Earl R. “Rick” Wilmarth was born May 7, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Earl J. and Alice Paxton (Bean) Wilmarth. At the age of three he moved with his parents to Kadoka where he received his education. He graduated from Kadoka High School in 1964. He then attended General Beadle at Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business. He remained in Madison and continued his education, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education from Dakota State in 1970.
After graduation, he moved back to Kadoka where he worked as a bulk fuel driver. On May 24, 1974, he was united in marriage to Paulette Hemmingson in Kadoka. They made their home in Kadoka, where Rick continued to work.
He joined the Kadoka Volunteer Fire Department in 1963, and was still a member today. He held every office in the Fire Department over the past 52 years. He was also a 20 year member of the Kadoka Ambulance Service. Due to health reasons, Rick retired from his job on December 31, 2000.
Rick was known as the “bean man” during the reunion weekends, always making the baked beans for the celebration. Rick was a long time football referee, from 1981 to 1993, ending his football career in the Dakota Dome in 1993. He also officiated basketball and softball for over 20 years. During track season, he was a timer for all Kadoka and region track meets. Rick was a loyal supporter of Kougar athletics, and was easy to pick out of the crowd.
Rick was an avid Dodgers fan, enjoyed hunting geese and pheasants, and fishing. He loved to cook pancakes, (and flip them high) for the grandkids, and took great pride in his yard and garden.
Survivors include his wife Paulette of Kadoka; one daughter Lori Konst (Jeff) of Philip; two sons Cody Wilmarth (Betsy) of Colton, and Eric Wilmarth of Kadoka; five grandchildren Jade Konst of Kennebec, Kayla Wilmarth of Sioux Falls, Kylee Wilmarth of Sioux Falls, Jaslyn Konst of Philip, and Samantha Wilmarth of Colton; a brother Kenny Wilmarth (Cindy) of Kadoka; a sister Lib Thomas (Mike) of Aiken, South Carolina; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Andy and Mary Jane Hemmingson of Kadoka; a brother-in-law Ronnie Hemmingson (Nancy) of Eureka; four nieces; one nephew; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents; and a niece Terri Wilmarth.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 6, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.
Interment was at the Kadoka Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to the Kadoka Volunteer Fire Department.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 241, Kadoka, SD 57543.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, April 6, 2015 - 10:30 A.M.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary McCubbin
MUSIC
JoAnne Stilwell - Organist
Colby & Teresa Shuck - Vocalists
"The Old Rugged Cross"
"In The Garden"
Dave Ohrtman - Vocalist
"O' Danny Boy"
"Going Home"
USHERS
Ryan Richardson -John Madsen
PALLBEARERS
David Johnson - Brian Fromm
Jim Fugate - Rich Bendt
Tim Huffman - Paul Briggs
FIRE TRUCK DRIVERS
Patrick Solon -Brad Stone
Jim Antonsen -John Madsen
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Firemen in Attendance
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Guest Book
Paulette and family, our sincere sympathy in your loss. Rick will be missed for his kindness among his family and friends. He always remembered all our family whenever I saw him, said to tell them hi for him. He met so many people running the gas and propane truck for years, he probably knew all of Jackson County residents and at least half of all the surrounding counties.
~ Buster & Nancy Peterson
Kadoka (4/2/2015)
We are so sorry for your loss, a loss to the entire community. Rick was always on hand to lend a hand on the fire dept and ambulance. He will be remembered by so many friends. He is now at peace and not suffering, he is in God's arms. We will miss Rick.
~ Joe and Betty Lou Stratton
Kadoka, SD (4/2/2015)
We are so sorry for your loss, a loss to the entire community. Rick was always on hand to lend a hand on the fire dept and ambulance. He will be remembered by so many friends. He is now at peace and not suffering, he is in God's arms. We will miss Rick.
~ Joe and Betty Lou Stratton
Kadoka, SD (4/2/2015)
Lori Sorry for the loss of your father. May he rest in peace.
~ joann and phil stark
cottonwood,SD (4/2/2015)
Paulette and family....so sorry for you and yet knowing he is with Jesus and at peace at last is a comfort. I have so many memories of Rick and his siblings growing up in Kadoka....and part of the mass of children that played in our yard almost year around....they were 'extended family'....like spare brothers and sisters.... prayers going up for you and may God's peace be with you at this time...
~ Paula Vogelgesang
Wanblee, SD (4/2/2015)
We are so saddened at your loss. May God be with you to comfort.
