Richard "Richie" Berry passed away August 17, 2020 at the Fort Mead VA Hospital in Sturgis, SD. Richie was born on December 29, 1934 in Deadwood to Richard and Dorothy (Webb) Berry. He attended school in Deadwood, where he played football, track, and boxed.
In April of 1958, he joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, CA, as well as serving one year overseas. He often said joining the Navy was one of the best decisions he made. After returning to Deadwood, he began his 34-year career at Homestake Gold Mine, even after surviving a severe accident.
On March 26, 1960, he married Eleanor Kaip, they had three children; Andrew (passed away at birth), Carrie, and Richard "Ricky". He enjoyed taking his family fishing and going on long drives to nowhere in particular. Richie loved living in Deadwood, where he had family and many friends who loved him. He loved going for walks uptown, where he would stop at Hickok's and play a little. When it became hard to walk that far, he would walk the halls in his apartment building, trying to stay in shape. Richie tended to whistle most of the time, the same tune . . . that sound will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Darlene McVay and Sylvia McLaughlin; and son, Andrew Berry.
Richard is survived by daughter, Carrie (Glen) Prestegaard of Whitefish, MT; son, Richard Berry, Jr. of Cody, WY; brother, Warren "Buster" (Helen) Walraven; sisters, Dorothy Denville and Elvia Rosenburgh; grandsons, Jacob (Marcela) Prestegaard, Kaleb Prestegaard, Judah Prestegaard, Hunter (Moryssa) Berry, Dakota Berry, and Aaron Berry; granddaughter, Kirsten Prestegaard; three great-grandsons, Ezekiel Prestegaard, Wolfe Prestegaard, and Mason Berry; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A private military service will be held at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery.