Richard Donald Gaulke, age 87 of Mitchell, SD died Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at his home under hospice care. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Will Funeral Chapel with burial at the American Legion Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, January 27, 2017 at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Richard Donald Gaulke, son of Gus and Lania (Stoll) Gaulke, was born March 1, 1929 in rural Gann Valley, SD. He attended country school and then helped out on the family farm. Richard entered the US Army on August 30, 1951 and was honorably discharged on August 6, 1953. He returned to the Gann Valley area.

Richard attended school to become an electrician. He was united in marriage with Marge Wittstruck on March 3, 1954 in Mitchell, SD. The couple made their home in Mitchell. Richard was employed by Long Construction for many years and then self-employed as a carpenter for several years. Richard was then employed as a mechanic at Heston in Mitchell for 10 years. He retired at the age of 67. In his retirement, Richard enjoyed woodworking, odd jobs and building chairs for his grandchildren.

He was united in marriage with Jean Sonne on July 30, 2005 in Hill City, SD.

Richard enjoyed exploring the Black Hills, hunting, spending time with his family and friends, feeding the deer at the cabin near Hill City, SD. He will always be remembered for his stories and jokes.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Jean Gaulke, Mitchell, SD; his children, Mark (Becky) Gaulke, Mitchell, SD, Scott (Lisa French) Gaulke, Artesian, SD, Carrie (Doug) Grosz, Letcher, SD, Donna Gronke, Ethan, SD, Dan (Lori) Sonne, Ethan, SD, Roy Sonne, Mitchell, SD; 17 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Marge Gaulke on 4/8/1988; two daughters, Sherrie Wermers and Shellie Hansen; five brothers, Leonard, Bud, Gerald, Harold and Franklin; three sisters, Wilma, Edelaine, and Melba.