Richard was born August 7, 1938 to Fred and Lydia (Dobler) Fuerst in Wessington Springs, SD. He was the eighth and last son born.

After graduating from high school in Wessington Springs he joined the United States Army. He proudly served from 1958 to 1960. Upon returning to Wessington Springs he was united in marriage to Sondra Hine and to this union four children were born.  During this time Richard engaged in both ranching and trucking. Sondra and Richard later divorced.  He moved to the Black Hills area in 1985 and started a career in advertising sales.

Richard is survived by his special friend of 31 years, Norma Heese; daughter, Janet DeLude; sons, Ron Fuerst, Bill Fuerst, and Rich Fuerst; brother, James Fuerst; grandchildren, Colby, Colton, Cooper, Olivia, Mariah, Sydney, and Jake.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Reuben, Ervin, Laverne, Gilmore "Jeff", Gerald, and Donald Fuerst.

A memorial service will be held 11 am, Friday, March 2, 2018 at Black Hills Funeral Home in Sturgis with Reverend John Fries officiating. Inurnment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.  Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 311 Honor Guard and the South Dakota Army National Guard.