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Nick Armstrong Obituary

RAPID CITY - Nick Armstrong, Rapid City Police Officer, passed away Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, from injuries sustained Aug. 2, in the line of duty.

Nicholas Keegan Armstrong was born May 24, 1984, in Rapid City to Bill and Kim Armstrong. Nick attended Meadowbrook Elementary, Southwest Middle and Stevens High Schools.

It was evident early on that Nick wanted to be a cop and that dream never wavered, often dressing up in his father's SWAT team clothes and playing paintball with his brothers and friends. Nick was a member of the South Dakota Civil Air Patrol during high school and participated in the color guard, which was nationally ranked. He was also a Rapid City Police Cadet for several years during and right after high school. Nick left Black Hills State University after three years of study, anxious to enter his law enforcement career. He started as a reserve deputy and correctional officer with Lawrence County, followed by two years as a policeman for the City of Spearfish before coming to the Rapid City Police Department in June of 2009. Nick was assigned to the Street Crimes Unit of the Rapid City Police Department in April 2011. He loved that assignment. Where else could you wear shorts, ride a bike and get paid for it? He was dedicated to getting into the best physical condition of his life, this being evident at the time of his death as he was able to give hope and life to others through organ donation.

Nick loved nature and the outdoors - hiking, biking, camping and skiing being favorite pastimes. It really didn't matter what he was doing as long as he was with his friends. He also loved road trips, often starting with the intention of going one place but ending up somewhere altogether different. It wasn't the destination, but the journey. He was a gifted photographer and many of his adventures are preserved forever in his pictures.

In a family of three boys, Nick was the eldest brother, three bodies sharing the same heart. He was the greatest son, stopping by after shift or on his days off just to hang with his parents and play with the dogs.

Honored and humbled to be part of his family are his mother and father, Kim and Bill Armstrong, Rapid City; brother, Chris Armstrong (Danielle McKenzie), Milwaukee, Wis.; brother, Mackenzie Armstrong, Rapid City; grandmother, Iva Keacher, Glenwood, Minn.; aunt, Susan (Phil) Paschke, Seattle; uncle, Tom (Susan) Keacher, Phoenix; and cousins, Devin Paschke, Andrea Keacher and Jeff Keacher. In addition, Nick was blessed with the friendship of many wonderful people, all of whom we wish will stay a part of our family. His honorary brothers include, John "Bob" Arneson, Dustin Calhoun, Justin Cramer, Chris Larson, Eric O'Connor and Cory Shafer; and honorary sisters, Jamie Appleman, Sara Hornick and Lori Larson.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lloyd Keacher; and grandparents, George and Eloise Armstrong.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, in the Barnett Arena at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center with Pastor Corey Harouff officiating. Visitation will be one hour before services. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Humane Society of the Black Hills.

Family and friends may sign Nick's online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com

"The mountains are calling and I must go." - Nick Armstrong and John Muir
Published by Rapid City Journal on Aug. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Nick Armstrong

Not sure what to say?





Chris Barrera

August 3, 2019

Its been some years, I think about you from time to time, pray for you. Rip brother in blue

August 12, 2011

To the family of Officer Nick Armstrong, the Afraid of Lightning and Circle Bear families wish to thank you for giving your son a life so he could touch and make a difference in so many lives in such a short time, our prayers and condolences to your family..He will always be remembered and honored in our family as a Warrior.

Lauren Hanks

August 12, 2011

You are a hero. Thank you for everything that you did. You are going to be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Nick.

August 12, 2011

Sympathy to all of your family and community. Lt. Priscilla Barry
Saratoga Springs, NY FD

Marge Jenes Andersh

August 11, 2011

Words are not enough to express my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. We are grateful for Nick's service. God Bless

Kathy Jones

August 11, 2011

My prayers and thoughts go out to the Armstrong family and the Rapid City Police officers.

Pennie VanTomme

August 11, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Armstong family. God Bless u

Kherdine, Matthew, and Jacob

August 11, 2011

"Don't worry, the first person you see is Jesus" excerpt from Heaven is for Real. I believe Nick is happy and without pain right now. I pray family and friends can feel God's peace in their hearts. My condolences.

Cheyenne River Sioux

August 11, 2011

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:4-9 WALK IN BEAUTY BROTHER!

Dan Eberly

August 11, 2011

Bill our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dan, Deb Eberly and Family

S McCully

August 11, 2011

Thank you for your selfless service to our city and you will not be forgotten. May God's grace carry your family through this horrible tragedy.

Shana Graf-Smith

August 11, 2011

RIP Officer Armstrong..Thank you for all you have done for the citizens of Rapid City..I salute you!

August 11, 2011

It is with deep sadness that we have to say "We are so sorry for ya'll". He started his journey as a young man in Rapid and sadly has ended his journey in Rapid. I am sure he has chosen his path and is following it now. He is always with you in memories. He did so much in his young life but what he has done will live on forever in the community. He saw evil that day and stood against it. A brave and proud young man. He was a hero. May you have peace and hope as time goes by the grief you feel will turn into precious memories. God Bless you for giving us your son.

