With heavy hearts, our family reports the passing of Richard Lee “Dick” Bentaas, who left us peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at the age of 83 at United Living Community in Brookings, South Dakota. A memorial service will be held for Richard on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. at Pioneer Lutheran Church in White, SD.
Dick was born on May 2, 1941, in Sioux Falls, SD, and grew up in White, SD. He graduated from White High School in 1959, where he excelled in basketball and football and nurtured a lifelong passion for history. He went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, in 1963.
After college, Dick began his career with the USDA Audit Division in Chicago, IL, before being drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1963. Following basic training, he was stationed at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, arriving just before the devastating Good Friday magnitude 9.2 earthquake to assist in relief efforts. Upon his honorable discharge in 1965, Dick resumed his work with the USDA as an office inspector in San Francisco, CA.
On Aug. 2, 1969, Dick married the love of his life, Carol Rishoi of White, SD, at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD. Shortly after, they moved to Huron, SD, where Dick began a new role with the Soil Conservation Service (SCS). There, they started their family, welcoming their daughter Angela Lea in May 1971, followed by Rebecca Lynn in November 1974.
Dick’s dedication to his work led the young family on several moves as he advanced in his government career: to Boise, ID, in 1975; Lincoln, NE, in 1978; and finally landing in Bismarck, ND, in 1981, as Head State Administration Officer for SCS.
In Oct of 1996, Dick retired, and the empty nesters moved back to Brookings, SD, where they purchased a beautiful Victorian historic home and Dick was able to build his dream garage and wood working shop.
A talented woodworker and craftsman, Dick spent countless hours restoring antique furniture. He and Carol shared a love for antiques, often traveling throughout the tri-state area in search of unique treasures at estate sales, flea markets and auctions. This passion led them to new careers as antique dealers, renting booth spaces in local antiques and collectibles stores in Brookings. Dick’s “guy stuff”—vintage tools, fishing lures, and shotgun shell boxes—paired perfectly with Carol’s curated collections of antique pottery, linens, and art. Their booths became favorites among antique hunters near and far. Dick loved searching the local Shopper newspaper ads and online auction notices, picking out the most compelling sales then heading out on an adventure. He greatly enjoyed the "hunt" as well as the social aspect of meeting new people and connecting with his "auction buddies."
Dick was a devoted pet parent, finding limitless laughs, joy and comfort in the company of many beloved cats and dogs over the years. He often said, “The best naps are with a cat in the lap.” While Niki and Oreo remain in the loving care of dear friends, Dick is now greeted in heaven by the wagging tails and loud purrs of Duke, Heidi, Christopher, Indy, Maggie, Cleo, Phoebe, and Remi, all ready for some lap time.
In 2005, following the heartbreaking loss of their eldest daughter to cancer, Dick and Carol lovingly adopted Angela’s only daughter, Sydnie Elizabeth. Their retirement years were filled once again with school activities and helping with homework, bringing renewed purpose to their lives.
Dick was a voracious reader, an ultimate Mr. Fix-it, and a man with a great sense of humor. He loved sharing stories of his travels and his time in Alaska. Most of all, he cherished time spent with family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. While we grieve his passing, we find comfort in knowing he is at peace and reunited with their beloved daughter Angela.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to hospice caregivers Rachel and Chasity for their compassionate care during Dick’s final weeks, and to the dedicated staff and caregivers at United Living Community for their kindness and support.
Dick is lovingly remembered by his wife, Carol (Rishoi) Bentaas of Brookings, SD; his daughter Rebecca Bentaas of Fairbanks, Alaska; his granddaughter Sydnie Bentaas of Sioux Falls, SD; and his brother Bruce Bentaas (Bonnie) of Centerville, SD.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Iver Sylvester Bentaas and Hazel May (Smith) Bentaas and his eldest daughter, Angela Lea Bentaas.
Dick’s legacy of love, craftsmanship, and storytelling will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Condolences can be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.