Melvin Hiermeier

Melvin K. “Rick” Hiermeier was born to Melvin A. Hiermeier and Ruby V. (Blessing) Feb. 1, 1951, in Hot Springs, S.D. He grew up in Pringle, S.D., until the age of 12, when he moved to Palmdale,  Calif. Rick traveled back and forth between California and South Dakota, but always thought of the Black Hills as his home.
On Feb. 17, 1973, he married Betty Jo Smith in Las Vegas, Nev., and was still married to the love of his life at the time of his death. They had five children together—Richard (Gail), Melvin (Rebecca), Andrew, Cati Jo and Matthew. His children were always important to Rick and seldom were one of his kids not by his side. 
Rick was raised into a trucking family. He owned and operated his truck hauling gravel as part of Hiermeier Trucking until an injury forced his retirement. He spent the remainder of his life helping his kids and mentoring others in the bidding and hauling aspects of the gravel trucking industry. 
Rick had an infectious smile and refused to grow up. His grandkids all loved his goofy, near childish sense of humor and silly faces. A glass of Nestle Quik was in his hand nearly every day and he didn’t hesitate to share with the kids, especially when coupled with his famous homemade chocolate chip cookies.
He loved to ride his motorcycle through the Hills with Betty Jo on the back and his brothers alongside on their bikes. In his early years, Rick loved to hunt and had many trophies and the stories to go along with them. He shared this love of hunting with his kids.
Rick passed away May 31, 2020, at his home in Sioux Falls, S.D. He was 69.
Survivors include his wife Betty Jo; their five children; two brothers, Rodney (Butch) Hiermeier and Ron Hiermeier, both of Custer; his stepfather, Wayne Crofutt of Little Rock, Calif.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 
There will be an informal memorial service at noon Saturday, June 20, at the Pringle Fire Hall to celebrate the life of Rick and share memories. Lunch will be available. 

User login