Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Richard Gale Kristofferson was born February 21, 1939 in Langford, SD to Gordon and Margaret (Emmen) Kristofferson. He attended school at the Hickman Township school. He was confirmed at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Langford. He joined the National Guards for a short period of time.

On December 23, 1961 he married Diane Bendickson in Britton. While in Britton Richard did construction work with his father and brothers. He built and remodeled many homes in the area. He always liked to point out homes he built or did work on when driving around. He also farmed with his father at that time. In 1976 he purchased the Dunn farm. That farm is where they made their home and raised their children. He also sold and built many grain bins between farming. His hands were never idle. He loved to drive around country roads and check his crops and other peoples too. He loved to farm most of all and truly was a farmer at heart. He was still harvesting until fall of 2023 this year was the first time he was not able to get in the combine to harvest.

As he grew older he took great delight in grandkids and great-grandkids. He looked forward to their activities and especially enjoyed going to graduations and weddings. He loved their visits and always had his candy bowl full for them. He enjoyed going to coffee and playing cards with friends. He also played many games of Hearts on the computer at home. He loved spending time with family and friends at his cabin on Roy Lake. He especially enjoyed Sunday morning breakfast with his family at the cabin. He loved meeting people and he always took the time to visit and usually had a good story to tell. He never met a stranger.

Richard passed away Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Avera St. Luke’s in Aberdeen, at the age of 85 surrounded by his family.

Grateful for having shared his life are his three children: Shelly (Steve) Swanson, Troy Kristofferson and Lisa Dahme; grandchildren: Jade Kristofferson, Alex Kristofferson, Jared (Lacey) Holland, Hillarey (Clayton) Warner, Karsen (Autumn) Holland, Maggie (Tyler) Gefroh and Morgan (James) Erickson; 13 great-grandchildren and one on the way; brothers, Rolland Kristofferson and David (Twila) Kristofferson; sisters, Gloria (Marvin) Gustafson, Karen Murray and Janice Krizan; and sisters-inlaw, Janice Kristofferson and Mary Kristofferson.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Diane; his parents; brothers, Darwin, Harlow and Gary Kristofferson; sister, Loretta Klein; nephews, Mathew Kristofferson, Eric Murray and Bryon Dathe, brothers-in-law, George Klein, Dennis Murray and Dwite Krizan, and sisters-inlaw, Judy Kristofferson and Nelva Kristofferson.

Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Shelly Swanson – 310 Hickory St. – Langford, SD 57454.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com