Christopher Edward Rahm passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, at his Aspire home in Aberdeen, SD. Chris was born on December 5, 1968; and was the 5th child of Albert (Bert) and Mary Elaine (Remily) Rahm. From the instance that he entered the world, it was obvious that he was special as he’d been blessed with an extra 21st Chromosome. Christopher had Downs Syndrome. At that time, many saw it as a disability that should be addressed by institutionalization. Chris’s family knew better.

Chris was never a burden … he was a blessing. He was a fun and creative grandson, son, and sibling who grew up on the family farm west of Turton, SD. During his early years, he was a huge fan of all superheroes. Chris kept everyone on their toes, in a good way.

Chris attended the Clark and Doland Public School systems. While primarily taking classes via their Special Education Programs. He was also able to mainstream into several general education classes. Chris enjoyed learning and the friendships he made in the classes, and on the school bus. Chris participated in various South Dakota Special Olympic programs and sports, but basketball was his favorite to play. Even though he grew up in Viking Country, he was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys and had just about every piece of Cowboys’ fan apparel and gadgets that were available. Close friends knew that if you needed to get him a gift, anything with a Dallas Cowboys logo would be a hit.

Helping out on the farm with basic chores and following Bert around to learn and do odd jobs was something Chris enjoyed immensely. He would help out in the new shop until the basketball hoop on the west wall captured his attention, and he’d begin shooting buckets for hours at a time. He loved basketball and would shoot from the 3-point line, easily making 9 out of every 10 consistently.

As Chris grew older, he moved away from the farm and spent a short time at the South Dakota Developmental Center in Redfield, SD before moving to Aberdeen, SD where he lived and worked within the Aspire program. Chris loved Aspire and Aspire loved Chris. It quickly became his new home where he became good friends with nearly all of the staff and other residents. It wasn’t uncommon for staff to say, “We’re not supposed to have favorites, but Chris is definitely a favorite”. His sense of humor made him stand out … in a great way. One of his favorite pass-times was playing darts and competing in Aspire dart competitions at Schwan’s Recreation Center, where he won the overall championship multiple years. Chris continued to live in one of the Aspire homes and worked at the Aspire Center until his passing.

Chris will be missed by so many that he touched with his humor and love. He was preceded in death by this parents (Albert and Mary Elaine), and 1 sister (Cheryl Rahm McGrath). He is survived by 3 siblings Curtis (Patty) Rahm of Turton, SD; Carleen (Bruce) Dixon of Brookings, SD: and Carmen (Linda) Rahm of Kent, Washington; by his Aspire Family; and by his special Aspire close friend Missy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations in Chris’s name be made to Aspire, 607 N 4th Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401, www.aspiresd.org

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield, SD. A scriptural prayer service, time of sharing, and rosary will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Turton, SD. The committal service will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Turton. Lunch will then be served in the church hall.

Both the prayer service and the funeral Mass will be live-streamed via a link on the funeral home’s website, below Chris’s obituary in the prayer service and Mass panels, respectively. Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements (www.hykefuneralhome.com).