PIERRE, SD – Richard Ralph Regennitter of Pierre was born in Vivian, SD, August 24, 1955. He passed away peacefully in Rapid City on December 23, 2025.

 

Richard was the youngest of three children born to Francis (Kotz) and Ralph Regennitter. He attended Black Hills State University, studying history, until his father passed away and he moved back to the farm. Richard married Stella Monson and was blessed with two daughters, as well as gained six stepchildren. Richard loved his children dearly and was known to make special gifts in his shop for them. Richard was a very skilled welder. His talents took him all the way to China for work. He later opened his own business, D&R Welding, with his dear friend Deb O’Donnell.

Richard had many hobbies and enjoyed working with his hands. He could build or fix anything. He enjoyed woodworking, metal fabrication, and carpentry. He also had a love for animals, particularly dogs. In his retirement, you would often see him walking his chihuahua, Sadie.

Richard loved to sing and spent many years singing in the Saint John’s Catholic Church choir in Fort Pierre. He was devoted to his faith and found joy in attending mass multiple times a week.

He leaves behind two daughters: Jennifer (Mark) Lewis and Heather Regennitter; six stepchildren: Dawn (Jack) Magee, Kim Tassler, Donald (Dawn) Tassler, Tootsie (Lee) Ramey, Brenda (Brady) Badger, and Teresa (Derk) Campbell; numerous grand- and great-grandchildren; two siblings: Lyle (Bonita) Regennitter and Eileen Stolley; and dear friends Deb O’Donnell and Greg Roseland.

Richard is reunited in death with his wife, Stella, parents Ralph and Francis, grandson Kristoffer Iwan, brother in-law Dick Stolley, and lifelong friends, Albert and Norma Meier.

Services will be held Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 11am at Saint John’s Catholic Church in Fort Pierre.

Burial will follow at Scotty Philip Cemetery, Fort Pierre.

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