Helen White

August 11, 2011

It is with saddness to hear Rapid City has lost two of its finest.

Cindy Voss

August 10, 2011

To the Armstrong family,
Please except my deepest sympathy and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you will be comforted by the wonderful memories you have of Nick and by your knowledge of the wonderful person he was.
Cindy Voss

Sid Michaels

August 10, 2011

To Bill Armstrong and your family. I worked in the jail and my wife and I extend our most heart felt sympathy to you and your family. You and yours are in our prayers and thoughts daily. God Bless our Heros. I to have a son in law-in-forcement and we worry for his safty as well as your daughter who is in corrections. Bill may God lift and support you and yours.

Kay LaFrance

August 10, 2011

My prayers are with Officer Armstrong's family and friends. May our Father comfort you in this difficult time.

August 10, 2011

My prayers to you all- from a Mother of a police officer in Sturgis,SD My heart is heavy for you, Marilyn ,Fort Collins,Co

Donna Messerli

August 10, 2011

In loving Memory of your "Nick" Bill. You probably don't remember me, but I worked in dispatch and as a reserve deputy in the 80's and really enjoyed knowing you Bill-I have heard so many great things about Nick...I am sure you were very proud of him. Words simply cannot express my deep sympathy. May God bless and comfort you all now and always.

Donna Messerli

August 10, 2011

Bill and Kim- I am so sorry for your loss.

Someone lost a hero today
and not on foreign shores or sand
Someone lost a son today,
tears tracked across our freedom land.
Someone lost a friend today,
of finer men, we cannot speak
than those in blue who vow to serve,
the vulnerable and weak.
A community lost a great man today
one willing to die for you or me.
May God comfort those who knew him best-and bring lasting honor to his memory.

DSM

Delmar & Sharon Bowes

August 10, 2011

We will miss seeing Nick here at the Apartment building and downtown on Thursday nights. Even though we only knew Nick for 1 1/2 years we know he was a very dedicated police officer. He was so happy to get off night duty last Spring and work on the unit he really cared about.Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We will miss him.

Jeff & Mischelle Boal

August 10, 2011

R.I.P Nick. You are a hero. Our thoughts and prayers go to the Armstrong family. May you find comfort in the grace of god.

Randy and Elaine Fredrikson

August 10, 2011

To the Armstrong family;

We can't even begin to express how deeply saddened we were to learn of Nick's untimely death! You have been a family of friends to us for so many years that this event has really torn at our hearts!

I remember so well when you (Kim) and I met at McDonald's to show off our new babies (Nick and Joel)to one another and how excited we were to have our new little families! Even though the miles have kept us apart, you have remained very special friends and we so enjoy hearing about your boys growing up through your Christmas letters. You sounded so proud when Nick became a member of the R.C.P.D.

Nick was born to be a police officer and it sounds like he was very dedicated to his career! He had amazing, wonderful parents, two great brothers, adoring pets and life well lived. How fortunate to have had such a full life at a young age and be able to leave this world with no regrets!

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come.

Much love,

Jan Wasson

August 10, 2011

Dear Armstrong Family: Although we have never met, I wish to express my deepest condolences upon the untimely and brave death of your dear Nick.

It is my prayer that our Lord and Saviour bring you peace and comfort during the time of grief. God is good and will be with you, as He promised.

JAYE STEVENSON

August 10, 2011

my prayers go out to the armstrong family and to the R.C.P.D.

August 10, 2011

Nick, I only met you once or twice, but you left a spot in my mind and my heart. My Wife and I would like to convery our condolences to your family and friends. Stan Zakinski, Chief of Police (Ret.) You are surely one step ahead of us being with the Lord....

Shana Graf-Smith

August 10, 2011

I salute you Officer Armstrong..

Lavon Mize

August 10, 2011

I'd like to express my sympathy to the family of Nick Armstrong. Nick lived in the apartment building I live in. I Often thought it's nice to have an officer living in the building. I said a pray outside his door.
My prayers for his family.

Billee Schaible

August 10, 2011

What a sad tragedy to have lost this fine young officer. He served even through his death by being an organ donor. His sacrifice will breathe new hope and life into the life of the recipients of his precious gifts. We are parents of a Police Officer and can hardly take in the enormous heartache your family, friends, loved ones, co-workers and this community are enduring. Rest in Peace, Officer Armstrong. Peace, Strength and Grace to All.... Scott and Billee Schaible

Julie Davis

August 10, 2011

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Steve Gruhlke

August 10, 2011

Kim and Bill Armstrong


As a father of a man that went to the academy with Nick and a former Sioux Falls police officer myself I don’t want to feel what is in your hearts. You and your children are in our prayers. From what Mark our son has told me about Nick and the time he spent with him at the academey I would have been proud to have known him. No words can explain what is in my heart. I only know with his contibution to others in his death He will live forever and I know you will be as proud of him as any parent is of their children.

With a deep heart and in Jesus name I pray for all.