~ Marv & Cindy Letellier
Kadoka, SD (4/2/2015)
Paulette and the rest of the Wilmarth family, I am deeply grieved by the passing of Rick. He was a close friend, neighbor, as well as a great asset to the town of Kadoka. My prayers are with you all, may he rest in peace.
~ Steve Olson
Deadwood, SD (4/2/2015)
Paulette and family, we are heartbroken for you. Our class of '64 has lost a very special person, Kadoka has lost a compassionate volunteer, and Justin and I have lost a friend. Our thoughts and prayers for all of you.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler
24208 Fairview St., Philip, SD (4/2/2015)
Paulette and Eric and family, I am so very sorry to hear about Rick passing, he was always so happy to visit for a minute and always ready with a smile. Many thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. God Bless
~ April Wheat Patterson
Kadoka (4/2/2015)
Rick was a guy that the whole community could count on to help out in so many ways. He will be surely missed I am certain. My thoughts and prayers go out to Rick's family and friends who grieve for him.
~ JoAnne Gauer
Mesa, AZ (4/2/2015)
Eric, Lori, and families,
So sorry to hear about the death of your dad. May God bless you and strengthen you during this most difficult and painful time.
~ Mark Ford
Brainerd, MN (4/2/2015)
Paulette and family we are sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He was a great fellow and a great friend. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lloyd and Terri Johnston
~ Lloyd and Terri Johnston
Kadoka So. Dak (4/2/2015)
Paulette, Lori and Eric, we are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He was a great guy who will be missed by many. We would see he and Paulette at basketball games and he always had time to visit! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Jolene and Don Haynes
Philip (4/2/2015)
Lori and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing your dad is so hard. You helped me when my dad died and I want you to know if there is anything I can do to return the favor, I am here. Please let God wrap you in his loving arms and comfort you in this very difficult time. You are in my heart and prayers
~ Kathy Larson LaDue
Anamosa, IA (4/2/2015)
Sending my sincere sympathies during this difficult time. Rick was such a great person who was always volunteering to help out in his community wherever he could. He always asked how a person was doing and could put a smile on your face whenever you saw him. May the memories you have of him bring you comfort now and in the days ahead. My love and prayers go out to you each of you, God Bless.
~ Wendy C. Cook
Cottonwood, SD (4/2/2015)
Dear Paulette & family, our hearts and prayers are with you. We were all blessed to know Rick and his great personality. Always friendly, always helpful. The world needs more good citizens like Rick. God bless and keep you.
~ Kenny & Lyndy Ireland
Philip (4/2/2015)
I was so sorry to hear the news of Rick. I always looked forward to our summer visits. Rick was a great example of community and there will surely be a gap. I had great admiration for his determination and courage along with a positive attitude. Good bye Rick, rest in peace.
~ RuthAnn Niehoff
Carson City, NV (4/2/2015)
Wilmarth Family. . . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We pray that you feel God's arms wrapped tightly around you and He brings you comfort during this time of loss.
~ Myron Lindquist
Family (4/2/2015)
Rick's Family
Rick's smile and kind personality have been a part of my life as long as I can remember. The pancake supper, the fireman's feed, the elevator....the list goes on and on. He was just a part of everything I knew growing up. Rick was always watching over his shoulder, making sure that "officer Butler" wasn't after him, he had nothing to worry about! May you find comfort knowing that he touched so many lives and left his memories everywhere you look.
God Bless you all
David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie and Lukas
~ Michelle
Philip SD (4/2/2015)
Sending warm wishes to your family.
~ Pat and Theresa Casey
Aiken, SC (4/2/2015)
Wilmarth Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss of Rick. I remember talking to him many times over the years at Badlands District Fire School. He was very honored to have belonged to the Kadoka VFD for so many years. He will be missed. May your many memories make your burden easier to bear in the coming days.
Sincerely,
Glenn Sealey
Chief
Colome VFD
~ Glenn Sealey
Colome, SD (4/2/2015)
Our thoughts and prayers for Rick's family. He was always to cheerful and helpful.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter
Kadoka (4/2/2015)
Lori and family, May God comfort you at this very difficult time. Love and prayers for you and your family
~ Joan Kirchhevel
Rapid City, SD (4/2/2015)
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick's family and friends.
~ Donna Bodkin Craven
Rapid City, SD (4/2/2015)
So very sorry to hear of Rick's passing. Thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. He will be missed by all who knew him, but thankful he is no longer in pain.
~ Mary Rock
Plano, TX (4/2/2015)