Richard "Dick" McQueen

Dates

Obituary

Richard “Dick” McQueen, 79, of White Lake, SD, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family on his cherished farm in White Lake after bravely fighting pancreatic cancer. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, September 12, at the White Lake Community Center, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in Underwood Cemetery in rural White Lake. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Richard Allen McQueen was born November 13, 1945, to Donald and Lucille (Curl) McQueen in Mitchell, South Dakota. Dick grew up on the family farm in White Lake, Patten Township, with his older sister, Vaye Jean, and his younger siblings, Marilyn and Randy. He loved the farm, especially haying time. He went to Patten Country School for his early education and later attended White Lake School.

From 1966 to 1967, Dick served with honor in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, known as the Blackhorse Regiment, during the Vietnam War. Drawing on his experience as a farm boy, he became an invaluable asset to his unit. Dick wore many hats: soldier, tank driver, mechanic, and, most importantly, a steadfast friend. The bonds he forged with his fellow soldiers—whom he affectionately called his brothers—remained a cornerstone of his life. He and Judy cherished attending annual reunions across the United States, where they joyfully rekindled these lifelong friendships.

On June 27, 1970, Dick married Judy (Stange), and together they built a rich and fulfilling family life on their beloved farm. Alongside their children, they raised cattle, pigs, sheep, turkeys, and chickens, cultivating not only the land but also a thriving and joyful homestead.

Dick possessed an extraordinary gift for storytelling, weaving tales of his life’s adventures that left family and friends roaring with laughter and cherishing every memory. A true friend to all, he never met a stranger, and his warm, open heart drew others to share their own stories with him. After countless conversations, Dick would often return with new phone numbers and an invitation extended to join him at home, prompting Judy to hear his familiar refrain, “Set another place at the table,” even when the guest list was a mystery to her. Beyond the farm, Dick delighted in traveling to his children’s homes, where he relished their culinary masterpieces, each dish a testament to the skills they honed under Judy’s loving guidance. No chat with Dick was complete without his signature question, “How much rain did you get?”—always paired with his playful quip that “the rain stopped north of the correction line,” a line that never failed to spark a smile.

Dick’s deepest passion was for his farm, where he invested his energy and dedication. Equally, his heart belonged to his family and Vietnam brothers, whose triumphs and unbreakable bonds he celebrated with unwavering admiration. His lasting legacy endures in the stories he shared, the gatherings he cherished, the brotherhood he held dear, and the profound love he generously gave to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Judy and their children, Julie (Marvin “Bones”) Dykstra of Stickney, SD, Bonnie (Jared) Dowling of Murdo, SD, Lance (Nora) McQueen of Sioux Falls, SD, and Becky (Shannon Tolsma) of Corsica, SD; sister, Marilyn (Les) VandenBos of Sturgis, SD; brother, Randy (Lenee) McQueen of White Lake, SD; the heart of Dick’s world, bringing him boundless pride and joy were his 11 grandchildren: Seth Dykstra and Bailey (Bailey) Anthony; Molly, Jake, Sophie, and Maggie Dowling; Addison McQueen; Waylon and Jesse McQueen, Presley and Holden Matlock. —whose happiness and milestones illuminated his days. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Jan Stange, Phyllis Swenson, Lois Edwards, Nancy Stange, Kay Stange, and Ann Stange; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a host of friends who became like family. 

Dick was preceded in death by his parents: Donald and Lucille McQueen; sister, Vaye Jean (Jim) Markhardt; one infant granddaughter, Abigail Matlock; and parents-in-law, Harry and Wilma Stange; brothers and sisters-in-law: Bill and Joyce Bowar, Donald “Ducky” Stange, Merle Edwards, Bill and Carol Morgan, Billy Stange, Bobby Stange, Johnny Stange.

Dick McQueen’s life was a reflection of deep roots, hard work, and the enduring values of farm and family. His memory will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate to know him.

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