Richard Weller

Dates

Obituary

Richard Weller, 89, of Mitchell, SD, peacefully joined his Heavenly Father Monday, September 5, 2022, at Countryside Living in Mitchell. A memorial service will be 11:00 AM Friday, October 7, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Mitchell. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Richard “Dick” Franklin Weller was born September 28, 1932, graduated from Mitchell High School, attended Stanford and University of Nebraska, where he joined the SAE fraternity. He earned his MBA at Wharton Business College in one year.

In 1955, Dick Weller married Beverly Beal and moved to Roswell, NM to fulfill his ROTC commitment. In 1957, they moved to Mitchell and joined The Weller Company with his father Sam F. Weller, to sell real estate and insurance. They had three children: Lucinda, Steven, and Jason. As President of Mitchell Jaycees, Dick was awarded 1962 SD Jaycee of the Year with a record completion of 52 committee projects, including refurbishing Hitchcock Park Pool and initiating the annual circus in town, later sponsored by the Shriners. He was baptized, confirmed, and later served years on the Vestry at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Dick ‘s career pivoted, building the Mitchell Holiday Inn with a partner in 1969, becoming General Manager. Years later, he opened Holiday Inn Spearfish with partners after moving to Rapid City and marrying Derrolynn McCardle in 1974. They opened the Pyrenees French Restaurant, in addition to other restaurant establishments over the years. The last forty-four years he enjoyed their Hill City home, boating in Pierre, and wintering in Santa Fe.

International travel, fishing, snowmobiling, hunting duck and pheasant were good times. He cheered for the UN Cornhuskers and Minnesota Vikings football teams. An early riser, hardworking, music lover, shopping for fireworks, Big River camping, summer Nemo trips, in addition to discussions about education and responsibility, are how his children remember him.

In June, Dick Weller, sharp mind intact, returned to Mitchell, Countryside Living with excellent care from Faith Home Caregivers Cheryl, Charmaine, and Annie, Avera Hospice and Home Instead. He loved Mitchell, thus establishing the Sam F. Weller Foundation to give back to Mitchell’s community needs. Thank you to friends for prayers and visits. Especially grateful to Don and Vicki, Chris and Laura. He leaves his children, their spouses, and four grandsons in Arizona and Texas. Sam and Edna Weller, Corrine, Beverly, Steven, and Derrolynn preceded him.

Dad, we are grateful for your love and lessons. Safely home in Jesus’ presence.

Service

Cemetery