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Richard C. Erdmann
RAPID CITY | Dr. Richard C. Erdmann was called home to be with the Lord Friday, January 18, 2013.
Richard was born April 4, 1923, at Blue Grass, Minnesota, to Rudolph and Bertha (Fruitiger) Erdmann. He married Ardelle L. Olson on May 2, 1942, at Menahga, Minnesota. Richard enlisted in the Army and served in WWII from 1944 to 1946, spending his service time in Italy. After his return they moved to Chicago where Richard attended the National College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1950.
After graduation, Richard and Ardelle moved to Rapid City with their family and started his chiropractic practice. He was involved in many professional organizations throughout his career, including the American Chiropractic Association, of which he was a charter member, the South Dakota Chiropractic Association, and the Christian Chiropractic Association. In 1989 he received the South Dakota Chiropractor of the Year award and in 1991 he received the Golden Service Award recognizing his 50 years of chiropractic service to the community. Richard retired in 1997 due to health reasons.
Richard was actively involved in many civic organizations including the Rapid City Jaycees, Cosmopolitan Club, Shriners, and Masons (York Rite and Scottish Rite). His civic commitments also included serving on the boards of the YMCA, Boys Club, Gideon's, and the United Fund.
Richard and Ardelle joined Trinity Lutheran Church in 1951 upon their arrival in Rapid City and he served as an elder and a member of the church council.
Richard loved to pilot small airplanes, which led to his participation in the South Dakota Civil Air Patrol. He served as a cadet commandant for seven years, assisting his cadets in receiving scholarships and awards.
His daughters will always treasure the memories of having him teach them how to snow ski, fish, and hunt. The Sunday drives in the hills and flying in his airplane were also family favorites.
His appreciation of a good joke made all feel like they were great comedians.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Bertha, and his grandson, Ryan Schneider.
He is survived by his wife, Ardelle; six daughters, Judy (Will) Kallal of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Susan (Mike) Messinger of Rapid City, Carol Erdmann of Dallas, Texas, Sallie (Jim) Ashton of The Woodlands, Texas, Karla (Andy) Schneider of Rapid City, and Ruth (Brice) Denton of Rapid City, 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, January 21, at Osheim and Schmidt Funeral Home.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Wilbur Holz officiating. Interment, with military honors provided by Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the South Dakota National Guard, will be at 1 p.m. at Black Hill National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church.
His online guestbook is available to sign at www.osheimschmidt.com.
Published in Rapid City Journal on January 21, 2013
