Richard E. Reuer, 88

March 26, 1923    January 16, 2012

       Funeral services for Richard E. Reuer, 88, of Reliance, were held Monday, January 16, 2012 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Reliance Cemetery at Reliance.

      Richard Eugene Reuer was born March 26, 1923 on the farm on the Lower Brule Reservation to Gottlieb and Martha (Wagaman) Reuer. He attended grade school and the first two years of high school on the Lower Brule Reservation. In 1940, Richard graduated from the Reliance High School in Reliance.

     In January of 1945, Richard enlisted in the U. S. Navy serving during WWII spending a large part of his time steering the ship USS Hemmitage which was one of the largest troop transporters for the US Navy. While in the Navy, Richard was united in marriage to Viola Kindopp on March 19, 1945. After his discharge, Richard returned home and in 1947 moved his family from Lower Brule to the ranch near Reliance where he raised Hereford cattle the rest of his life.

      Richard served on the local school board as well as Chairman of the Lyman County School Board while they reorganized with the Chamberlain District. Then, he served on the Chamberlain School Board for several years during the building of the new high school. He served for over 30 years on the American Creek Conservation Board and a couple terms on the State Conservation Board. He served as a Lyman County Commissioner for 18 years.

      Richard served on the Lyman County Extension Board working with the local 4-H Clubs and was also a local Brand Inspector for over 25 years. He would help at the Presho, Winner, and Chamberlain Livestock Auctions during sales.

      He served as the Post Commander of the Johnson-Peterson Post No. 179 as well as the County Commander of Lyman County. He was elected  District 8 Commander, State District Commander of the American Legion and District 8 Commander of the VFW.

      Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, and raising some of the best Hereford Cattle in the area.

      Richard passed away at his home on January 12, 2012 at the age of 88 years.

      Gratefully sharing his life are his wife Viola of Reliance; four sons Darrel Reuer and wife Margaret of Iroquois, SD, Rod Reuer and wife Janet of Chamberlain, Kevin Reuer and Keith Reuer and wife Leslie all of Reliance; a daughter Gloria Koerlin and husband Kelly of Volga; a daughter-in-law Eiko Reuer; a brother Alvin Reuer and wife Jeanie of Chamberlain; 14 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Preceding him in death was a son Kenneth.