Rick Eberhard

Richard Ray Eberhard, 62, of West Whitlock Bay (Gettysburg, SD) died on July 15, 2011 at the home of Kirk, Rikki and Bailey Fasthorse in Eagle Butte, SD, with his children at his bedside.

Richard “Rick” was born on January 14, 1949 to Lois (Simon) and Rodney Eberhard in Dupree, SD.  Rick attended and graduated from Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School in May of 1967.  He attended 2 years of college at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD.

In 1971 he married Susan Rousseau.  To this union 2 children were born, Rikki Rae and Galen.  He held various jobs throughout his life.  In 1979 he and Susan bought the Gambles store from Susan’s father Ted Rousseau and he continued to work there until 2001. During this time, he employed many people , but those that became his dearest friends, and family members closest to his heart,  were Regina Ducheneaux, Mary Ann Fischer, Helen Arpan, Wayne Maynard, Preston Maynard,  Earp Fischer, Lorelei Anderson, Debbie (Rousseau) Johnson, and Patsy (Roussseau) Vaughn. He was also very grateful for his business neighbors, Shawn and Sharon Boehrs. In 2001 Rick and Susan sold their business and Rick retired to West Whitlock Bay. He was the groundskeeper/landscaper for West Whitlock Bay, Inc until June of 2011.  Rick was well known for his musical talent and considered by many to be the best lead guitar player in the state of South Dakota. Many will never forget the “Meeces” which included Rick, Rick Albers, Mike Claymore and Joe Fire. He also played in various country bands with Mary Lu Rousseau, Mitch Chapel, Jim Fish, Doyce LeBeau, Bill Bosley and Lisa Miller, to mention a few.

Rick was an avid Trapshooter in his younger years and would often travel around the state to attend various trapshooting events with his brother Larry and lifelong friend Steve Payne.  In 1984 Rick won the “Diamond Badge” in the handicap division, which is the highest honor at the state level.

Rick loved watching sports on TV.  His all time favorite team was the Minnesota Vikings, a trait in which he passed down to both of his children.  He was also fond of the Minnesota Twins, any Ford racing in the NASCAR series and boxing.

In June of 2011 Rick was diagnosed with Cancer.  At that time, due to his failing health, he decided to move back to Eagle Butte to be close to his children and grandchildren.  He was able to spend 5 weeks with them before his passing.

Rick is survived by his children Kirk and Rikki Fasthorse, Galen Eberhard and Sheyenne Jandreau.  Grandchildren:  Bailey Jo Fasthorse, Honesty Rose Eberhard, Andre’ Eberhard, Trevor Bourland and Alisa Eberhard, all of Eagle Butte SD; his “adopted” daughter Shari Ducheneaux, “adopted” son Luther Talks, Brother:  Larry (Tammy) Eberhard, Belle Fourche, SD; Niece:  Nicole Teppo, Fruitdale, SD; Nephew:  Shawn Eberhard, Belle Fourche, SD; Stepfather, Ron Bachman, Faith SD; Aunts:  Ide Albers, Rapid City SD; Uncles:  Dick Simon, Hermosa SD; Dale Eberhard, Rapid City SD.  “2^nd Family”:  Steve and Susie Payne, Tammy Gunville, Stephanie Payne and Russel Payne.  Special Friends:  Robb Ganje, Pat Schrempp, August Laurenz, Janice Eberhard, all of Eagle Butte; Jerry and Barb Hinzman, Mitchell SD; and the West Whitlock Crew:  Rod, Redd, Mavis, Gary “Catfish”, Ron “Riverduck” Monte, Nancy and Carol.

He was preceded in death by both parents, grandparents, numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins. If you listen closely at night you can probably hear him singing “House of the Rising Sun” with Mary Lu, Joe Fire and Rick Albers.

Per Rick’s wishes, there will be no funeral or services.  A memorial trapshoot will be held in October at the Eagle Butte Gun Club in celebration of his life.

In lieu of flowers an account has been established at the State Bank of Eagle Butte for donations for the trapshoot.