Hi there! If you’re reading this, I’ve finally graduated from life, go me! If you didn’t know I’m Mellette County’s biggest Trump supporter and basically Trump’s best friend. Go Trump 2028! I am a true Vikings fan, go cheerleaders! This Republican has gone hunting and made his exit out of his capital located next to the Big and Little White Rivers where my happy hunting grounds, and I was heard saying “There is beer for my horses”. And we are all asking what horses?

On Wednesday, August 21, 1968, Rodney and Oleta Mednansky brought Richard Lee Mednansky into the world at 4:38 p.m. mst at Kadoka Memorial Hospital in Kadoka, South Dakota. Dr. N.J. Sundet assisted by nurse Alvina Brown. He was 8lbs 8oz, 20 inches long with the coolest jet-black hair and water blue eyes brighter than any ocean you have seen. I laughed at three months, drank orange juice from a cup and walked alone in a walker at four months. I recognized my parents at two months old. Wow! I started my lifelong opinions through speech around 18 months. Can I say impressive!

I loved brushing the four teeth I had at one year old. Go Me! By three years old on August 21, 1971, I went to the rodeo followed by the carnival, and it was at this time that I was roped into the rodeo arena and later became a member of the Wild Horse Racing Team because of my rodeo introduction. What a wild ride experience!

I received by first republican house of congress mailing on September 11, 1968! Those republicans must have known. In May of 1986 I graduated from White River High School in White River with my high school diploma. Yes my high school diploma!

In 1988 I received my life stock science degree from Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City. I grabbed this degree and ran back to White River to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Tribal Employment Rights Contracting Office for the Rosebud agencies. It was at the conclusion of those jobs that I decided to become a full-time rancher, a tribal hunting guide, and the rest is history. Windsor Creek Outfitters was run by my wife Pegi Su and I…. She is the boss of course, and me, well I am her employee or just employed. I welcomed myself to the Rancher’s and Farmer’s Association for them by becoming the Vice President and doing a heck of a good job!

I also had the privilege of announcing for the White River Tigers football team – Go Tigers! As well as the Frontier Days parade and the RST Rodeo. You all remember my days of being the best member of the White River Volunteer Fire Department. Man I was a firecracker with that fire water!

On August 28, 1998, our daughter Taylor Kae, was born. She enriched our lives more than words can say or actions can show. She has blessed us with three precious grandchildren: Paisley Faith, Tatum Lee, and Blake Rodney. Just when I thought I was too old to fall in love again. I did. I married my honey, the love of my life, and my soulmate on July 19, 2013, in our home by Pastor Craig Marshall. Our marriage was almost interrupted to bring on the hunting season. So close! I became an instant parent aka stepdad to Travis, Kristin, and Jeff Brandis. I’ve always been a devoted son, an energetic teenager, just ask my friends. I am a Western Dakota Tech graduate, and a high school scholar (better believe it!) Also, I was a loving husband, father, loyal friend and brother, spoiling papa, and a dedicated teacher to all my hunters, friends, family, and cousins.

And if you still don’t believe it just ask me, oh wait, I’m afraid it is too late for questions. Sorry! Richard Lee Mednansky passed away on Friday, September 13, 2025 at 4:29 a.m. at Rosebud IHS Hospital totally unexpectedly.

Survivors include his wife (my honey) Pegi Su Mednansky; children: Travis (Rosie) Brandis: Penelope and Ayla Jo; Kristin (Tony) Brandis: Kaden and Meadow; Jeff (Jennifer) Brandis: Jolecia, Sophia, Jackson, Colton, and Savannah; Taylor (Joe) Mednansky: Paisley, Tatum, and Blake; adopted son Kolton (Sara) Aumiller; two faithful dogs: Lexi and Zoe; my cat kid; brothers: Justin and Duane Mednansky; aunts: Janice Ellis, Bertha (Leroy) Morrison, Ruth Wooden Knife, Mary Lou (Ken) Rider; uncles: Ed Burnette, Scott, Ansel (Theresa), and Eroll (Cindy) Wooden Knife; nieces: Sharrisa (Tyrell) Mednansky, Ashton (Hunter) Mednansky, Logan Mednansky, Bailey (Brandon) Mednansky and her daughter Sarah; nephew: Sage (Jordan) Mednansky and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Oleta (Wooden Knife) and Rodney Mednansky; grandparents: Clarence and Mae Mednansky and Ansel and Mary (Witt) Wooden Knife; sister-in-law Dena Mednansky; and his beloved black lab, Kola.

Just a few fun facts about me: I am funny. There are no buildings named after me, no monuments erected in my honor, but what I am most thankful for is that I did have the chance to know and love every friend, hunter, as well as my brothers, cousins, and family members. How much more blessed can a person be. And I have been blessed! So in the end remember, do your absolute best, follow your arrow, gunshot, and make something amazing but of you life like…becoming a stout republican like me. Oh and never ever stop smiling, laughing, or joking cause it’s the best medicine out there. If you want to look for me in the sunrise, sunset, or in the republican section please do because I’m already there in one form or another. Of course let me ask you this: why is covid-19 such a problem for republicans? Because people that can’t breathe turn blue. I’ll leave with this, please don’t cry for me, don’t shed no tears because I’ve gone hunting instead so be happy that I lived, loved, and learned for 57 years and 1 month…..or okay cry a little but after all I have started my journey onward with no return. Today, I am happy, and I’ve done gone hunting. Just know I will miss every one of you and never ever forget that. I will always love you! ~Richard Lee Mednansky~

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 263 White River, SD 57579.

A Celebration of Life with be held at 11:00 a.m. Central Time on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the White River Community Events Center.