Sturgis - Rupert W. "Buck" Potter, 91 of Sturgis, passed away on January 2, 2012, at the Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center Ft. Meade, SD. Rupert was born June 26, 1920, at Scranton ND, where he spent his early childhood. In 1932 he moved with his parents to Silver City, SD, where he graduated from the eighth grade. In 1937 he joined the CCC for two years, after which he enlisted in the United States Army, where his duties took him to 51 countries. After 23 years of service, he retired in July 1963 as a Chief Warrant Officer and moved to Rapid City, SD. In 1969 he attended the University of S. D. at Springfield. He earned his BSE and 3 Associate Degrees in Electronics and became a Certified Vocational Teacher. In 1973 he hired on with the Homestake Mining Company in Lead, SD, as an Electronics Technician, after more than 12 years of service, he retired from the company. He was also an Amateur Radio Operator and many may remember him as "Buck". He is survived by two sons, James W. (Denise) Potter, Sturgis and Russell L. Potter, Maryland, two daughters, Peggy M. (Stephen) Hoffman, Mexico and Linda G. (Alex) Clarke, Florida; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary A. (Kroetch) Potter and his parents. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2012 with a Christian Wake Service to follow at Black Hills Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 6, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis, with Rev. Arnold Kari as Celebrant. Burial will be 11:30 a.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors by the Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard.