Richard Hamilton
Age - 82
November 23, 2023
Dick Hamilton, 82, of Rapid City, SD, passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2023, surrounded by loved ones after a sudden infection. He had spent the previous two days doing something he loved, deer hunting on the prairies of South Dakota. Dick was born in Gillette, WY, to Russell and Helen Hamilton. He was a spirited, independent-minded youngster who spent his days traversing backroads on his bicycle with a fishing pole and . 22 rifle near Sterling, CO. He loved nature and the outdoors. He helped run the family business, Hamilton Bakery. In his junior year of high school, the family moved to Brush, CO, where Dick graduated from high school. A decision to attend Colorado State University proved to be a life changing event. It was there he met the love of his life, Jeannette Peterson, and their big adventure began. They married on March 17, 1963. Dick paid for his schooling and growing family by taking semesters off to work in the oil fields, logging camps, and highway construction. He graduated in 1965 with a degree in Business Administration and a dream to run his own business. Through a chance conversation at a funeral, Dick learned about a new startup business called Taco John's. The young couple literally risked it all when they agreed to open a restaurant with this new, unproven concept. In May, 1969, Dick and Jeannette packed up their two kids, Jennifer and Tim, along with all their belongings and headed for Rapid City, South Dakota. Two more daughters, Kim and Denise, completed the family soon after. Their first Taco John's restaurant opened on Cambell Street with Dick at the steamtable and Jeannette at the cash register. Dick's passion for quality food and desire to provide excellent customer service was the foundation of their business career, to include a variety of restaurant locations across the Midwest. Countless friendships were made over their 50 years in business. In 2019, they began the process of downsizing and selling their operations. Dick was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and fishing. At all ages, he felt his very best on days spent on the water, in the mountains, or on the prairies. He noticed the little things. . . birds, bugs, and every kind of plant. Twenty-some years ago, he bought a special plot of land north of Pierre. The process of re-establishing native grasses and planting tree belts and food plots nourished both the land and his soul. This is also the place Dick hosted his annual family pheasant hunt. Words can't express the family bond and weekend memories made there. Above all else, Dick treasured his relationship with our Lord Jesus. In recent years, especially, he enjoyed time spent in scripture, prayer, and fellowship with church friends. Dick is survived by his wife, Jeannette, four children, Jennifer & Eddie Shama, Tim Hamilton, Kim & Ryan Nankivel, Denise & Jason Huneke. Nine grandchildren: Luke (Meredith), Jake (Megan), Brandon (Janine), Karli (Adam), Travis, Jordyn, Ryanna, Hailey, Trey and five great grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 p. m. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 1 at 10:30 a. m. at Westminster Church in Rapid City with a luncheon to follow. Burial will take place at Mountain View Cemetery.Show more
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