Richard J Hildebrand Obituary

Richard J Hildebrand was born November 18, 1949, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of George Hildebrand and Marion Probst-Swordes. He grew up in Lawrence where he received his education. While in school, Rich was very athletic and excelled in gymnastics. He graduated from high school in 1968.

Rich was drafted in August 1969, and entered the US Army. While serving, he was struck by a landmine and the shrapnel remained in his body. After healing, he went back to the battlefield. Rich moved through the ranks in the Army and was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart.

After his honorable discharge, Rich moved to Colorado Springs where he made a living off of playing pool. He later followed his sister to the gold mines in Deadwood. While in Deadwood, Richard met Laurel and were united in marriage in 1978. To this union were born three children Heath, Heidi and Haven. They made their home in Rapid City, where Rich was employed by Stanley Johnson. In 1980, Laurel and Rich moved their family to Kadoka and started Hildebrand Steel and Concrete. Throughout his years in the concrete business, Rich employed many. He always said “it’s not a job if you love what you’re doing.” Rich loved teaching his trade and there are so many people that have a story to tell.

On August 27, 2000, Rich was united in marriage to Colleen Olney. His family grew by three more children Slater, Sam, and Corrine. Rich and Colleen continued to operate Hildebrand Steel and Concrete and retired in 2017 with intentions to travel. Rich’s work ethic prevented him from travelling afar and settling down. Instead, Rich and Colleen purchased fixer-uppers for rentals in the community and enjoyed carpentry.

One of the greatest treasures of his life was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Becoming a grandpa in 1998, he has enjoyed each moment laughing, joking, pranking, teaching, and loving them. His grandchildren Jerica, Jadyn, Jyntre, Jyrzee, Audrea, Lucien, Kolter, Kamdyn, Amiya, Harper, Jemma, and Floyd will forever cherish their memories. Rich became a great-grandpa in 2019 and loved each moment spent with Ezekial and Nash.

Suffering multiple major head injuries throughout his life lead to periods of dementia and altered mood status. his was a very difficult transition for his family and his community. Although his mind was altered, his strength and determination never waivered.

Thankful for his life are his wife of 22 years Colleen; his children Heath (Amara) Hildebrand of Lakewood, CO, Heidi (Sauntee) Coller of Kadoka, Haven (Lindsey) Hildebrand of Sturgis, Slater DeKay of Tuthill, SD, Samantha DeKay of Kadoka, and Corrine (Matt) Thompson of Rapid City; two brothers Tom (Glenda) Hildebrand of Sturgis, and Jerry (Raylene) Hildebrand of Rapid City; and three sisters Cathy (Kelly) Pennel of Rapid City, Denise Tripp of Ft. Collins, CO, and Teresa (Perry) Norton of Gillette, WY.

Richard was preceded in death by his father George Hildebrand, his mother Marion Probst-Swordes; one sister Caroline; one brother Joseph; a granddaughter JayLee Dae; his father-in-law Roger Neiffer; his in-laws Bud and Norma Olney; three brothers-in-law Mike, Keith, and Mitch; his granddogs Dennis and Tugg; and his dogs Sam, Jamie and Cashus.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. Monday, July 11, at the City Auditorium in Kadoka.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at the City Auditorium with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment with military honors will be held 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 578 Kadoka, SD 57543.

Guest Book

So sorry for your loss. Rich was a nice, hardworking man. We will miss seeing him around. Sympathy to his family.

~ Ron and Marilyn Gartner Interior SD (7/9/2022)

So very sorry to hear of your loss. It was always a pleasure visiting with Rich and Colleen. May God give you strength and comfort during this time of grief and pain.
~ Janet Lurz Wall Sd (7/10/2022)

I still think Rich was one of the best pool players ever. Great fellow for sure. The very best to his family
~ Jerry Sanftner Horcajo de la Sierra, Spain (7/8/2022)

We are so sorry for the loss of Rich. He was always nice to talk to while working next door. You are great landlords and let us know if you need anything.
~ Scott & Kayla Milliken Kadoka,SD (7/10/2022)

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
~ Mike Pennel Rapid City S.D. (7/10/2022)

