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In memory of

Dick Fanning

of Long Valley, South Dakota, died on Monday, March 10, 2008 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City at the age of 71

Joel Richard “Dick” Fanning was born August 7, 1936 in Bennett County, South Dakota to Cameron and Marcella Fanning. He passed away March 10, 2008 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital due to a heart attack. Dick was the fourth of fourteen children. Through his early years he attended school at Presentation Children’s School in Sioux Falls, SD where he stayed with his Grandmother McLaughlin. Later, he went to and graduated from 8th grade at England Grade School, near Vetal, SD. He graduated from Bennett County High School in 1955. Dick was united in marriage to Iris Campbell November 1964 in Nenzel, NE. They moved to his Granddad’s homestead in South East Bennett County. Children Morgan, Shane and Regan were born while living in this part of the Sandhills. From there, the family moved to the Jack LaBranche place south of Tuthill, SD. Sloan was born to this growing family while there. Later, the family packed up and moved 10 miles west of Martin. After a brief stay there, they moved to Rainbow’s End Ranch at Oelrichs, SD in 1979. It was there Dick became a widower after his wife lost her battle with cancer. Dick moved one more time to the Other End of the Rainbow Ranch near Long Valley, SD in 1993. There, Dick married Lorena Berry in 1996. They farmed and ranched together in addition to enjoying time spent with friends and family.
He lived the Beatitudes by visiting residents of nursing homes, nuns residing at St. Martin’s, providing food, firewood and helping those in need. He was known to pick up hitchhikers, much to the dismay of his family. Dick was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. Through the years he learned how to be a good listener. Dick rose early to read the Bible and devotionals as well as pray the rosary for his and other’s intentions. Through the years, Dick’s wisdom provided sound advice and guidance. Dick loved children for their uninhibitedness.
Dick had a lifelong passion for cattle and horses. After high school he traveled with older brother Larry to California learning the farrier trade and enjoyed working with horses. Like most good cattlemen he knew how to read cattle sign language. He competed in roping events in early adulthood. He enjoyed watching good rodeo, football and baseball games. Dick appreciated different scenery by taking rural back roads rather than main highways.
Survivors include his wife Lorena Fanning of Longvalley; two daughters Morgan Chadwick and her husband James of Houston, Texas, and Regan Kirchner of Circle, Montana; two sons Shane Fanning of Pierre, and Sloan Fanning and his wife Carol of Ft. Collins, Colorado; four grandchildren; four step-daughters Tracy Timp and her husband Jim of Arden Hills, Minnesota, Susan Kostroski and her husband Randy of Sherwood, Wisconsin, Angela Tucker of San Francisco, California, and Lauri Lerner and her husband Eric of Rochester, New York; twelve siblings James Fanning of Martin, Larry Fanning of Martin, William “Bill” Fanning and his wife Philomen of Greely, Colorado, Frances Fanning and his wife Lloyd of Great Falls, Montana, Camillus Blair of Rapid City, Dennis Fanning and his wife Nellie of Camarillo, California, Virgil Fanning and his wife Fran of Rapid City, Butch Fanning and his wife Paulette of Vetal, South Dakota, Tony Fanning and his wife Lupita of Simi Valley, California, Paul Fanning and his wife Maryann of Tuthill, South Dakota, Robert “Bob” Fanning and his wife Cathy of Phoenix, Arizona, and Patricia Williams and her husband Lee of Moorcroft, Wyoming; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. 
Dick was preceded in death by his first wife Iris (Campbell) Fanning; his parents Cameron and Marcella (McLaughlin) Fanning; one brother Ronald Fanning; and a son-in-law Kenny Kirchner.
Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Martin, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 13, at the Old American Legion Hall in Martin, with Father Bryan Sorensen as celebrant.
Interment will was in the Martin Community Cemetery.
A memorial is established.
Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip. 

