Mass of Christian Burial for Richard "Rick" Christman, 72, of Mobridge will be at 10:30AM, Monday, March 4, 2024, at St. Joseph's Catholic church in Mobridge. Inurnment will be at the Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge. There will be a memorial visitation starting at 4 PM with a prayer service at 5 PM Sunday at the church. Rick passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Mobridge Regional Hospital. Services will be livestreamed on the Kesling Funeral Home Facebook page.

Rick was born on December 14, 1951, in Lemmon, SD, the fourth of eleven children born to Rhieny and Kathryn (Gossman) Christman. Rick's early years were shaped in Lemmon until his family relocated to Mobridge in January 1963. During his high school years, he worked at the A&W Drive In which his parents later purchased. He completed his education at Mobridge High School in 1970. Rick pursued studies at Mitchell VoTech which he graduated with a Culinary Arts degree in 1973. He then embarked on a path blending vocational training and entrepreneurship.

On November 7, 1973, Rick opened Snappy Lunch. As time passed, the walls disappeared and Rick's Recreation emerged with pinball games, pool tables and a juke box and lastly Rick's Café. He just marked his 50th anniversary of being in business in 2023. Among his finest achievements was his creation of Rick's Salt a coveted seasoning whose recipe remains a closely guarded secret.

Rick's culinary expertise was renowned, with specialties ranging from chili to burgers and Indian Tacos, not to mention his chili footlongs, all served with his trademark flair. Visitors to Rick's Café were treated not only to delicious meals but also to engaging conversations, where Rick's wit and occasional quirks left lasting impressions. Wearing a bungee cord instead of a belt, often resulted in equipment failure to everyone's displeasure. The celebratory use of unsanctioned fireworks was not an uncommon occurrence at Rick's. Further examples of his independent thinking were his strictly enforced No Smoking policy long before the government got involved.

Beyond his culinary endeavors, Rick was a pillar of generosity, supporting various charitable causes and community initiatives, including creating the "Share the Spirit" Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. His contributions were recognized with awards such as the Knights of Columbus "South Dakota Knight of the Year" in 2016. Rick also had numerous victories in Chili Cook-Off events, being a founding member of the "International Chili Society Foundation" and qualifying for the National Chili Cook—Off in California in 1983. His diverse interests were further evidenced by the enjoyment he got from his '48 Chevy, his green and white Edsel Wagon and his "River Knights" limousine service. His creative juices were also demonstrated by his outdoor flower pots fronting the block that Rick's Café sits on. He was passionate about John Wayne and was an annual participant and recognized supporter of the John Wayne birthplace and museum in Winterset, Iowa. He sponsored the "Killer Bees" softball team and was persistent in collecting vintage signs and memorabilia. You didn't have to know Rick long to learn he was a HUGE Democratic supporter as well as a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Cubs.

A devout member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Rick lived by the principles of faith, family, and friendship.

He is survived by his sisters Ginger and Diane Christman of Mobridge, SD; Mary Luening of Onalaska, WI, and Nancy (Tom) Hepper of Wing, ND, as well as sister-in-law Judy Christman of Selby, SD, and brothers Steve Christman of Mobridge, SD and Jeff (Marlene) Christman of Pollock, SD. Rick's legacy extends to his nieces and nephews, Jody Christman, Erin Reisner, Nichole Heagy, Grant Leuning, Emily Lathara, Grace Gleason, Jack Leuning, Anna Leuning, Rudie Lee, Cash Hepper, Lindsey Bachman, Brent Odde, Brian Odde, and Ross Odde. Rick had a soft spot for all of his great nieces and nephews: Shane, Seth, Maycee, Griffin, Kailina, Cyrus, Eliza, Hattie, Lilly, Bryar, and Baylor.

Rick was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, brothers Mike, David (Bean), and Bob, sister Connie Larsen, and nephew Randy Larsen. Though he has departed this world, Rick's spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Honoring Rick's request, memorials will go to the Rhieny Christman Memorial Legion Scholarship Fund, Klein Museum and St. Joseph's Catholic Church Vocation Fund.