Richard J Hildebrand

Richard J Hildebrand, age 72, of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at Monument Health in Rapid City.

Richard J. Hildebrand was born November 18, 1949, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of George Hildebrand and Marion Probst-Swordes. He grew up in Lawrence where he received his education. While in school, Rich was very athletic and excelled in gymnastics. He graduated from high school in 1968.

Rich was drafted in August 1969, and entered the US Army. While serving, he was struck by a landmine and the shrapnel remained in his body. After healing, he went back to the battlefield. Rich moved through the ranks in the Army and was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart.

After his honorable discharge, Rich moved to Colorado Springs where he made a living off of playing pool. He later followed his sister to the gold mines in Deadwood. While in Deadwood, Richard met Laurel and were united in marriage in 1978. To this union were born three children Heath, Heidi and Haven. They made their home in Rapid City, where Rich was employed by Stanley Johnson. In 1980, Laurel and Rich moved their family to Kadoka and started Hildebrand Steel and Concrete. Throughout his years in the concrete business, Rich employed many. He always said “it’s not a job if you love what you’re doing.” Rich loved teaching his trade and there are so many people that have a story to tell.

On August 27, 2000, Rich was united in marriage to Colleen Olney. His family grew by three more children Slater, Sam, and Corrine. Rich and Colleen continued to operate Hildebrand Steel and Concrete and retired in 2017 with intentions to travel. Rich’s work ethic prevented him from travelling afar and settling down. Instead, Rich and Colleen purchased fixer-uppers for rentals in the community and enjoyed carpentry.

One of the greatest treasures of his life was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Becoming a grandpa in 1998, he has enjoyed each moment laughing, joking, pranking, teaching, and loving them. His grandchildren Jerica, Jadyn, Jyntre, Jyrzee, Audrea, Lucien, Kolter, Kamdyn, Amiya, Harper, Jemma, and Floyd will forever cherish their memories. Rich became a great-grandpa in 2019 and loved each moment spent with Ezekial and Nash.

Suffering multiple major head injuries throughout his life lead to periods of dementia and altered mood status. his was a very difficult transition for his family and his community. Although his mind was altered, his strength and determination never waivered.

Thankful for his life are his wife of 22 years Colleen; his children Heath (Amara) Hildebrand of Lakewood, CO, Heidi (Sauntee) Coller of Kadoka, Haven (Lindsey) Hildebrand of Sturgis, Slater DeKay of Tuthill, SD, Samantha DeKay of Kadoka, and Corrine (Matt) Thompson of Rapid City; two brothers Tom (Glenda) Hildebrand of Sturgis, and Jerry (Raylene) Hildebrand of Rapid City; and three sisters Cathy (Kelly) Pennel of Rapid City, Denise Tripp of Ft. Collins, CO, and Teresa (Perry) Norton of Gillette, WY.

Richard was preceded in death by his father George Hildebrand, his mother Marion Probst-Swordes; one sister Caroline; one brother Joseph; a granddaughter JayLee Dae; his father-in-law Roger Neiffer; his in-laws Bud and Norma Olney; three brothers-in-law Mike, Keith, and Mitch; his granddogs Dennis and Tugg; and his dogs Sam, Jamie and Cashus.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. Monday, July 11, at the City Auditorium in Kadoka.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at the City Auditorium with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment with military honors will be held 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 578 Kadoka, SD 57543.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Kadoka.