H. "Richard" Christopher

H. "Richard" Christopher


Dates

February 10, 1939 - March 23, 2022

Obituary

H. “Richard” Christopher, 83, of Mitchell, SD, died Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Avera Queen of Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, March 26, at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in rural Storla. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Harry Richard Christopher was born in Mitchell on February 10, 1939, to Harry and Amanda (Roti) Christopher.  He attended all eight years of elementary school at Leet School in Elliott Township.  He completed high school at Letcher High School.  He lived all his life on the family farm halfway between Woonsocket and Mt. Vernon.  Richard and his brother Donald worked on the family farm beginning at an early age due to their father’s ongoing health problems.  Although it required great sacrifice on their part, they were never heard to complain about helping to care for their mother and younger sister, Nancy. 

Richard shared his musical skills for decades with the people of Trinity Lutheran Church for multiple weddings, funerals, and other events.  He was instructed for years on the piano and organ and also could play anything he heard without music.

He was a historian all his life starting with the interest and guidance of his uncle, Millard Christopher.  He compiled the pictures and information of multiple families from the surrounding areas into a book titled Midway.  Midway was a small store that operated one mile east of the Trinity Lutheran Church. 

Richard’s love of history and deep respect for those pioneers, settlers, and others who came later was exemplified by the Midway book and by his preservation of the Leet School, which he had moved onto the Christopher family farm.  Ultimately, he donated it to a museum in Norway.  Upon the request of the Norwegian Museum of Migration, the schoolhouse was disassembled by Norwegian museum staff, crated carefully with all the contents, and shipped to Hamar, Norway where it was re-assembled.  Richard was able to attend the dedication ceremony in Norway.

Richard spent the last few months of his life enjoying the companionship of new friends made at Countryside Living, and often shared his music there.

Richard loved all his family.  He rejoiced at the marriages of his siblings and their children and the continued growth of their families.  He is survived by a brother Donald (Mary) Christopher, sister Nancy (Myron) Sonne; nephews John (Pamela) Christopher, Christopher Sonne (Sheila Woodward), James Christopher; nieces Denise (Craig) Forsline and Amanda Sonne; four great nieces and their families and three great nephews and their families.  He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, sister-in-law Patricia Christopher and nephew, Harry Jens, and many special friends. 

Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery to continue Richard’s efforts of grave identification and unattended stone repair.


Visitation(s)

Date
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Time
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Location
First Lutheran Church
411 N Duff St
Mitchell, SD 57301

Service

Date
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Time
10:30 AM
Location
First Lutheran Church
411 N Duff St
Mitchell, SD 57301

Cemetery

Trinity Lutheran Cemetery
Rural Storla, SD


Posted by Carin Sprick, Ingrid and Christina on May 2, 2022
My deepest condolences to Richard’s family. He was such a good friend. So many happy memories from his yearly visits out here to Washington. Rest In Peace Richard🌹
Posted by Jeff Tiede on March 30, 2022
My condolences to Richard's family. I always looked forward to delivering feed out to the Christopher farm as it would often end in a conversation with Richard. He was a wonderful man.
Posted by Bob Marler on March 28, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Richard was a very loving man.
Posted by ROBERT &DOROTHY PARKER on March 27, 2022
WE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT RICHARD . OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU.
Posted by Wayne Gronseth on March 25, 2022
Sorry to hear of Richards passing. He was very knowledgeable and interesting to talk with.
Posted by Wayne Gronseth on March 25, 2022
Sorry to hear of Richards passing. He was very knowledgeable and interesting to talk with.
Posted by Dawn Martin on March 25, 2022
So sorry for your loss ! He was a great man and loved by many ! Thinking of you !
Posted by Pat & Ted Nelson on March 24, 2022
Our sincere sympathy. Richard was a very talented and generous man. I can not count how many times a companied us on the organ or piano for singing at church and special functions. He will be missed and remembered!!
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