ST. ONGE, SD – Dick (Richard) Roy Hermann of St. Onge, South Dakota entered his eternal rest on July 9th, 2026 among friends and Dog in Cave Creek, Arizona.
Richard Roy Hermann was the fourth child born on the family farm to Alta H. (Sayler) and Roy R. Hermann near Lesterville, South Dakota.
Dick was Baptized and Confirmed in the Lutheran Faith at Our Saviors Lutheran Church of rural Menno, South Dakota. He attended grade school at the rural Odessa #41 and then Scotland High School.
Dick spent his youth on the family farm helping his dad with chores which always included milking cows, breaking horses and tending to Princess and Corky, the family horses.
Dick enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966 at the age of 18. He was given an assignment as a gunner’s mate. His duties ordered him to a river boat patrol boat in the Vietnam Mekong Delta. During his tour of duty Richard was constantly subjected to incredibly dangerous conditions. He received a Purple Heart for a shrapnel wound and also a heavy combat fire that cost Dick the loss of all his fellow crewman. The traumatic trauma seemed to haunt Dick his entire life. Richard received the Bronze Star which is the 4th ranking award for meritorious valor in the line of combat. Subsequently, Richard was assigned to the munitions crew aboard the USS Enterprise. There again he endured tragedy when 1/3 of the ship was engulfed in flame. In 1988 Dick reenlisted in the Navy National Guard. While in the guard, Dick finally received his long-awaited Purple Heart from his Vietnam wounds. Dick retired from the Navy National Guard with the rank of E-6 Gunners Mate 1st Class. In all, Dick had 24 years of service to the United States Navy.
Richard’s first Job after leaving the USN in 1970 was a truck driver for Korkow Ranch near Pierre. This winter job turned into a 34-year relationship with the Korkow ranch and rodeo company. Richard was a Saddle Bronc rider. It is very rare to find a family photo that does not sport Dick in some sort of plaster cast. Dick was loved by all on the Rodeo circuit. He made friends and companions wherever he traveled. He was a pick-up man at rodeos for many years. After retiring from being a pick-up man Dick did many things, he was a pilot and flew cargo for various businesses including the State of South Dakota. He owned his own truck hauling livestock.
Dick retired to his St. Onge ranch which he loved dearly. Dick enjoyed the country life, flying his plane and participating in many Parades with his horse teams. In later years he wintered at Cave Creek, Arizona where he again gathered a host of friends. Dick was a member of the Oahe Shrine Club in Ft. Pierre, SD.
We could not end this tribute to this great man without recognizing all his aliases. Everyone knew who we were talking about. AKA “Dicky”, “Bullwinkle”, “Freddy Fudd Pucker from Ft Pierre” (his business card), “Buckaroo Dick”, “Hollywood Hermann” (from his Dances with Wolves connections), and “Deadwood Dick” and others for sure.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Alta and Roy, sister Pearl Gorvin-Hanson. Brothers in law, Bernie Gorvin, Denny Hanson and Wayne Myers.
He is survived by: Brother Howard (Judy) Hermann, Claremore, OK; Sisters: Helen Myers, Scotland, SD; Glenda “Bubbles” (Dave) Mensch, Freeman, SD; Barbara (Curt) Ulmer, Menno, SD; DenAlta (Willie) Patocka, Scotland, SD. 19 nieces and nephews and all their families; and a whole host of extended family and friends.
A Visitation will be held Sunday, July 19th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Kline Funeral Chapel in Belle Fourche.
A Tribute to Dick’s rodeo years will be held on Monday, July 20th at 9:00 am at the Belle Fourche Roundup Grounds followed by a funeral at the Belle Fourche REC Center at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at 12:30 pm at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with the United States Navy Honor Guard presenting military honors.
In Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations in Dicks name to the Oahe Shrine Club in care of Curt Mortenson, PO Box 190 Ft. Pierre, SD 57532
The funeral will be livestreamed and can be viewed on Richard’s obituary page at klinefuneralchapel.com
Arrangements are under the care of Kline Funeral Chapel of Belle Fourche. An online guest book and video tribute is available at klinefuneralchapel.com
