Richard Joy

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Richard Joy, 91, of Miller, passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Miller, with Rev. Rhonda Wellsandt-Zell officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery in Miller.  Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the church.

Richard “Rich” Dwaine Joy was born on January 27, 1935, to Archie and Fern (Blue) Joy in Pierre, SD.  He grew up in Midland, SD, with his four siblings, going to elementary school until 1948, when the family moved to Miller, SD.  Richard graduated from Miller High School in 1953. After high school, Richard adventured to the West Coast, then took classes at Nettleton Community College before starting his career as a truck driver and later part owner of Tri-State Insulation. He was a cook in the National Guard from 1958 to 1961 and was honorably discharged.

Richard married Delores Wilson in 1962; they had two sons, Allen and David.  They later divorced.

Richard was an avid outdoorsman, and being active was important to him. He enjoyed snow skiing, traveling to places like Costa Rica, Belize, Canada, Alaska, and Texas, raising a garden, hunting, and fishing. Even if you did not catch fish or get a pheasant, he would say, “At least you were out amongst them.” He spent many hours in “Rural America” working to improve and build up land for good farming and conservation for wildlife by fixing fence, picking rocks, spraying weeds, and planting trees.  Richard made contributions to community development projects to groups like the Miller Area Foundation.  He was awarded the “Hometown Hero” from the SD Community Foundation because of his generosity.

Richard lived by 5 “F’s” in life: Family, Friends, Food, Frugalness, Faith.  He loved to celebrate with family such as Christmas gatherings, family reunions, or just getting together. His friends lived all over, so he made sure to call and check in with them; plan gatherings at the “Joy Lodge” and traveling together. If you did travel with him, it was with the understanding you would need a tow rope, spare can of gas, or that a breakdown would most likely happen.  When any sort of gathering happened, he made sure that a wide spread of food would be available. Whether it be potlucks, wild game feeds, pizza parties, or just conversation with dessert.  Richard was a frugal spender and would always look for a good deal and save things that could be used later. All the while, Richard remained strong in his faith while being an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Richard will be remembered for his quiet demeanor, generosity, loyalty to his family and friends, his storytelling, and his ability to remember details from many years back.

Richard leaves behind his sons, Allen (Dawn) Joy and David Joy; grandchildren: Jalynn (Chad) Schmitz and Jacob Joy; great-grandchildren: Charles Schmitz and James Schmitz; siblings: Vernon Joy, Don (Joan) Joy, Ardis (Glen) Koppelman, Doris Lofton; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and Richard’s hunting bunch and coffee crew.

Greeting him in heaven are his parents, Archie and Fern Joy; sister-in-law, JoDean Joy; brother-in-law, Jack Lofton; and many friends and family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Miller Area Foundation, PO Box 295, Miller, SD 57362; HCHWCF C/O Miller Needs a Pool, 300 W.5th St, Miller, SD 57362; or Trinity Lutheran Church, 707 E 1st Ave, Miller, SD 57362.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Richard’s arrangements.