Richard Krogstad Spearfish

Oct. 17, 1934 – Sept. 13, 2018

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Richard P. Krogstad was born on Oct. 17, 1934, on the family farm near Dell Rapids.  He was baptized and confirmed at Willow Creek Lutheran Church, and graduated from Baltic High School in 1952.  Rich enlisted in the Navy, serving his country during the Korean war from 1952 to 1955 as an electrician’s mate on the USS Polaris.

After meeting Char at the Sioux Empire Fair, they were married on Aug. 3, 1957.  Rich farmed until 1968 when he started working at the Sioux Falls Airport sparking an interest in airplanes and flying, becoming a private pilot. He sold farm machinery until 1977 where he started selling real estate and began his career as an auctioneer.  In 1983, Rich and Char moved to Spearfish.  Rich had a dream of building a home; this was fulfilled when they moved into their home on Tinton Road in 1985, making this his home until his stroke three years ago.

While living in Spearfish, he was an active member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church serving as president of the church, sharing the scripture readings during services, and singing in the choir, to name a few. Rich was involved in many community functions such as Realtors for Kids and providing airplane rides for the EAA young eagles program. His major accomplishments include being inducted into the Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 2013 and Aviation Hall of Fame in 2016.  It took 11 years to accomplish his most important dream of buying and rebuilding an airplane. 

Rich was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Agnes (Steen) Krogstad, brother Alan and sister Madeline.  He is survived by the love of his life for 61 years, Charlynn Krogstad of Spearfish, daughter Lorrie and husband Randy Vandever of Belle Fourche, son Jim Krogstad and wife Staci, and Dan Krogstad and wife Diane both of Spearfish, three brothers, three sisters, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren with the fifth due in January 2019. 

Funeral services were at Our Saviors Lutheran Church on Wednesday, Sept. 19. Visitation was Tuesday at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel. Burial took place at at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.  

The family of Rich Krogstad would like to thank Garden Hills Assisted Living for the care they provided Rich after his stroke in 2015, and also Fort Meade VA Medical Center for the respect and care they provided before his passing on Sept. 13, 2018.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.

Condolences may be sent to Char Krogstad, 1231 10th St., Apt. M11, Spearfish, SD 57783.