Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Age 89
Rev Dr. Richard D.
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.
www.heritagesfsd.com
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!!!
Julie Blechinger
November 14, 2015 | Sioux Falls, SD
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.
Kendra (Greaney) Campbell
November 11, 2015 | Westford, MA
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.
Todd and Donna Shepherd
November 11, 2015 | Westford, MA
Dick, Your kind and caring spirit will live on forever. The rest is surely forgiven. Thanks for the memories.
November 09, 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.
November 09, 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
Holly Swenson
November 09, 2015 | Brandon, SD
Welcome Home! Matthew 18:6
Grigori Ha-satan
November 09, 2015 | Abaddon, MO
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 08, 2015 | Sioux Falls, SD
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 08, 2015 | Sioux Falls, SD
