Richard Melvin Breum

Richard “Dick” Melvin Breum, 86, passed away on January 31, 2026, at the VA Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, where he was surrounded by compassionate, dignified care in his final days.

All visitation and funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 401 S. Spring Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 2:30–5:00 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 5:00 p.m., all at the church. The funeral service will also be held at the church on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. A light reception will follow at the church prior to burial at the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery.

Richard was a dedicated and hardworking man who spent 37 years at Morrell’s, where he was known for his loyalty and strong work ethic. He also proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years, a chapter of his life he carried with quiet pride.

On October 13, 1961 — a Friday the 13th — Richard married the love of his life, Kathleen. Their marriage spanned more than 50 years before Kathleen’s passing, and their story now comes full circle as Richard will be laid to rest on another Friday the 13th. Together they built a life rooted in love, sacrifice, and devotion to their family.

Richard was a deeply devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His children remember a dad who worked hard all day and still came home ready to be present. Rick fondly remembers his dad coming home from work and sitting down to watch The Monkees together. Randy cherished evenings watching Star Trek and the excitement of getting an Atari 2600. Mike remembered how, when the family was house-hunting, his parents made sure the new yard had a tree to climb — and that the boys liked the house before they bought it. Jenni treasures the many sacrifices her parents made so she could participate in sports growing up, always putting their children first.

Richard was a loyal fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins through every up and down. Watching games together was a family tradition, and by the second or third game of each season, he’d already be saying with a grin, “Jenni, there is always next year!” Still, he never lost his excitement when game day came around.

He was also known for having the biggest sweet tooth of anyone around. And when Jenni took him to the doctor and he was asked if he wanted to remove his coat to be weighed, he’d always reply, “This isn’t Weight Watchers!” — a line that perfectly captured his sense of humor.

Richard is survived by his four children: Rick, Randy (Mary), Mike (Will), and Jennifer Breum; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Mary Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen Breum; his parents, Melvin and Dorothy Breum; brother, Donald Breum; brothers-in-law, Martin Skillman, Donald Anderson, and John Long; sisters-in-law, Florence Long, Janice Skillman, and Frieda Breum; and nephew, James Skillman.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the VA Hospice Cottage, 2501 W. 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD 57107, ATTN: Voluntary Services, Memo: Hospice Cottage.