Richard Dick' Van Pelt, 85, of Rapid City passed into eternal life on Saturday February 25, 2012 at Fort Meade Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Sturgis, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Rapid City in 1926 to Leona and Verne Van Pelt, the 4th of 5 children. He lived a life of adventure from the time of his boyhood when he roamed the ridges and canyons in his big backyard, north and east of Rapid Creek & M hill with his friends. He attended Garfield Elementary and even kept in touch with some of his childhood friends in his later years. At 17 he joined the Navy where he served during World War II. After the war he returned to Rapid City and completed high school with other veterans who served in the war. He married June Gustafson in 1949, with whom he had 4 children, and later married Elena Parker in 1981. He was a long time employee of Robbins and Stearns Lumber Company, where as a building materials salesman he thoroughly enjoyed meeting people and making friends wherever he traveled. Friendly and compassionate he frequently gave lifts to hitch-hikers.

Through his work he provided well for his family. His creativity showed in the landscaping projects he did throughout his life. He enjoyed gardening and much of the barren lot of his first new home was transformed into a park-like atmosphere of flower and vegetable gardens with rock walls and pathways. An excellent carpenter, he was forever building and remodeling houses. In later years he supervised construction projects of his kids and grandkids.

His love of western history led to his volunteering as a docent at the Journey Museum. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed spending time in the Black Hills and at his cabin near Blue Bell lodge in Custer State Park. A hobby throughout much of his life was stereoscopic photography with which he documented his trips and family life. He lived life to the fullest by sharing backpack, white water raft and spelunking adventures with his sons. Reading about faraway places in his vast collection of National Geographic magazines he later traveled to many exotic locations from Alaska to Australia to satisfy his passion for adventure. Later in life when no longer able to travel he turned to stamp collecting to explore history, the outdoors and worldwide cultures.

Survivors include his wife Elena, Rapid City; Daughter Susan (John) Wagner, Rapid City; Sons David, Hilo Hawaii; Daniel, Dallas Texas; and James (Yanaporn), Poulsbo Washington, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grand children.

He is preceded in death by his Parents and three brothers, Bob, Harold, and Virgil, and grandson Timothy.

Visitation will be from 5 pm to 7 pm at Our Lady's Chapel at the Cathedral on Tuesday February 28, 2012. Vigil and rosary services will begin at 7 pm. with Father Ed Vanorny officiating. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 am Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at Our Lady's Chapel at the Cathedral with Father Tim Castor officiating. Burial will be at 3 pm at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard.

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