Richard "Dick" R. Lehrke

Richard "Dick" R. Lehrke, 67, of Aberdeen, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2015, at his home.

His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 3, 2015, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 214 SW 7th Avenue, Aberdeen, with Reverend Samuel Bobby officiating.

Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be 5-7:00 p.m., Monday, at the mortuary followed by a public prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continues one hour prior to the service at church on Tuesday.

Richard R. Lehrke was born May 18, 1948, in Sisseton, SD, to Edward and Alice (Chapin) Lehrke. He was raised on the family farm near Lake Traverse and attended school in Browns Valley, MN. Following high school graduation, Dick moved to Minneapolis, MN, where he was employed and made his home.

Dick was united in marriage to Yvonne "Vonnie" Crooks at Peever, SD, on November 1, 1969. Their union was blessed with two children, Deliah and Sean. In 1973 they moved back to the family farm and Dick began farming with his brother, Marlyn "Mort" Lehrke. Dick and his family then moved to Aberdeen in 1985, where he furthered his education at Northern State College. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Science degree, he went on to complete his CPA Boards in 1989. At that time Dick & Vonnie moved to Rapid City, SD, where Dick was employed with the State Legislative Audit until 1995. They returned to Aberdeen where Dick began his own accounting business, "Richard R. Lehrke, CPA", where he remained until the time of his retirement in 2014. He continued to make Aberdeen his home until his death.

Dick was an avid reader and sports fan, especially of the Minnesota Vikings and all Northern State athletics. He loved playing softball and bowling. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports as well as playing cards and games with them. After retirement he also took delight in doing his puzzles and paintings. He was always up for a discussion on any subject particularly those involving politics. Dick also had a love for music and he and his brother, Dean, founded the band named "Dick & Dean" and since retiring from the band he enjoyed singing karaoke.

Grateful to have shared in Dick's life is his wife of almost 46 years, Vonnie Lehrke of Aberdeen; his children: Deliah Lehrke and Sean (Tracey) Lehrke, both of Sisseton, SD; seven grandchildren: Tanner, Shelby, and Brody Eastman, Chelsey, Carley, and Colbey Lehrke, and Joshua Opp-Lehrke; five brothers: Bill (Rae) Lehrke of Minneapolis, MN, Marlyn "Mort" Lehrke of Sisseton, SD, Wayne (Kaye, deceased) Lehrke of San Jacinto, CA, Kenny (Ilse, deceased) Lehrke of Maple Grove, MN, and Dean (Dianne) Lehrke of Sisseton, SD; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dick's parents preceded him in death.