Richard Donald Gaulke, 87, of Mitchell, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, at his home under hospice care.
Funeral services were Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, with burial in the American Legion Cemetery. Visitation with a 7 p.m. prayer service was Friday, Jan. 27, at the Chapel.
Richard Gaulke, son of Gus and Lania (Stoll) Gaulke, was born March 1, 1929, in rural Gann Valley. He attended country school and then helped out on the family farm. Richard entered the U.S. Army on Aug. 30, 1951, and was honorably discharged on Aug. 6, 1953, when he returned to the Gann Valley area. He attended school and became an electrician.
Richard was united in marriage with Marge Wittstruck on March 3, 1954, in Mitchell, where the couple made their home. He was employed by Long Construction for many years and then self-employed as a carpenter for several years. Richard then worked as a mechanic at Heston in Mitchell for 10 years. He retired at the age of 67.
He married Jean Sonne on July 30, 2005, in Hill City.
In his retirement, Richard enjoyed woodworking and building chairs for his grandchildren. He also enjoyed exploring the Black Hills, hunting, spending time with his family and friends, and feeding the deer at the cabin near Hill City. He will be remembered for his stories and jokes.
Richard is survived by his wife, Jean Gaulke of Mitchell; his children, Mark (Becky) Gaulke of Mitchell, Scott (Lisa French) Gaulke of Artesian, Carrie (Doug) Grosz of Letcher, Donna Groke of Ethan, Dan (Lori) Sonne of Ethan, and Roy Sonne of Mitchell; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marge in 1988; two daughters, Sherrie Wermers and Shellie Hansen; five brothers; and three sisters.