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Richard "Dick" Strait
Richard "Dick" Strait
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Richard was born November 28, 1931, in Hamlin County, South Dakota to William and Ida Mae (Norris) Strait. He grew up on a farm near Castlewood, South Dakota, and attended Castlewood Public School. He joined the US Army in 1952 and served in the Korean Conflict. Dick married Ardell Carlson on June 14, 1959. They made their home in Castlewood where Dick took over the family-owned insurance business, Strait Insurance Agency. In addition to 65 years in the insurance business, he was a rural mail carrier for the US Post Office in the Castlewood area.
More than anything, Dick enjoyed his family. He treasured vacations, square dancing with his wife, pheasant hunting and fishing, spending time at the cabin on Lake Poinsett, his church, and community involvement. His faith in God and country was reflected in his everyday life. Dick was a quiet and patient man who typically stepped back and observed, never spoke negatively of anyone, and relished conversations with his friends and family. He enjoyed cars, history, world news, and virtual adventures by watching travel and history documentaries.
Dick was an active member of the American Lutheran Church of Castlewood, a 70-year member of the American Legion Post 250, Castlewood School Board, and served on the board of directors of several insurance companies and a state insurance association. He was also involved in the Castlewood community and its economic development.
Grateful for sharing his life are his three sons, David (LuAnn) Strait, of Watertown, SD, Dennis (Vicki) Strait and Doug Strait of Castlewood, SD; six grandchildren, Sydney (Dion) Helgelien, Spencer Strait, Sawyer Strait, Lindsey (Carver) Ching, Haley (Will) Gallman and Abbey (Corben) Leo; one great-grandchild, a sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife Ardell, and infant son Dean; his parents and six siblings: Maynard Strait, Hugh Strait, Ida Mae Goeman, Lillian Boswell, Pearl Strait, and Bob Strait.
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1 Entry
Janice Hanson
March 26, 2025
So sorry to just hear this news. I have many fond memories of cousin Ardell and Richard. I remember the first time I met Richard while visiting Alice and Axel. Richard was dating Ardell and he stopped to pick her up for a church function. Ardell packed a picnic lunch and the guys were to bid on the lunches to raise money for the church. I was quite young and asked Richard, "What if someone else bids more than you and you can't eat the picnic lunch together?" This gave Richard a chuckle as he replied, "I guess she will have to eat with somebody else."
My father Eddie and Richard enjoyed many coversations together, often talking about cars. When Richard bought a new car he had to drive it to our house right away to show my Dad.
Your father was always friendly and kind a wonderful support to your mother Ardell.
You boys were blessed to have such wonderful parents. They are in God's hands now and deserving of rest for lives well lived.
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