Richard "Rick" D. Kraayenbrink

Richard "Rick" D. Kraayenbrink, age 79, of Hayti, SD, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the local hospital.  Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Hayti Lutheran Church in Hayti, SD.  Rev. Randy Eisenbeisz will officiate.  Music will be provided by Lisa Pederson.

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Hayti, SD, on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and prior to services at the church on Friday.

Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hayti, SD.  Honorary pallbearers will be Rick’s grandchildren and his nieces. Carla King, Chris Sellner, Joan Rixe, Lisa Kraayenbrink, Heather Figueroa, & Rachel Teberg.  Active pallbearers will be his nephews, Kevin Kraayenbrink, Kent Kraayenbrink, Adam Kraayenbrink, Craig Kraayenbrink, David Rixe, Scott Rixe, & Mark Sellner.

Rick was born on May 13, 1946, to Clement and Vera (Gillespie) Kraayenbrink in Chokio, MN.  He graduated from Chokio High School with the class of 1964.  Right after high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Army until being discharged on July 5, 1967. 

On August 19, 1967, Rick married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Teberg in Fergus Falls, MN.  The couple lived in Fergus Falls, MN, Wahpeton, ND & Hankinson, ND, before moving to Hayti, SD, in June of 1976 where they have lived since. 

Rick worked for Ottertail Power Company just shy of 39 years. Upon his retirement, he went to work for Arneson Electric until he started at Stone’s Truck Stop in the spring of 2011 & currently still working there.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and attending all of his grandson’s events.  He was well known for his banana bread, chocolate chips cookies, & beef jerky that he loved to make for his grandsons & co-workers. 

Rick is survived by his children, Kari Kraayenbrink, of Watertown, and Eric (Danielle) Kraayenbrink, of Bellingham, WA; one sister, Jean Rixe, of Graceville, MN; grandsons, Traver and Carson Hansmann, Brody Bass, and Derek Love-Kraayenbrink; and many cousins, nieces & nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by parents; his wife, Wanda; daughter, Traci Bass; & two brothers, Orville & John.

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard "Rick" D. Kraayenbrink, please visit our floral store.