Richard Dean Sleep, 82 of Spearfish, died Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Deadwood.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, January 31, at the United Methodist Church in Spearfish. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 30, at the Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish.

He was born on July 3, 1943, to Eugene and Ruth (Moore) Sleep in Deadwood. He grew up, worked with his dad, and lived his entire life on the Sleep Ranch west of Spearfish. He graduated from Spearfish High School in 1961 and spent his only time away at South Dakota State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1965.

Richard met his wife, Karen DeGroot, — and swept her off her feet — at a fall harvest feast hayride in college. They married on June 25, 1966, and settled on the ranch and lived life to the fullest as they raised their three children, Jeff, Matthew, and Melissa. Richard was known for his strong work ethic and was civic minded. He served on many boards, including numerous years on the Spearfish School Board, the Butte/Lawrence County Fair Board, the Farmers and Ranchers Co-op, and he spent the last 15 years as a Lawrence County Commissioner.

Richard had many favorite places in the Black Hills and never felt the need to travel anywhere else. His family, his cows, and ranching were his life, but he also enjoyed hunting elk, checking in on Iron Creek Lake, and in the last years, feeding his beloved turkeys.

Preceding Richard in death were his parents, two infant siblings, and brother-in-law Robert Steele.

Richard is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Karen; children Jeffrey (Jodi) Sleep of Spearfish, Matthew (Deanna) Sleep of Rapid City; Melissa (Boyd) Dean of Spearfish; nine grandchildren, Samantha (Carl) Anderson of Rutland, Sydney (Benjamin) Meyer of Belle Fourche, Carson (Damaris) Sleep of Spearfish; Callie (Luis) Duque, Tessa (Rylee) Sundermann, and Rylie Sleep, all of Rapid City; Amanda Dean, Lyndey Dean, and Natalie Dean, all of Spearfish; and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Gloria Steele, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial has been established.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com