Obituary of Richard Francis Schweitzer

Richard Francis Schweitzer age 67 of Viborg, SD, passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at the Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Monday, February 11, 2013 at St. Boniface Catholic Church (Idlywilde) rural Freeman, SD with Rev. Mathew Vazhappilly officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitations will be at 6:00 PM, Sunday, February 10, 2013 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, with a Wake service at 7:00 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers are Roger Schweitzer, Jr. Matt Lowe, Dean Eli, Daniel Eli, John Pederson, and Louie Crowe. Honorary Pallbearers are his grandchildren: Shane Kozak, Ashley Schweitzer, Tyler Kozak, Connor Teichroew, Hunter Teichroew, and Tanner Teichroew. Richard was born May 30, 1945 in Yankton, SD to Ralph & Alice (Heinisch) Schweitzer. He married Peggy Lee on April 22, 1967. He bought is farm in 1975 and took great pride in his land and livestock. In his spare time he attended tractor pulls where he brought home several trophies. He held threshing bees at the farm where he would showcase his antique tractors. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife; son, Richard (Dicky) Jr. of Viborg, SD; daughters, LoriAnn (Eric) Copper of Irene, SD and Priscilla (Justin) Teichroew of Yankton, SD; brothers: Roger (Linda) Schweitzer of Utica, SD, Bobby (Connie) Schweitzer of Viborg, SD, and Ronnie Schweitzer of Freeman, SD; sister, Darlene (Kilmer) Christensen of Viborg, SD; five nieces: Sherry, Brenda, Amy, Jess and Kayla; three nephews: Roger Jr., Larry and Todd; six grandchildren and his dogs, Ottis & Roscoe (Little White Dove). He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gary Schweitzer.