Steve Gruhlke

Tina Schiefer

August 9, 2011

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Candice Cardiff

August 9, 2011

Truly a tragedy. A beautiful life cut short. May this truly wonderful young man rest in peace. I would have been honored to have met him. He is a shining example of what we all should be and strive for. My prayers are with his wonderful parents and family duriing their time of great loss and sadness. Nick was a gift to our world and to all who knew him. Candice Cardiff

Bob & Mary Kay Morgan

August 9, 2011

Our prayers and comforting thoughts go out to all those that Nick left behind. He has now joined his other Brothers in walking the beat in the Heavens. What a great individual he was.

August 9, 2011

Condolences to the Armstrong Family. Nick was a true blue hero and his service was greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Tom, Anne Marie, Amanda, Ashleigh, Zackery & Margaret Wilson

Lon Hoops

August 9, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Nick. He will be sorely missed by all, especially his brothers in uniform.

Sheila Scott

August 9, 2011

May God be with the Nick Armstromg family, our prayers are with you. Mchenry Ill

Sarah Reichert

August 9, 2011

May you rest in peace Officer Armstrong.

August 9, 2011

We are sorry to hear of your loss and send our prayers and condolences. Nick was a very close friend of our nephew Tony Klunder and my wife and I have both worked with his dad in the past. As a retired Senior Chief Master-At-Arms an old navy poem came to mind and is very fitting during this time need and I would like to share it with you during your time of need, It is called the watch and it is very humbling .

The Watch

For Six years
This Officer has stood the watch
While some of us were in our beds at night
This officer stood the watch

While some of us were in school learning our trade
This officer stood the watch

Yes. even before some of us were born into this world
This officer stood the watch

In those years when the storm clouds of trouble were seen brewing on the horizon of history
This officer stood the watch

Many times he would cast an eye toward the starry night and see his family standing there
Needing his guidance and help
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times
But he still stood the watch

He stood the watch for Six years
He stood the watch so that we, our families and
Our fellow neighbors could sleep soundly in safety, Each and every night
Knowing that this officer stood the watch

Today we are here to say
'Officer... the watch stands relieved
Relieved by those You have trained ,Guided, and Lead
Officer you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."

"Bugler /Piper..Standby to pipe the side...Officer's going Home.."

Karla and Harry Brist

Glenn Preston

August 9, 2011

My deep sympathy and prayers go to Kim and Bill.
Bill, Nick sounds like he was a chip off the old block! A man to be proud of. May our Lord give you comfort and His peace.
All my love to you.

Leah Thornton

August 9, 2011

My prayers are with you and the Rapid City Police Department of the lose of this great officers.

Doyla Lundstrom

August 9, 2011

To: Officer Nick Armstong's Family,
Our deepest condolences to your family. Officer Nick was
a wonderful Police Officer for our community. Although, his
duties have ended, he will always be remembered.
May he rest in peace.
God Bless you, Officer Nick Armstrong.
John and Doy
Rapid City

Wanda and Jeff Dale

August 9, 2011

We are so sorry for the loss of your son. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Nick was a wonderfull person and had such a big heart.

Derek Simonson

August 9, 2011

To The Family Of Slain Officer Nick Armstrong, We Are Very Sorry That You Lost Your Son In The Line Of Duty. We Are Very Thankful That He Fought To Keep The City Safe. He Should Have Not Died!! He Was Just Doing His Job!!! You Had A Very Caring And Loving Son. My Condolences Go Out To Nick's Parents And Their Family!!!

Kristen Stephens

August 9, 2011

No words can make the hurt or emptiness go away, but please know that my family and many others are all praying for your family. Thank you Nick for protecting our community and making Rapid City a safer place. I am so sorry for your loss, God Bless all of you.

Doug Arnoldt

August 9, 2011

Officer Nick Armstrong, Thank you for your service, big smile. You did so much for Rapid City in such in the short time that you were given. But you will never be forgotten. You Walked Tall.
Thoughts and prayers for the family and fellow officers.

Christiaan Barrera

August 9, 2011

R.I.P. our fallen brother in arms, prayers are with family and fellow officers of the Rapid City Police Department.

-from the officers of the Winnevegas Casino

August 9, 2011

What a wonderful young man!

Dianne Dailey

August 9, 2011

My prayers are with the family of such a wonderful young man who was working to keep our city safe. God Bless all of you.

Kathleen Larson

August 9, 2011

As the mother of a "second generation police officer", we are terribly saddened. We pray that God gives you the strength and gives you comfort during this most difficult time. We didn't know Nick, but through the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement, we know the dedication and passion that Nick gave each day. We thank him for his heroism and so very very sorry. God Bless you and keep you close. Kathleen Larson and Ben Carbajal

Rick Briggs

August 9, 2011

Sorry for your loss, thank you for your sevice and I just hope something good will come from this.

Kristy Schumacher

August 9, 2011

I am blessed to have had the chance to work with you and to have known you Nick. We will continue on for the greater good, knowing you will watch our backs. Sincere prayers for your loved ones and may they feel the love and support from your law enforcement family.

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