| Sources |
- [S926] Find-A-Grave, (www.findagrave.com).
RICHARD'S OBITUARY
Richard L. Hoff, of Rapid City South Dakota, passed away November 19, 2019 at his home at St. Martin?s Village, Rapid City, South Dakota. He was 92.
Richard (Dick) was born July 15, 1927, on a farm outside Richardton, North Dakota. He left home to join the US Marine Corps in 1945, where he served aboard the USS Oklahoma City, and in California, after the end of WWII. He then became a certified electrician, before enlisting in the US Army to serve in the Korean War where he received various battlefield commissions, and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor as a platoon commanding officer. He returned to the States as a lieutenant, and married Elvira (Vera) Berger on November 5, 1952. He rose to the rank of major, and served in the Vietnam War, before retiring in 1969. All told, he and Elvira were stationed in seven US states, Grafenwoehr, Germany, and the American Embassy in Paris. Their travels greatly enriched their lives, as well as the lives of their children, who learned the powerful lesson that everywhere in the world has something to offer, if you are willing to seek it out.
After retirement from the US Army, Dick and Vera moved their family to Rapid City. Dick enjoyed a career as a realtor before opening The Missing Link, a delicatessen and restaurant specializing in European cuisine, in downtown Rapid City. They remained in business there until retiring in 1992.
During that time, and for many years afterwards, Richard was a faithful servant to the Republican Party of South Dakota, serving on the campaigns of politicians too numerous to mention. He was a behind-the-scenes advisor to many local and state politicians. While he eschewed the spotlight, he made fine use of the soapbox when given the opportunity. He held only one elected office, as Pennington County?s representative to the SD Republican Party Nominating Convention. He was also an avid supporter of South Dakota?s initiative and referendum process. When cleaning out their residence of 43 years, one daughter commented on just HOW many clipboards they owned. Richard?s reply: ?If you?re going to gather a lot of signatures, you need a lot of clipboards. ? And Richard was nothing, if not prepared.
Dick was, first and foremost, a solver of problems. He had a keen eye for seeing what needed to be done, and then, doing it, whether civically or for individuals. Dick and Vera provided shelter, food, and comfort to dozens of people the night of the Rapid City flood in 1972, and for several days afterward. His children all share fond memories of Dick?s ?adventures? ? his way of describing whatever work he was planning to do for someone, and that he expected you to join him. With Vera by his side, Dick was a dedicated volunteer for numerous civic groups, but the two closest to his heart were Blessed Sacrament Parish, where he and Vera served in many capacities for 40+ years, and the Germans From Russia Heritage Society (GRHS). He was a founding member of the Black Hills chapter of GRHS, and served on both the local and national boards of directors for the organization for more than 20 years. His vision guided the organization in many respects. He was also a founding member of the Rushmore German Club?s Sommerfest, and took many a turn around the dance floor with Vera. And it must be said, no one enjoyed a round of ?ein prosit? more than Dick.
If you knew Richard, you know he would be mortified of all this public praise of his good deeds, and his extraordinary life. Phillips Brooks once said, ?Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones.? Richard was in every respect a man of character. He displayed it on the battlefield, but at least as important, he also recognized good in the most unlikely of places, and helped so many people find the best in themselves. He was not always a gentle guide, but Richard knew where true North was, while the rest of us were still struggling to find the compass. And for that, we will always be grateful.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Elvira (Berger) Hoff, his son Wade (Cindy) Hoff, and his siblings Edward Hoff, Victoria (Hoff) Sattler, Herman Hoff, and Don Hoff. He is survived by his children, Leah (Steve) Rennell, Marie (Michael) Morrison, Gregory (Julie) Hoff, and Tove (Steve) Bormes, as well as 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will take place, Thursday, December 5th, from 4-6PM at Kirk Funeral Home. Richard?s funeral is planned for Friday, December 6th at 10AM, at Blessed Sacrament Parish, with a luncheon to follow. Internment, with full military honors, will take place shortly thereafter, at Black Hills National Cemetery at 1PM.
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1927 - 2019 (92 years)