the USA, 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 SD 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 Saviors Lutheran Church in Hermosa.


During their 43 year marriage they raised 3 children. Their son, Larry Arthur Stanley lives in Piedmont, SD with his wife, Jodi Ackerman Stanley. They have 4 children and one grandchild. Their daughter, Diana Rae Stanley Baschnagel lives in Las Vegas, NV with her husband, Michael Baschnagel and their 2 children. Their youngest son, Kevin Alvin Stanley lives in Camanche, IA with his wife Sandy Coffman Stanley and their 2 children.


Richard is survived by his sisters Madge Buccholz of Florida and Elsie Ellis of Kansas and his brother Layle Stanley of Florida, his wife, Judy and their 3 children Larry, Diana and Kevin. He has 8 grandchildren, Justin, Jessica, Lisa, Blake, Zachary, Hannah, Emma and Isaac all who adored him very much. He was blessed to have one great granddaughter, Kaydence.


He is preceded in death by his parents, step dad and many other special family members. He will truly be missed!


Visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Kirk Funeral Home (1051 E. Minnesota Street) in Rapid City with a 7pm prayer service.


Services will be at 11am on Friday, February 5 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hermosa with Pastor Becky Piper officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.


A memorial has been established.