Richard Dick Schlaak - November 1929 - November 2020
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Dec 2, 2020 | 7:19 PM / 557 views
Richard “Dick” Schlaak Sr., 91, of Pierre, SD, passed away November 28, 2020 at Avera St. Marys Hospital of natural causes. Family will greet visitors from 5:00-7:00pm, Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Feigum Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be at 11:00am, Friday, December 4, 2020 at Riverside Cemetery.
Dick was born in Georgeville, MN on November 3, 1929 to Edward and Hazel (Allen) Schlaak. The oldest of three children, he spent his early years working on the family farm. The family moved to Pierre in 1950, where both Dick and his Dad worked on early construction of the Oahe Dam. In 1951 he was drafted into the Army where he was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Assigned to a pool of drivers providing transportation to senior officers, Dick boasted that he drove for General Eisenhower and his wife Mamie. He was honored to be invited into their quarters for ice cream.
Dick married Arvilla “Billie” Bauer on November 16, 1953 in Eureka, SD. Together they raised four children. Dick worked alongside his mother and brother at the Pierre Flowershop and Greenhouse from the mid fifties to late sixties. He worked for Magee Plumbing and then for Oahe Plumbing until his retirement in 1987. His kids joke that if you took a drive with Dad he was always pointing out which business or house he had plumbed which seemed to be every other house in Pierre.
After retirement Dick and Billie enjoyed traveling, meeting and visiting people, gardening, baking, playing cards, fishing and cheering on the Minnesota Twins. For the past three years he enjoyed life at Edgewood Senior Living. Dicks collection of hats for every occasion was shared with the residents and staff.
Blessed to have shared in his life are his children Richard Jr. (Karen) of Pierre, Terry (Terri) of Denver, CO, Kathy (Justin) Luna, Ontario, CA, Jay( Lorri) of Pierre; 7 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Arlene Friesch; brother-in-law Randy Bertsch. Dick was preceded in death by Billie, his wife of 61 years, his parents, brother Henry and sister Betty Stahl.
In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.
