Richard (Dick) Stolley entered this world on September 18, 1946, born in Murdo, South Dakota to parents Mary (Frick) and Maynard Stolley. He went to his heavenly home on March 10, 2020, after a two-year struggle with multiple myeloma and illness caused by his weakened immune system.
Dick grew up in Vivian, South Dakota. As a young man he joined the SD Department of Transportation and worked on building I-90. After I-90 was completed in the Jackson County area he eventually worked in Pierre at the DOT office, but it did not take long to get tired of living out of a suitcase, so Dick and Eileen purchased the Leewood Motel in Kadoka and operated that for 24 years. In the meantime, Dick also worked in a variety of positions including custodian at the Kadoka School and then clerk at Hogen’s Hardware. After retiring Dick worked as grounds superintendent at the Lake Waggoner Golf Course during the golf season, served as the bus monitor for one of the Kadoka School bus routes, was the grounds keeper at the Kadoka Sports Complex, and started his own mowing service business. He enjoyed maintaining the grounds and took pride in his work.
Dick had a dedication to community service. In his younger years he was a member of the Kadoka Volunteer Fire Department. He was very active in the local Lion’s Club and served a term as District Governor for western South Dakota. He served many years on the Kadoka City Council. Dick became involved in the Kadoka Volunteer Ambulance Service and became an EMT and then an EMT-I . He served on the ambulance service for 20 years and taught several classes training new EMT’s. The ambulance service was a passion as all the volunteer EMT’s are basically on call 24-7 whenever needed. They became his second family.
Dick had a great sense of humor and loved kids. He was very proud of his two sons and his five grandchildren. He loved basketball and was an avid Kougar fan. Dick was also a Nascar fan and loved watching his grandsons race motocross. He was especially looking forward to meeting his first great-grandchild.
Dick is survived by his wife Eileen of Kadoka; sons Mike (Carol) Stolley of Pierre, and Greg (Alicia) Stolley of Chadron, Nebraska; grandchildren: Bryan (Chelsey), Peyton, Jesse, James, and Kathryn; one brother Peter (Mary) Stolley of Minnesota and Arizona; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Maynard Stolley, sister Gayle Steele, and numerous aunts and uncles.
Memorials may be directed to the Kadoka Ambulance or Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held from 5-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 with a prayer service at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16, at the Kadoka City Auditorium with Father Tyler Dennis as celebrant.
Interment will follow at the Kadoka Cemetery.
Guest Book
Hugs and prayers to All the Family. Having worked at school with Dick there wasnt a dull time he made life fun all the time and his laugh was to greatest pick-me up . You will be missed Richard
~ Bruce and Bonnie Madsen
Kadoka S.D. (3/12/2020)
Thinking of all of you and sending prayers And hugs
~ Linda Stilwell
Kadoka (3/10/2020)
Our hearts are sadden by the loss of Dick. In the days ahead, may you find peace in all the wonderful memories of Dick.
~ Bruce & Virginia Conlee
Black Hawk, SD (3/11/2020)
Eileen and family - I was so sorry to read your message about Dick. I only met him once at our family reunion but both Jack and I remember him as someone we so enjoyed talking with. I'm looking at this photo and he just radiates kindness. We're thinking of you and hope your memories of him and all your good times are helping you get through this as best you can. Love to you and your family. Elaine and Jack
~ Elaine Thompson
La Grange (3/26/2020)
~ Aletta Salganek
Albuquerque, NM (3/12/2020)
To Eileen and family; We were sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He was
a lifelong friend, as were all the Stolley's. Dick was always friendly to everyone, and never forgot his roots. We will miss his presence at games. May he rest in peace.
We plan to be at his service if weather permits.
~ Lonis & Lois Wendt
502 S. Main Ave, Vivian, SD (3/14/2020)
I am so sorry to hear about Dick. My heart goes out to all of you in this difficult time. May you find peace in the love that surrounds you. He will be missed by all who knew him. Dick taught me a lot in our years together as EMT's and I will be forever grateful for the lessons. May he Rest in Peace.
~ Ellie Bettelyoun
MARTIN (3/11/2020)
Sympathy and prayers to Dick's family and friends.
~ Donna Craven
Rapid City SD (3/12/2020)
Eileen, Mike and Greg and families, our family remembers the times Dick and the EMT crew very ably attended to our needs. We appreciated him! Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler
Philip, SD (3/13/2020)
We were sorry to hear of Dick's passing. Lyle called and left a note.
~ Dennis & Linda Kotz
Mcgregor, Ia (3/15/2020)
My thoughts and prayers are with all Dick's family ~ Eileen, Mike, Greg and their families.
~ Nicki (Ireland) Nelson
Midland (3/12/2020)
I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Please find comfort in the fact that when Death took Dick's body that God took his Soul. Will be keeping your family in our prayers.
~ Ginny DeJager
Rapid City (3/11/2020)
So sorry for your loss. Dick was such a nice man and will be greatly missed. I lost my Dad to multiple myeloma - so very sad. Sending love and prayers for you all.
~ Sally Sherburne
Sioux Falls (3/11/2020)
Eileen and Family, Chris and I are so sorry to hear of Dick's passing, he was a special man. I always enjoyed our visits, a person has to look long and hard to find a person as genuine as Dick was. You are in our prayers. God's blessings and peace be with all of you.
~ Diana R. Elwood
Volborg (3/12/2020)
Eileen, Greg, and Mike, Dick was a good person for the community in any position he was serving in. He always was able to bring a dry humor to whatever task he was involved with, and was always someone who could be counted on to "show-up". I hope that knowing how many others appreciated his selflessness will ease your pain in his loss. Sincerely, Gene Williams
Sorry for your loss.
~ Gene Williams
Interior, SD (3/13/2020)
Prayers to your family at this difficult time. Len and Dick can have the Basketball rematch in heaven. Cherish the memories
~ Ruby Sanftner
Kadoka (3/10/2020)
We are saddened to hear this and send sincere sympathy to Eileen and family. Dick had such an infectious laugh that filled a room. So enjoyed his wry humor at the golf course.
~ Nancy and Charlie
Green Valley AZ (3/12/2020)
RIP Dick.
~ Betty Smith
Philip SD (3/14/2020)
Illinois
~ Elaine Thompson
La Grange (3/26/2020)
So sorry to hear about dick's death,my prayers and thoughts are with you and family ,he was a great guy will miss him alot
~ Curtis Bitting
Philip (3/12/2020)
So sorry for your loss
~ Sue Hoon
Kadoka (3/11/2020)
Sorry to hear of your loss, may he Rest In Peace.
~ Mary Kehrer
Port Charlotte, FL (3/13/2020)
Eileen and family, so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I know Dick did so much for family and the community and will be missed. May you be blessed by the love of family and friends.
~ Marcia Jackson
Spearfish, SD (3/11/2020)
Sad to hear about our friend and neighbor Dick. Will miss his sense of humor and friendly smile. Always thankful for all his service to the ambulance. Hugs and prayers for peace and strength!
~ Pam and Keith Bonenberger
Kadoka (3/11/2020)
I enjoyed working for Dick at the motel. He was always so friendly. He will be missed!
~ Joan Enders
Kadoka (3/12/2020)
Eileen, Mike, Greg and Families - I am so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I had no idea that he had been sick. I am certain that all of you AND the community of Kadoka will miss him greatly. He was a kind man who had a passion for helping others. Rest in peace, dear Richard.
~ JoAnne Gauer
Mesa, AZ (3/12/2020)
South Dakota
~ Grady and Bernice Crew
Cactus Flat (3/12/2020)