Richard "Rick" Zephier

Richard “Rick” D. Zephier, 54, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at his home.

A Memorial Service and Time of Remembrance will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, with Fr. George Parmeter and Dcn. Mark Marion officiating. A time of fellowship and luncheon will follow the service at the church hall.

Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Richard “Rick” Donovan Zephier was born on March 4, 1970, to Richard and Carol (Robbins) Zephier in Aberdeen, SD. He spent his school days in Mellette, honing his basketball skills on the court and eventually graduating from Northwestern High School in 1988.

After high school, Rick moved to Aberdeen, where he started his career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Rick had an impressive 32-year run with the BIA, taking on many different roles, but most recently as the Division Chief for the Land, Titles, and Records Office. He made countless friends along the way. His hard work and genuine connections left a lasting mark on the BIA, and Rick’s legacy will be remembered for many years to come.

Rick adored dogs and always had a furry companion by his side. He also loved sports, always active in softball and pick-up basketball leagues. He loved cheering on his favorite teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Cubs, Michigan Wolverines, and Los Angeles Lakers.

In his free time, Rick loved going to concerts, as he had a passion for music. He also loved traveling and attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his precious children, who meant the world to him. Rick enjoyed hosting Super Bowl and New Year’s Eve gatherings and spending time with his friends, who were also very important to him.

Grateful and blessed to have shared Rick’s life are his wife, Marsha; children: Andrew (Victoria) Zephier of St. Paul, MN, and Adam Zephier of Rapid City, SD, and their mother, Stephanie Zephier; Nicholas(Kylee) Zephier of Aberdeen, SD, and Kyla(Kaysie) Zephier of Aberdeen, SD, and their mother Nichole Hacker; Marcy(Louis) Ablin of Rochester, MN, Joanna (Travis Peterson) Kelley of Rochester, MN, and Tasha Boyd of Rochester, MN; grandchildren: Louie and Aiden, and twin grandchildren on the way; furry grands: Thor, Hela, and Poe, whom he loved dearly; sisters Kira (Marty) LeCompte of Aberdeen, SD, and Erin (Scott) Doering of Aberdeen, SD; nieces and nephews: Mason (Chelsea) Young of Fargo, ND, Ashley Uribe of Aberdeen, SD, Whitley (Justin) LeCompte of Ferney, SD, Arianna Doering, Alex Doering, and Deacon Doering; great-nieces and nephews: Madison, Jackson, Nolan, Mila, Layla, Maxwell, and Quinn; and many extended family and dear friends.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Carol; and many beloved cats and dogs that were special companions to him.

The sun will never shine as brightly for those who loved Rick.