Richard M. Theye

Richard M. Theye, age 88, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Avantara Milbank.  Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Watertown.  Rev. Paul Kuckhahn will officiate.  Music will provided by Julie Sulzle as organist.

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.  Military graveside honors will be conducted by Codington County Post #17 of the American Legion, Watertown, and the Military Funeral Honors Team of the SD Army National Guard.  Active Pallbearers will be Terry Reilly, Danny Giese, Gus Theye, Joel Beutow, Dan Beutow, Brandon Weber, Carson Weber, and Austin Weber. 

Richard was born on January 12, 1936, in Big Stone, SD, to Frederick and Alvina (Schmidt) Theye.  He grew up in the Grant County area and attended country school until the eighth grade.  Richard always cracked the joke “I quit school once they made me quit coloring.”  Richard was drafted twice into the United States Army.

On October 27, 1962, Richard married Lucille M. Noeldner at St. John’s Church – Mazeppa Township.  Richard started farming on the family farm in 1965.  He also worked for Watertown Builders, Gray Construction, Northern Trucking, and several other various jobs throughout his life. 

Richard enjoyed living out on the farm, always tinkering on something.  He enjoyed eating ice cream, cheeseburgers and fries, popcorn, Cheetos, drinking MGD.  His famous saying was “if you have one, I’ll have one.”  He was very meticulous in many aspects of his life.  He also enjoyed John Deere Tractors and listening to Johnny Cash. 

Richard is survived by his children, Miranda (Kelly) Crooks, of Lakeville, MN, Sandy Theye, of Watertown, Troy Theye, of Port Orange, FL, and Trent (Tami) Theye, of Watertown; grandchildren, Brandon, Heather, Elizabeth, and Jayden; six great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Marlyn Theye, of Milbank, SD.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife; parents; son Travis; and three brothers.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti

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