Richard "Dick" Douglas Esser, 75, of Frankfort, SD passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield, SD after a long courageous battle with lung disease.   Dick's wish was to be cremated.  A Scriptural Prayer Service with Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2019, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.

In the spring, Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield.  Reverend Tom Anderson will officiate.  Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Athol, SD.  Following the committal service, a Celebration of Life will take place at Fisher Grove Country Club in Frankfort.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home (hykefuneralhome.com).

Richard Douglas Esser was born on February 13, 1944, in Redfield, SD to Lawrence and Dora (Harford) Esser.  He spent his childhood on a farm near Zell, SD.  He was boarded and attended St. Mary's Convent School (Sister School) in Zell through 8th grade.  He attended his high school years at Redfield High School.

Dick married Juanita Gossard on September 20, 1962, and to this union three daughters were born.  Dick worked at SD Wheat Growers in Tulare and Frankfort until 1976.  He then began working at South Dakota Developmental Center in the carpenter shop and powerhouse until his retirement in 2009.

As a young man, he excelled in sports, especially baseball and slow pitch softball.  This carried on a tradition for the love of ball with his daughters, all grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  "Family Tradition" softball team will always be dedicated to Grandpa Dick.

His love of golf was his passion for many years.  Three " hole-in ones " were made in his golfing career. He thought the world of his golfing partners and his family thanks each one of you for all the great memories.  Dick loved his Minnesota Vikings, Publishers Clearing House and playing the lottery.

Dick is survived by his three daughters: Lynette (Randy) Kuehn of Redfield; Kelly (Mike) Lambert of Frankfort; and Stacey (Rafe Jacobson) Esser of Aberdeen, SD; grandchildren: Matthew Hurst, Meghan (Darren) Mosel, Morghan Hurst, Brandi Lambert, Bryce Barbee, Erika (Riley) Nichols, Georgia Kuehn, Hannah Kuehn, Jared Kuehn, and Eric Jacobson.  Dick is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Kirbie, Hoyt, Hutch, Chesnie, Baby Nichols (in July); as well as brother Dave (Joyce) Esser and sister-in-law Midge Esser.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son Joseph; brother Don Esser; sister Joanne (Esser) Davidson; stepfather Emil Erickson; and his best friends Howard Franz and Kelly Aucoin.