Richard Woodraska, born on May 13, 1998, tragically passed away on October 29, 2024, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was 26. Richard's life came to a tragic end when he took his own life at the state prison. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Falls Park in Sioux Falls.

Richard, also known as RJ, took great pride in earning his GED at the Jameson Annex in 2018. Despite his young age, RJ had a unique and somewhat quirky personality. He enjoyed spending his time beading and talking on the phone for hours on end. If he couldn't reach one person, he would persistently call others until someone answered. RJ also cherished the time he spent at McCrosson's Boy's Ranch, especially the time he got to spend with the horses. While we mourn his untimely passing, we cannot help but remember the eccentricities that made Richard who he was.

Grateful for sharing his life are his parents, Michael and Marlene Woodraska; siblings, Michael Woodraska Jr. and Sarah Brown; close friends, Arron LeClaire, Jordan Stevens, and Salvador Goytia; special girlfriend, Ashley Elliott; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

RJ was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Lucille Brown, and Sharon Roberts and Richard Lee Woodraska.

Rest in peace, RJ. May you find the peace in death that seemed to elude you in life.