Richard Charles Sunde
April 17, 1931 ~ May 15, 2014
Richard C. Sunde, 83, Sioux Falls, formerly of Madison, died Thursday, May 15, 2014, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, SD, on Friday, May 30, 2014. Richard has elected to donate his body to science. Eventual inurnment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery.
Richard Charles Sunde was born April 17, 1931, to Leon and Olga (Stephenson) Sunde in Madison, SD and he was raised on the family farm near Madison. Upon his graduation from Madison High School, Dick enlisted in the US Air Force where he served as a MP and in the Air Force Honor Guard while serving in Washington, DC. When Dick returned to Madison, he began working as the Assistant Manager of the Farmer’s Coop. On June 13, 1955, Richard married the love of his life, Janet Westby, in Sioux Falls. The couple resided in Madison while they raised their five children. Dick was very gifted in construction and worked as a carpenter for several companies including John Morrell, construction of the Western Mall, and maintenance at Dakota State College. In 1976, Dick moved the family to Sioux Falls. He worked in maintenance (carpentry) for McKennan Hospital until his “official” retirement. Not sitting idle, Richard started driving bus for the City of Sioux Falls and driving freight for Cross Country Courier. Richard and Janet were able to enjoy about 14 winters in Arizona. That gave them time to be with their son, Steve and his wife, Debbie. They cherished their time there and enjoyed every minute of it! He also used his woodworking skills to help construct the first trolley of Sioux Falls and was instrumental in the development of the Butterfly House.
Dick was a very generous and giving person and would do almost anything to help someone; even giving his body to the USD School of Medicine for study. He loved kids and volunteered with Scouts, coached little league baseball, and drove cheerleaders to local high school games. He loved to play with and talk to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richard was an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church while in Madison. He had many hobbies and was very skilled in wood crafts and stained glass art. He created many wood carving crafts and nick-knacks for family and friends that are treasured by all. Dick loved to restore old cars. He did this when he lived in Madison. He was a member of the Horseless Carriage Club and drove his Model-T.
Richard will be deeply missed by his wife of 58 years, Janet, five children, Steve (Deb), Phoenix, AZ, Laurel (Mike) Eicher, Madison, WI, Joan (Jim) Clarke, Sioux Falls, David (Julie), Sioux Falls, and Paul (Christie), Sioux Falls; grandchildren Marissa (Zac) Cool, Chelsea Stein, Nicholas (Brianna) Clarke, Erica (Eric) Napier, Caleb (Samantha) Sunde, and Jules Eicher; great-grandchildren, Avery and Zayden Cool, Carter and Cambree Stein, and soon to be baby boy Clarke; and 6 siblings, Jim (Betty) Sunde, Madison, Lois Ronning, Sioux Falls, Dorothy Downs, Madison, Marian (Monte) Wiese, Madison, Marley (Jim) Smith, San Lorenzo, CA, and Midge (Jim) Kloster, Fargo, ND, and many nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Neva Smith.
My heart hurts in the loss of my big brother, Richard, known to me as Dick. He was a huge influence in my life growing up and continued to be so as we grew older. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend to so very many. I will always remember him with great fondness. The memories are too many to mention, but he will live on in my memory and in spirit. RIP Big Bro, you will always be remembered with great fondness. Hugs Marley
Dick was a great friend,neighbor, and a real team-mate in football, basketball and track at Eastern High School that later became Beadle High.
The passing of our precious Dick is so unbelievably bitter sweet. Although we will miss his earthly presence, his phenomenal God given talents, his beautiful twinkling eyes and contagious smile . we can’t help but find peace when we envision what a wonderful reunion he had with all his loved ones who were waiting to greet him when God took his weary body Home. He was such an inspiration to everyone’s lives he touched. I feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful family!! God bless each and every one of you. I embrace you Janet and the entire family with all my love and prayers! Carol Pulford
Our condolences to the Sunde family. We are neighbors to David and Julie and have met Richard through David inviting us to a family get together at the clubhouse this past year.We had a very enjoyable evening with this wonderful Sunde family. Richard was a very nice person and we enjoyed meeting him. Bernie enjoyed talking to him he was was so interesting to talk to. Our prayers are with your family, May you feel Gods healing presence during this trying time.
I am so sorry about the loss of Dick Sunde. I met him several times at family reunions and once at his and Janet’s house. He showed my husband (Karlton) and I his Monarch butterfly “farm” and his woodworking. He was so talented. We have several of his carvings and treasure them. He was such a nice person. And he was very handsome. I enjoyed our visits and was so glad to get to know him. Rest in peace, Dick. Heaven is blessed to welcome you home.
I knew Richard through his daughter Joan… it would seem she embodies so many of her dad’s gifts… kind hearted, generous, beautiful smile, ability to encourage and uplift her friends, great sense of humor and so much more. My thoughts and prayers are with you Joan and your family as you navigate the waters of your dad’s passing… still waters lie ahead… I celebrate your dad and I celebrate you, Joan.
Sorry to hear about the loss of Dick Sunde,I will always remember going over to Dick and Janet’s home to play some rock and roll music with Steve there son,it was the place to be.My prayers go out to the family for your great loss.
My condolences to the family. I worked with Dick driving bus. I always appreciated his loyalty and honesty. He taught me a trick or two about raising butterflies.
I am sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Seeing his name brings back some old precious memories. I was very often hanging out with Steve at their house during early school years. I remember Dick’s sense of humor. The picture here with his smile certainly reminds me of it. I remember the old Santa sleigh that would go up every Christmas. My prayers go out to you all during this time.
Joan, Jim and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you. May the love and prayers of family and friends help you through this difficult time.
Love, Peggy and Tim
To Dick Sunde’s family,
I am sad to hear of Dick’s passing. I send thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time.