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Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 1:00 PM (Mountain).

St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church
532 Adams Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701

Mt. View Cemetery
Rapid City, South Dakota
Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2024 at St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church at 532 Adams Street Rapid City, SD 57701.



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In memory of

Hugh Hart

of Rapid City, South Dakota, died on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Monument Health Hospice Center in Rapid City at the age of 80

Hugh Eugene Hart was born on December 31, 1943, to Veronica (Reedy) and Harry Hart in Philip, South Dakota. He spent his youth and school years in Philip. Hugh was united in marriage to JoAnn (Lockett) White on July 15, 1967. JoAnn had five children from her previous marriage and together JoAnn and Hugh had one daughter.

Hugh had many careers in which he was very successful. He managed the Apco Gas Station in Spearfish, SD. He worked for National Mutual Benefit for 14 years. He was a successful car salesman for Junick’s Chrysler in Spearfish, and later at Darner Chrysler in Arizona. Hugh was also an auctioneer, which he dearly loved. He retired in 2009. He and JoAnn bought a motorhome and started spending their summers at Hart Ranch in Rapid City and winters in Apache Junction, Arizona. However, being the go-getter that he is, Hugh “retired” by continuing his career selling park model homes at Rock Shadows in Apache Junction. Hugh loved working with people and helping them. His charisma along with his work ethic led to earning a variety of awards and honors throughout his life.

Hugh was very active in many activities and organizations during his lifetime including rodeo, softball, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, Optimists, and many charity benefits.

Hugh left the world a better place. He would greet you with a huge smile, firm handshake or a big hug asking, “Well, how are ya?” He valued his friends and family dearly. In his final days, he was flooded with visitors, phone calls and many, many words of love and encouragement. He promised to meet everyone in heaven and he always keeps his word.


He leaves to mourn, his wife, JoAnn of Rapid City; six children: Robert (Carrie) White, Yvonne (Steve) Wohlheuter, Bill White, Buck (Irene) White, Howard (Peggy) White, and Valerie (John) Welker; eight grandchildren: Nathan (Elizabeth) Bohls, Averie Georgas, Zach White, Wyatt (Stephanie) White, Joshua (Lisa) White, Nathan (Allie) White, Johnothan White, and Rebekah (Daniel) Card; twelve great-grandchildren: Apollo, Nikos, Aiden, Trey, Asher, Calvin, Helen, Esther, Lucy, Henry, Juliet, and George; a brother, Dan; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers: David, James, Martin, Charles, Dale Hart, and two in infancy; and one sister Deanna Fees.

A special thank you to the amazing staff at Hospice House in Rapid City, SD, for the exceptional love and care they provided to Hugh and his family. We are forever grateful.

Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 6 at St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rapid City.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2024 at St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church at 532 Adams Street Rapid City, SD 57701.

Interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery in Rapid City.



VISITATION
Friday, January 19, 2024 - 4-6 p.m.
St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church
532 Adams Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701

PRAYER SERVICE
Friday, January 19, 2024 - 6:00 p.m.
St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church
532 Adams Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, January 20, 2024 - 1:00 p.m.
St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church
532 Adams Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701

CELEBRANT
Father Kerry Prendiville

MUSIC
Sue Englin - Pianist
Dan Brusseau - Cantor
“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” - “On Eagles Wings”
“Song of Farewell” - “Prayer of St. Francis”
Josh and Lisa White - Special Music
“Abide With Me”

USHERS
Kelly Fees - Les Pearson


LECTORS
Les Pearson - Joann Pearson

PALLBEARERS
James Gyles - John Welker - Nate Bohls - Josh White
Nathan White - Johnathan White - Greg Hart - Larry Hart

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Mt. View Cemetery
Rapid City, South Dakota

  • Missing you every single day, Dad ~ Valerie (Hart) Welker (2/21/2024)
  • Our experience together was short, but I'll always remember and appreciate the time spent. God bless you and your family. ~ Jeff Silhacek Mesa, Az (1/22/2024)


  • I used to get my gas at APCO while going to BHSU. He seemed like such a pleasant man. RIP Hugh.
    ~ Craig Ness Faith (1/20/2024)
  • So sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories bring you comfort and ease your pain. ~ Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (1/18/2024)
  • Sorry to hear of Hugh's passing. We have fond memories of him at Hart Ranch and sharing bacon with him. You are in our thoughts and prays. ~ Henry & Nellie Chapell Gillette, wy (1/17/2024)
  • JoAnn and Family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Hugh was a wonderful man. I always enjoyed talking with him. You both were wonderful friends to my Mom and Dad. He will be missed. ~ Kathy Ragels Sioux Falls, SD (1/16/2024)
  • Hugh was a very wonderful man. We meet at Hart Ranch. ~ Monty and Sue Kerska Sioux Falls, SD (1/16/2024)
  • JoAnn, Howard, Val and all- We are saddened to hear about the loss of Hugh. I remember him on Charles St in Spearfish as one of the kindest dads on the block! We know you all will miss him terribly, and hope that an outpouring of love and sympathy from friends helps ease that loss. You are in our prayers. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville, SD (1/16/2024)
  • So sorry for your Loss, We knew Hugh from our childhoods, while living in Philip. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St (1/16/2024)
  • Hugh was a childhood friend while growing up in Philip. Deepest sympathies to his family. ~ Arlie Nelson Newcastle, WY (1/16/2024)
  • We are thinking of all you folks during this difficult time. He was one of a kind, always had a smile for everyone. He touched many lives through out the years. We have so many wonderful memories , which we will treasure forever. Hold on to all your memories, prayers to everyone. We lost a wonderful cousin and a true friend. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (1/16/2024)
  • Coto De Caza, CA. 92679 ~ Valerie Welker 11 Augusta (1/16/2024)
  • Our deepest sympathies to all of the family. Hugh was a very special friend and he will be missed dearly. God has gained a true angel and we were all blessed to have known him. Hugs and prayers! ~ Duane & Bonnie Kirk St. Onge, SD (1/16/2024)