Colorado
~ Amber Edwards Denver (7/8/2022)

My deepest condolences, Colleen. Wishing you and your family lots of love & prayer during this difficult time. God bless.
~ Rachel Kennedy Philip (7/12/2022)

We send our deepest sympathy. It was our privilege and pleasure to meet and get to know Rich just 13 years ago when we became “in laws”! From the first Rich’s zest for life was obvious, his love and generosity. We pray with thanksgiving for the life of this good man, and for comfort and peace for all who loved him.
~ Fred and Margaret DiRienzo Reno, NV (7/9/2022)

Our sympathies to all. He will be missed!
~ Don &Susie Cuppy Mitchell (7/9/2022)

Rich was a great guy
~ Chris Huber Philip, SD (7/7/2022)

So sorry for your loss Coleen & family. Prayers for your family
~ Patty Morris Menifee, CA (7/8/2022)

Sincere condolences to all the families.
~ margo r fredericksen kadoka (7/9/2022)

So sorry to hear this. Rich was a great man always enjoyed visiting with him.
~ Chase Sanftner Black Hawk, South Dakota (7/7/2022)

South Dakota
~ Margaret L Horacek-Stewart Yankton (7/7/2022)

Rich was the hardest working man I have ever seen, good friend of mine, I will miss him!
~ GRABLE Kadoka South Dakota (7/8/2022)

So sorry to hear of Rich's passing. There always seemed to be laughter around when Rich was around. Rich is going to be missed that is for sure. Hugs and Prayers to all.
~ Ellie and Wyatt Martin (7/8/2022)

Arizona
~ Bob & Sharel Spears Wickenburg (7/7/2022)

Our sympathies to all of the family.
~ Marvis ? Cindy Letellier Kadoka, SD (7/12/2022)

We are so very sorry to hear about Rich. He was a good man and helped out many people. Prayers for all the families.
~ Sid and Lesa Addison Tuthill SD (7/7/2022)

I am so sorry to hear this new today my heart hurts I had lots of laughs with rich and he will be missed to the family I sending love and lots of prayers gps give you all the strength you need to go forward
~ Erica strehlow Kadoka (7/7/2022)

Always enjoyed “running” into Rich and swapping stories and many laughs! Sympathies to Rich’s family. Rest easy Rich.
~ Andrew Reckling Philip (7/8/2022)

Our deepest sympathies to all the family & friends.
~ Shannon & Pat Gartner Interior, SD (7/12/2022)

Rich was a great guy and good friend I will miss him prayers for his family
~ Mike Everhard Wyoming (7/8/2022)

Great guy he will be missed and live in our memories
~ Richard / Jimmy Chiaramonte Custer (7/8/2022)

Thanks for your service 🙏 👍
~ A VETERAN (7/12/2022)

Our sympathy and prayers are with all of Richs' family and friends. We knew him as a kind, happy and loving family man. May you find comfort and hope in our savior, your memories and the love of family. God bless you.
~ BETTY J SCHMIDT 850 GOLDFINCH ST APT 226 (7/9/2022)

Prayers to Riches family he was a great guy Rich and Haven built our Fire Hall in Wood God bless
~ Kenneth and Tammy Osterbur Wood, SD (7/11/2022)

To all his loved ones family & friends May the Lord surround you with his love and give you his peace as only he can give!
~ Ben Sharp 20491 BIA 2 (7/12/2022)

So sorry for your loss.....special prayers for all his family and friends.
~ Ann Cvach Midland (7/9/2022)

Colleen & family, I am so sorry to hear this news. Prayers & thoughts with your family.
~ Lib Thomas Aiken, SC (7/8/2022)

Bless you Rich i hadn't seen you in many years however we had a pretty strong story over the years.

Will see you on the other side.
~ Stephen c burton Colorado springs (7/8/2022)

Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Coleen and all of Rich's family.
~ David and Jan Johnson Pollock, SD (7/8/2022)

We are so sorry for your loss of Rich. Our hearts especially go out to Colleen and all the kids, grandkids and family and pray for comfort and many good memories to hold on to.
~ Sandy & Mark E Kadoka (7/11/2022)