Richard Dayton Rochlitz, 92 of Spearfish, South Dakota, formally of Julesburg, Colorado, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, at Edgewood Assisted Living in Spearfish.

Richard was born on March 12, 1933, to Edward and Lillie (Holtorf) Rochlitz in Big Springs, Nebraska. He and his three siblings, Maurice, Christine, Alfred, and a foster brother, Dick Mack, were raised on a farm north of Big Springs. Richard attended Deuel County Grade School and graduated from Big Springs High School in 1950.

Following graduation, Richard began his life-long career in agriculture, farming first on the family farm north of big springs, then in Hayes, South Dakota and shortly afterwards buying a farm/ ranch operation near Glencross, South Dakota.

Richard married the beautiful and spirited Irish lass, Margaret Ann Donnelly (nurse Peggy) on January 29, 1957. The union was blessed with two children, Ryan and Megan. Peggy passed in 2021. They had been married for 64 years.

In 1967, the family moved to Julesburg, Colorado where Richard would manage the Rochlitz family farm and nurse Peggy would serve the community with healthcare for the next 50+ years.

Richard relished music—especially gospel, bluegrass, country and polkas. He loved playing the harmonica and the guitar and would routinely entertain the residents at Edgewood Assisted Living by playing one of his several dozen harmonicas. (He thought the world would be a better place if everyone played the harmonica.) He was known as the "harmonica man" and would dole out harmonicas to whomever wanted one. In addition, Richard was a patriot. He was very passionate about politics and current events—following them like a bloodhound follows a scent. He tracked the stock market and was a very savvy investor. Richard was a devout, faith-filled Christian. He was a staunch Lutheran and Peggy a staunch Catholic, making for some very lively debates. Richard and Peggy both enjoyed rock hunting and would on occasion partake in playing the slots. "When the going gets tough the tough get going." That was Richard's motto. He learned that truth at the ripe old age of 12, when he was severely burned on his left leg—leaving him crippled for the rest of his life. One of his favorite songs was "Scars in Heaven". Richard was a generous man—always willing to help out those in need. He leaves a legacy of faith, generosity, patriotism, love of music and humor. He will be deeply missed.

Richard Dayton Rochlitz is survived by his children, Ryan Rochlitz of Julesburg, CO, Megan Rochlitz-Carter (Bob) of Spearfish, SD; grandchildren, Macala Carter (Rick Pohlman) of Lincoln, NE, Monique (Matt) Lyons of San Diego, CA, Niki (Jason) Dolan of Sidney, NE, Richard E. (Lindsay) Rochlitz of Julesburg, Thai (Morgan) Nimmo of Sidney, NE; great-grandchildren, Gavin Gonzalez, Ensley Hoffschneider of Lincoln, NE, Matt Corne, Kane Dolan, Arianna Nimmo, Beaux Nimmo, Logan Nimmo of Sidney, NE, Ryland Rochlitz of Julesburg, CO, along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Lillie; loving wife, Margaret (Peggy); brothers, Maurice, Alfred, foster brother, R.C. Mack; sister, Christine White; brother-in-law, Howard White and sister-in-law, Gwen Rochlitz.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 10AM, Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Big Springs, Nebraska Cemetery. At this time, both Richard and Margaret will be laid to rest. Great-nephew, Deacon Eric Parker will officiate. Following the final farewell, there will be a reception at the Julesburg Fire Station, serving sloppy joes (the good stuff—no greasy hamburger) and Hamm's as per Richard's request. A special thank you to Edgewood Assisted Living staff and residence for the loving care Richard received while living there.

All memorial contributions will be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Julesburg. Any correspondence can be mailed to: Megan/Bob Carter 736 Elk Run Road Spearfish, SD 57783.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish.