View Richard Weinreis' MEMORIAL FOLDER

Richard "Dick" Weinreis, 74, Mellette, SD, died Sunday, June 19, 2016 at Sanford Medical Center in Aberdeen. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church in Mellette. Fr. Gregory Frankman will officiate. A traditional Native American burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Mellette, SD.
Visitation will be Friday from 3-5:00 p.m. with a rosary at 5:00 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church. (www.thelen-hykefuneralhome.com)

Richard Allen Weinreis was born in Mellette on May 18, 1942 to Walter and Madaline (Burke) Weinreis. He was the last of ten children, joining his siblings Donald, Laverne, Kathleen, Joseph, Gerald, Helen, Maureen, Jeannette and John. Richard attended school in Mellette and after his eighth year of school he worked locally, cutting iron and assisting the neighboring farmers. In 1964, he joined the National Guard and served honorably. After his discharge he returned to help out his mother and father until their elder years.

He deeply loved his best friend and longtime companion Claudine. Richard valiantly took on the role of father to Carol, Donovan, Tammy, Heidi, Haryl, Terry, Houston and Penny. Amongst the children, his heart expanded to raising their last child in 1992. Richard's fatherly roles included giving them nicknames, which they followed even into adulthood; fixing a car for each of the children and working hard for the family. When they were young, he even took them on vacations and showed them different parts of South Dakota. He may have not had much, but he was very rich in his heart. Even as the children progressed into adulthood, he would dote on them, giving them life advice and helping them fix things. He was always sensitive and supportive, listening and helping them achieve the happiness they deserved. A proud father, he attended each of the children's multiple school events such as football games, wrestling matches, volleyball games, track meets, oral Interpretation/debate events and to his musically talented children, he would go to concerts and attended the Gypsy Days parade yearly in Aberdeen to watch them march and to enjoy the parade floats.

In his later years he still continued to work hard, fixing cars and doing what he could to support his family. In his spare time, he watched Catholic Mass and Nascar on tv, went to pow wows with his children and visited the reservation to see his extended family.

His family from the reservation loved him dearly, always asking for him upon arrival. He loved the fry bread and wojape made by his family. He loved the look on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's faces while they danced and when they saw him there. He was fascinated by cars and tractors and collected tractors as a hobby. He loved nature, and looking out his kitchen window to see deer, hawks, raccoons, rabbits and any critter which crossed his yard. He loved visiting with his brothers and sisters when they came to town, often they would go to fish fries, play games or just spending time with them. He enjoyed conversations with his brothers and sisters, and frequently visited with his sister Helen.

He is survived by his companion of 42 years Claudine Bull Head of Mellette, SD; her children: Carol Two Hearts, Tammy (Theron) Two Hearts, Donovan Two Hearts, Heidi (Bill) Zephier and Haryl "Jim" Diserly, all of Aberdeen, SD, Terry Gray Hawk of Wolf Point, MT, and Penny Demery and Houston Lewis of Kenel, SD. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; raising Michelle (Calvin) Huber of Aberdeen, as if she was his own daughter. He is survived by his siblings: Joe (Velma) Weinreis of Parachute, CO, Jerry (Beulah) Weinreis of Lawrenceburg, NC, Jeanette Graves of El Paso, TX, Helen Oberle of Mellette, SD, and Maureen (Edwin) Audorff of Tacoma, WA; a sister-in-law Jane Weinreis of Doland, SD; as well as his best friend Roger.

Richard was preceded in death by three brothers: Donald, John and Laverne; and a sister Kathleen Davis.

Friday, June 24, 2016
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

All Saints Catholic Church
23 1st Ave
Mellette, South Dakota 57461

Friday, June 24, 2016
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

All Saints Catholic Church
23 1st Ave
Mellette, South Dakota 57461

Saturday, June 25, 2016
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

All Saints Catholic Church
23 1st Ave
Mellette, South Dakota 57461