Richard F. Waltman
Richard F. Waltman, 85, of Leola, SD, passed away Friday, November 10, 2023, at his home.
Richard Frederic Waltman was born January 26, 1938, to Jacob John and Martha Marion (Schmidt) Waltman in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Richard was baptized as an infant and confirmed as a child. He grew up on the family farm near Wetonka, South Dakota, and attended Carlisle Country School until 8th grade. After his father died, Richard stayed home to work on the family farm. In 1961 Richard enlisted into the Army Reserves.
Richard married Caroline “Kelli” Crompton on September 3, 1960. From their union, they had three children, Brenda, Rhonda, and Robert “Rob.” They lived in Aberdeen for a few years, where Richard did carpentry work, before moving to the Wetonka area to farm.
Richard loved farming and was a skilled mechanic. He ran a business on the farm for many years, which included building and fixing machinery. He also did custom hay moving in the local area.
In 1985, Richard moved to California and worked for his brother, Robert Watman, at Cal Western Paints. He built paint shakers and worked as the shop foreman. In 1989, Richard returned to Leola, South Dakota, and farmed with his son, Rob, and resumed his custom hay-moving business in the area until his death. He also served several years as McPherson County Commissioner.
When he wasn’t hard at work, Richard enjoyed traveling. He made frequent trips to Oregon to visit his children and grandchildren, as well as visit family in California. In addition to his travels to many places in the U.S., Richard also traveled to Canada, Germany, and Holland, to name a few. Richard’s most recent trips included trips with his family to Kentucky and Ohio. In August, he attended his granddaughter’s wedding in Alaska.
Richard enjoyed music and taught himself to play the keyboard and the accordion. He also liked fishing and hunting, as well as aviation. Over the years, Richard worked on his private pilot’s license. He regularly enjoyed having coffee and visiting with his friends.
Richard is remembered for his kindness and generosity. He was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone in need. Richard was a hard worker with determination and drive to accomplish whatever needed to be done. He was loved dearly by family and many friends.
Richard is survived by his children Brenda (Scott) Smith of Falls City, OR, Rhonda (Ron) Entzie of Lehr, ND, and Robert (Jodi) Waltman of Leola, SD; grandchildren: Jessica (John) Culver, Joshua (Naomi) Smith, Tiffany Smith, Amanda (Britt) Martin, Benjamin Smith, April Smith, Autumn Smith, Shannon (Benjamin) Bistline, Ashley Ganje (Matthew) Rose, Logan Hanna, Allison Lucas, Olivia Waltman, Luke Waltman, and Jackson Waltman; Great-grandchildren: Alexandra “Lexie,” Aria, Ava, and Alder Bistline, and Wylder Rose, and recently, Richard learned he would be welcoming three more great-grandchildren in 2024; three brothers, Jack (Connie) Waltman of Leola, Hank (Pat) Waltman, of Aberdeen and Frank (Jan) Waltman of Aberdeen; one sister, Judi (Duane) Rauscher of Sioux Falls, SD; and many nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Martha (Schmidt) Waltman; brothers Martin, Alfred, Robert, Michael, and Eddie; sisters Bernice Schwan, Elnora Barker, and Marie Waltman; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.