Richard E. Steinmeyer, 82, of Spearfish, passed away peacefully February 15, 2012 at his home with family members at his side.

Richard was born April 21, 1929 at White River, SD the third son of Horton and Anna (Weigel) Steinmeyer. During his earliest years the family lived in a sod house on their ranch near Long Valley, SD. He attended Nebraska State High School of Agriculture at Curtis, NE and graduated from Bennett County High School in 1947. When his brothers left home to serve in the military, Richard remained at home to help run the family ranch. It was at this time that he purchased a Taylor Craft airplane which he used in managing work on the ranch. His passion for flying led to many lasting memories and stories not only for himself but also for his family and friends.

On November 26, 1960 he and Ann Olson were united in marriage at the Glendo Community Church, in Glendo, WY. To this union were born three sons and one daughter. They ranched at Long Valley until buying the Oscar-Alfred Smith ranch near Spearfish in November of 1970, where they operated a dairy, and timber farm, until retiring in 1990. Richard was an active member of the Black Hills Dairy Association, and the Farmers and Ranchers Co-op. As an active church member, Richard particularly appreciated the great fellowship and bible studies with fellow Christians. Richard had a gentle, quiet spirit, endearing smile, and a fun sense of humor. He was a very devoted husband who valued the time spent with his children and grandchildren. After retiring from the daily responsibilities of the dairy, Ann and Richard enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time in recreation such as boating, fishing, traveling to many places around the world and enjoying the sunny south during the cold winter months.

Richard is survived by his wife, Ann; sons, James (Chris) Steinmeyer, Vermillion SD; William (Marilyn) Steinmeyer, Merriman NE; daughter, Susan (Bill) Fox Longmont CO; grandchildren, Chance, Gabe, Mike, Rose, Nate and Zack Steinmeyer, and Stephanie and Margaret Fox; step-grandsons, Kevin (Shawna), Tim (Sadah) and Bill Jr. Fox; step-great-grandchildren, Tyson, Megan, and Crevan Fox; brothers, Horton F(Irene) Steinmeyer, Denver CO; Chuck (Mary) Steinmeyer, Grand Rapids MI, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Douglas.

A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Funeral Service will be at 11 A.M. on Friday, February 24, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church in Whitewood, SD, followed by dinner at the Hale Hall. Family burial service will be at 2:00 P.M. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish. Memorial in honor of Richard may be given to Hospice of Northern Black Hills, American Cancer Society, or to the First Presbyterian Church of Whitewood.