Dr. Richard G. Gere, age 92, of Mitchell, SD died Sunday, March 15, 2020 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. A private family committal will be held at Graceland Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service will be held later. Arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel.

Richard was born on January 7 ^th , 1928 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to George and Dorothy (Furchner) Gere.  He grew up in Mitchell and attended local schools excelling in athletics. He graduated in 1946 and enlisted in the Army. He was stationed in Japan until his discharge in 1948.

He married his high school sweetheart Marjory Murphy on June 4 ^th , 1949. It was always his passion to be a doctor and began pursuing this dream by attending the University of South Dakota and the University of Nebraska graduating from their medical school in 1957.

He practiced medicine in South Sioux City, Nebraska, but wanted to return home to his hometown of Mitchell. On September 9 ^th , 1957, he returned to Mitchell and was employed at the Dr. Bobb Clinic. In 1960, he joined  Dr. Vernon Vonburg in establishing the Mitchell Clinic. He loved being a doctor and practiced there until his retirement in January 1992.

He was an active member of the South Dakota State Medical Association and was recognized by them in 2007 for his 50 years of service to medicine. During his membership he served on the Grievance Commission Council, Executive Committee, and as President.  He is also a founding board member of Dakota Care. He was well-respected in the local medical community making lifelong friends with his colleagues.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and traveling. He also wintered in Arizona.

He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. He is survived by his children; Georgeann (Gigi) Wamboldt and husband Jeff, Vinita, Oklahoma; Greg Gere and wife, Cindy, Olathe, Kansas; Gina Laws and husband, Randy, Mesa, Arizona; Gretchen Elston and husband, Dan, Mitchell, South Dakota. His grandchildren Denise Gere, Kelsey Wise, Adam Wamboldt, and Jesse Laws and wife Angela. His great grandchild Ethan Wise, and special friend Ardis Schrooten. He also had many nieces and nephews who he adored.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, wife Marjory and sister IdaMae and Wayne Unzicker, in-laws Edward and Ruth Murphy, brother in law Donald Murphy, and sister in law Darlene and William Meekins.

Condolences can be sent to Gretchen Elston 300 W. 9 ^th Ave. Mitchell, SD 57301.