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Richard Pittenger Obituary
Pittenger Sr.
Rev. Richard "Dick" Pittenger, Sr., 89, died on Monday, November 2nd at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 7th at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 401 S. Spring Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD with a luncheon following the service.
Dick was born March 5th, 1926 in Brookings, SD. He was the 7th son of Budd and Sylva LaMay Pittenger and grew up in rural Brookings County. He graduated from Brookings High School in 1943. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946. He was a graduate of SDSU and a lifelong "Jacks" fan. He went on to seminary and graduated from Drew Theological University in Madison, New Jersey in 1953.
He married Ruth Feldmann on July 15th, 1953 and they had 3 children, Peri, Rick and Michelle. They later divorced.
Dick served as a pastor in several churches in the South Dakota Methodist Conference: Spearfish Methodist Church from 1953-1960; Brookings Methodist Church from 1960-1969, where he was active in preaching against the VietNam War, and from 1969-1973 he served as Northern District Superintendent of the SD United Methodist Conference. He was appointed to serve as the Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church Sioux Falls in 1973.
He was an avid golfer, bowler and enjoyed watching sports of all kinds. He also enjoyed reading, writing and debating politics.
Dick and Dolores Kielman-Wright were married in Sioux Falls on November 6th, 1981. They went on to serve at the Westford United Methodist Church in Westford, Massachusetts. He retired from full time parish ministry in 1193 and they returned to South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his six brothers. Dick is survived by his wife Dolores, son Rev. Rick Pittenger, Jr. (Becky) of Vermillion; daughters Peri Robbins (Dr. Jack Robbins) of Brandon and Michelle Rooks (Chris) of Vernon, Vermont; stepdaughters Shannon Wright of Sioux Falls and Crysta Fischer (Kurt) of Clifton, Virginia and Shelly Brown (Keith) of LeMars, IA; 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to "Feeding South Dakota" at www.feedingsouthdakota.org.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Pittenger
Sponsored by His Love.
Julie Blechinger
November 14, 2015
I am so grateful to Dick and his family for their love and friendship when I was adrift in the 1970's. I will especially miss his warm smile and hearty laugh. Go Jacks!!!
Kendra (Greaney) Campbell
November 11, 2015
I am sorry to hear the passing of a wonderful and compassionate man. I was a little girl in Westford with a lot of questions about the bible and he always spoke to me with respect as he tried to teach me of the bible. He was part of my confirmation and although it has been more than 26 years since our lives crossed path I have never forgotten him. He made going to church fun and interesting. Rest in peace.
Todd and Donna Shepherd
November 11, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of Rev. Pittenger's passing. He presided over our nuptials 23 years ago. He truly gave them his special twist by mentioning the Red Sox score (they were winning) and giving Todd an allowance to prevent fights (well that didn't work but it was a nice idea). Dick will be dearly missed and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.
November 9, 2015
Dick, Your kind and caring spirit will live on forever. The rest is surely forgiven. Thanks for the memories.
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November 9, 2015
Dick Pittenger was truly a man of great knowledge, intelligence and wisdom. His willingness to voice his beliefs and concerns was a gift to all with open minds and open hearts. So Dick, thank you for caring and sharing. Your voice will be missed. I pray that myself and others will find the courage and make the effort to also speak out for what is right, and more importantly-work together to change what is not.
Holly Swenson
November 9, 2015
My sympathy to Rev. Pittenger's family. I did not know him but was always moved by his editorials. I respected and admired him for speaking out so eloquently and passionately about social justice. Sincerely, Holly Swenson
Grigori Ha-satan
November 9, 2015
Welcome Home! Matthew 18:6
Joshua Walton
November 8, 2015
I'm going to really miss Dick. I've often wished to just sit and visit with him. He's a good man, and smart man. He was a great influence for me in my troubled teen years. I very much value having him in my life.
Joshua Walton
November 8, 2015
I'm going to really miss Dick. I've often wished to just sit and visit with him. He's a good man, and smart man. He was a great influence for me in my troubled teen years. I very much value having him in my life.
Robyn (Seas) Emmett
November 8, 2015
Sorry for your loss, Peri and family. I have so many great memories of times with you and your family back in our middle school days. You are in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
November 6, 2015
I hope the golf courses in heaven are fantastic beyond description. Play in peace and with abandon Dick. No more carts, or "naps on the first green". You have touched lives in so many ways, and you will live on forever in my heart.
Sharon and Bill Michailidis
November 6, 2015
He always had a smile and gave light and life to any event. Our heart and prayers go out to the family. May his memory be eternal.
Sandra DeGeest
November 6, 2015
Sending our condolences to the Rick and Becky Pittenger family. I'm unable to attend the service, but wanted to extend my thoughts and prayers to all of you. I don't believe that I've read a more eloquently written obituary, and you can certainly feel the love and admiration pouring from it! God's blessings.
Ruth Pittenger
November 6, 2015
Loving memories of the good years we had together. Sorry they had to end the way they did. Thank you for our children. Know you are in a better place. Did you take your golf clubs? Much love for what once was. Blessings to the families. Ruth Pittenger
Don Nash
November 6, 2015
Brookings UMC was my church while going to SDSU, and "Dick" was my pastor while there, and getting to enjoy him while visiting at the various Annual Conference meeting. So, so sorry for your loss.
November 6, 2015
So sorry, thinking of you, Michelle, Chris, Kes and Bri - from all the Maloneys
Rev. Rick & Becky Pittenger
November 5, 2015
Thanks for being my Dad...
As Dr. Vaska said, "He was a man of Grace!" Dad never claimed to be a Saint, unless by that you mean what he always said, the difference between a "Saint" and a "Sinner" is that "Sinner" is a "Saint" that know he/she is forgiven! ;) Miss you Dad...
I'll say more on Saturday... blessed memories will live on...
Blessings, grins and grace to all, in Christ's love,
Son, "Rick" Richard (Jr.)
David Ducheneaux
November 5, 2015
Always enjoyed seeing Dick every Saturday at our GA meetings. He brightened up the room with his loving and humorous nature.
November 5, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad, Rick. You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Mikkelson
November 5, 2015
Dolores, please accept our sincere condolences. I am so glad we were able to see Uncle Dick this past summer at the family reunion. I know he will be greatly missed. Amos & Marian [Pittenger] Belt
Tom and Le Ann Peterson
November 5, 2015
We will be thinking and keeping you all in our prayers esp. on Saturday. We so enjoyed meeting Dick at Matt and Kristen's wedding in Late September. We are so sorry for your loss. Tom and Le Ann
Carol Kinsey
November 5, 2015
Dolores & Family, The Neighborhood Watch residents wish to express condolences in your loss.
Lanny Stricherz
November 5, 2015
May this great peace activist and advocate of social justice rest in peace.
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