Richard M. Kelly "Dick", life-long resident of Sioux Falls, SD, died January 13, 2023, at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, with his loving family by his side.  He was 81 years old.

Richard Miner Kelly was born March 14, 1941, in St. Paul, MN to Richard & Jeanne (Shaw) Kelly.  He attended Mark Twain & graduated from Washington Senior High School in 1958.  He attended college at St. Thomas University in St. Paul MN & graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration in 1965.  Upon graduation, he returned to Sioux Falls to run the family owned business, the Town House Motel and Black Watch restaurant & lounge.

On December 30, 1961, he was united in marriage to Karolyn Krambeck for 14 years. In 1978 he met and married the love his life, Mary Swift McDonough in Sioux Falls, SD.

The Black Watch Lounge was a favorite watering hole for politicians which perked Dick's interest in politics. In 1995 he started his long career as a politician.  He was elected for 2 consecutive terms on the Sioux Falls City Council.  In 2002 he was elected & served 2 consecutive terms in the South Dakota Senate representing Minnehaha County.  In 2008 he was elected to the Minnehaha County Commission in which he served until 2016, completing his trifecta in South Dakota politics.

He sacrificially served as a member on many boards within the community which include the Airport Board, Downtown Rotary, founding member of the St Patrick's day parade, Fraternal Order of Police Associates, Leadership Sioux Falls, Chamber of Commerce, Safe Home, and most recently, the Carroll Institute. Dick faithfully attended and volunteered at The Point is to Serve Church in Sioux Falls. His passion to serve has left a legacy that will last for generations.

He enjoyed spending his time at the family farm where he would fill his days with mowing the lawn, building bird houses and relaxing in his rocking chair on the front porch.

As the bible says; 'Whatever you give to God, whether it is your finances, your time or your talent, give sacrificially out of love, for all He gave for you." Dick will be missed by many people… rich, poor, marginalized, powerful, young and old. What a testament to a life well lived and dedicated to serving God, family our community and State. There is definitely only one Dick Kelly.

Grateful for having shared his life is his wife of 45 years Mary; children, Mike (Julie) Kelly of Sioux Falls, SD,  Angie (Larry) Pesek, of Omaha, NE,  Dede (Pete Jaros) of Tracy, MN, Pat (Jenny Porter) of Omaha, NE, Robert (Christine) McDonough of La Jolla, CA, Joe (Danielle) McDonough of Las Vegas, NV,  John (Ashley) Kelly of Sioux Falls, SD, and Richard Kelly of Sioux Falls, SD. Twelve grandchildren, Andrew, Katie, Meghan , Phil, Ryan, Lizzie, Suzy, Sam, Eva, Anna, Elijah and Ezra; eight great-grandchildren, and a host of many relative and friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Richard and Jeanne Kelly; brother, Michael Kelly; and sisters, Nancy Chinappi and Cindy Larsson.

Dick's family wishes to express deeply felt gratitude to the medical staff of Avera McKennan for the care he received the during last week of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Command Two Ministry (2409 South Third Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105) which support the Miracle Kids Orphanage in Kampala, Uganda. This ministry was near and dear to Dick and Mary.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00am Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at First Baptist Church, 1401 S. Covell Avenue. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 Tuesday evening at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Avenue.

*The service will be live streamed by the church. You may follow this link: https://www.firstb.org/livestream , then find the section labeled Special Events.  The live stream will start 15 minutes before the service begins.