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Thursday, March 13, 2008 – 10:00 a.m.
Old American Legion Hall
Martin, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Bryan Sorensen

ASSISTING
Deacon Cal Clifford

LECTOR
Tony Fanning

MUSIC BY
Steve and Stuart Livermont
Prelude-Postlude Pianist – Dana Fanning

USHERS – PALLBEARERS
Jason Fanning – Josh Fanning
Casey Fanning – Shawn Fanning
Cam Williams – Jimbo Fanning
Jim Fanning – Joe Fanning
John Fanning – Mike Fanning

INTERMENT
Martin Community Cemetery
Martin, South Dakota


Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Martin, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. 
Vigil Service:  7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at the church.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 13, at the Old American Legion Hall in Martin.
Interment: Martin Community Cemetery 

  • Morgan, So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our prayers are with you.
    Hazel and Louise Rowcliffe     ~ Hazel Rowcliffe Philip, SD (3/10/2008)
  • Shane, We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. Please know our prayers are with you and your Dad's entire family. ~ Don & Rosemary Hayward Pierre (3/10/2008)
  • Morgan and family,
    Very sorry to hear about your dad. You are in our thoughts.
    Jenny     ~ Jenny Seidel Pierre (3/10/2008)
  • Morgan and Sloan & families,
    So sorry to hear of your dads passing. Remember the good times and Gods Blessings.     ~ Shirley Dennis Box 92, Philip, SD (3/10/2008)
  • Sorry to read of Dick's passing. Probably met him when I was at the ranch with Bill our freshman year at State and we drove to Longvalley but couldn't find the dance! Gus & Maryann ~ Gus Jacob 2297 Minnewasta Rd., Rapid City, SD (3/10/2008)
  • Morgan,
    I'm so very sorry. I've been thinking of you and praying for you and your family. I hope to see you soon. Love, Heidi     ~ Heidi Burns Philip, SD (3/10/2008)
  • Morgan,Regan,Shane,Sloan & families. Sincere Sympathy in the loss of your father. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
    Love, Dewey & Myrtle Missed you after you left Oelrichs.     ~ Dewey & Myrtle Trent Oelrichs, SD 57763 (3/10/2008)
  • Regan, I was saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you as always. I will be in touch with you. ~ Hallie Bachand-Budmayr Belle Fourche (3/10/2008)
  • So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. ~ Rhonda Nankivel (daughter of Roland & Gladys LaHaye) Tea, SD (3/10/2008)
  • Morgan,Regan,Shane,Sloan, I'm was so very sorry to hear about your dad. I just want you to know that I have been thinking of each of you and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Connie Sue ~ Connie Geiser Hot Springs (3/10/2008)
  • Morgan and families,
    So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.     ~ Mark and Holly McIntire Pierre, SD (3/10/2008)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The saddness of this time will grow softer and the many wonderful memories will always be with you. ~ Jerry & LeeAnn Ferley Oelrichs, SD (3/10/2008)
  • Morgan, Shane, Regan and Sloan - - Please accept my deepest condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care, Kari ~ Kari (Britain) Jastorff Cedar Falls, Iowa (3/10/2008)
  • Sloan, Morgan, Regan,and Shane, We are thinking of you all at this very sad time. Sending you strength and love always. x ~ Juliette, Gavin,Joshua & Emily Pemberton Manchester, England (3/10/2008)
  • I am so sorry for your great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Eowyn Vesper     ~ Eowyn Vesper evesper@ccsd.k12.wy.us (3/10/2008)
  • The images of Dick through the years are so beautiful and convey his love for his family, his community and his animal companions. ~ Laurie Lerner Rochester NY (3/10/2008)
  • scroll with your down arrow to read the whole message.
    Each and everyone one of us are going through tough times right now, but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith.
    This prayer is powerful, and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive.
    There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another.

    The prayer:
    Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and those that I care deeply for, who are reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfill their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

    ~ Williams families twilliams@ccsd.k12.wy.us. (3/10/2008)