Funeral services for Richard Schlomer, 91, of Mobridge will be at 11 AM Saturday, January 15, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church in Mobridge. Burial will be at Glenham Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be from 2-5 on Friday at the funeral home. Prayer service will be at 7 at the St. Jacobi Lutheran Church in Glenham. Richard passed away Monday, January 10, 2011 at the Mobridge Regional Hospital.

Richard Albert Schlomer was born on August 28, 1919 to his parents John and Hannah (Lemke) Schlomer on the family homestead near Glenham, SD.

He attended and graduated from Glenham High School in 1937. During high school he was active in the band, Glee Club, chorus, and basketball. He worked for his brother Charles at the Glenham Hardware Store and with his brother Walter on the farm.

In January of 1942, he felt the call of duty and joined the Army Air Corp. While stationed at Ft. Benning, GA, he married Vivian Hanson from Glenham, SD on July 23, 1944. After World War II ended, he was honorably discharged in October of 1945.

Following his service in the United States Army Air Corp, Richard and Vivian moved back to Glenham, SD. They began farming and building a family. Their life long dream was accomplished when they purchased their farm in 1952. He had a long and successful agricultural career. Although he retired from farming in 1990, he continued to assist his nephews in their farming operations well into his 80's. During this time, Richard and Vivian moved to Mobridge, SD.

Richard was active within the Glenham school system and drove the activity bus for many years. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following the local school sports especially basketball and football. He spent many evenings at Mobridge Tiger's stadium and gymnasium. He was a lifelong member of St Jacobi Lutheran Church in Glenham, and as an active member he served in many officer positions and boards.

Richard also served on the Walworth County Conservation Board for many years. He was instrumental in starting many shelter belts in conservation efforts within Walworth County. He wrote in his high school yearbook during the dust bowl years that his ambition was to "make this country wet". His family thinks he succeeded.

Richard had many hobbies which included hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, pinochle and whist card games. He also enjoyed playing the harmonica with Vivian accompanying him on the piano. He loved performing for local nursing homes and other groups. Babies and children smiled and laughed to see his charming antics. He was always seen entertaining his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Even a shy child would smile and laugh with Richard.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vivian (Hanson) Schlomer. His children: Duane (Barbara) Schlomer; Diane (Greg) Flack; Doris (Robbie) Casey; and Donald (Sandra) Schlomer and 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. His brothers and sisters: Leona Rygh, Victor Schlomer, and Lorraine Fowler, and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, John and Hannah Schlomer; Brothers- Charles, Cody, Walter, Henry, Alvin, and Gerhard; Sisters- Dorothy Beckman, Ruth Retzer, and Gertrude Wiersma.

Memorials are appreciated and can be sent to Great Plains Lutheran High School in Watertown, SD or to Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI.