Richard Rogers

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Wessington Community Center, c/o Shelly Hoffman, 20427 375th Ave, Wessington, SD 57381.

A True Cowboy, Richard “Dick” Eugene Rogers, 84, of Wessington, passed away Friday, October 27, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at the Wessington Community Center, Rev. Scott Spiehs, officiating.  Burial will follow at McCord Cemetery, rural Wessington.  A visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 30, 2023, at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

Wessington, South Dakota mourns the loss of one of its last real cowboys, a man who epitomized the spirit of the Wild West. Born in Huron, SD on September 19, 1939, he lived a life that was as remarkable as the vast prairies he called home. With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a legend who rode off into the sunset, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts.

Dick was raised on the family Century farm in Wessington, SD, where he attended a one-room township school just south of the farm. With a deep love for the land and the animals that grazed upon it, he lived the cowboy way of life, a tradition that is rapidly fading away.

Dick attended Wessington High School and graduated in 1958. He married his first wife, Joan, in 1961 and had two sons, Cory and Shane. During this time Dick moved hay, drove freight, and hauled livestock.  Dick found his way back to the family farm in 1977 where he partnered with his brother, Don, to farm and ranch.  On October 10, 1980, he married Judy Hagerman who brought two daughters to the marriage, Heather and Heidi, and together they had Darcy.   

His rugged exterior concealed a heart of gold, and those fortunate enough to cross paths with him knew they had encountered a true gem. He had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued, leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched. Dick enjoyed wagon trains, horse pulls, playing cards, camper club, fun days, traveling the country visiting his kids, and participating in Cheyenne Frontier Days.  Whether it was his dry, witty sense of humor or his unwavering loyalty, he had a knack for making lifelong friends out of strangers.

Family meant everything to him. He instilled in his loved ones the same values he held dear: hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those you hold dear. He was the beloved father to Cory (Tricia) Rogers of Wessington, SD, Shane (Carey) Rogers of Las Vegas, Nevada, Heather “Sister” (Clint) Cowan of Frisco, Texas, Heidi (Jason) O’Mara of Moville, Iowa, and Darcy (Jarrod) Pommer of Willow Lake, SD.  He taught his children and grandchildren to ride, drive, and they roped-in countless memories.  He amused his grandchildren, Tyler (Kayla), Courtney (Joey), Jacob (Anya), Cade (Brenna), Joshua, Aidan, Eli, Noah, Ella, Cooper, Bennett, Michael, Clara, McCoy, and great-grandchild Carson with his tales that seemed larger than life.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Jim Waring; and many nieces and nephews.  

Preceded in death by his wife, Judy Rogers; parents, Irving and Edith Rogers; one brother, Donald Rogers; and two sisters, Jody Shockman and Norma Waring. 

Though he may have hung up his hat for the last time, the spirit of this cowboy will forever ride on and the lessons he taught will be passed down through the generations. As we say our final goodbyes, let us remember that he lived life to its fullest, embracing each day with a zest for living that was as boundless as the prairie sky.

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