Richard "Dick" Strait, 93, of Castlewood, passed away Tuesday, March 18 at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System in Watertown, SD. Funeral Services will be on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church, Castlewood, SD. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 23 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church.

Richard was born November 28, 1931, in Hamlin County, South Dakota to William and Ida Mae (Norris) Strait.  He grew up on a farm near Castlewood, South Dakota, and attended Castlewood Public School. He joined the US Army in 1952 and served in the Korean Conflict. Dick married Ardell Carlson on June 14, 1959.  They made their home in Castlewood where Dick took over the family-owned insurance business, Strait Insurance Agency. In addition to 65 years in the insurance business, he was a rural mail carrier for the US Post Office in the Castlewood area.

More than anything, Dick enjoyed his family. He treasured vacations, square dancing with his wife, pheasant hunting and fishing, spending time at the cabin on Lake Poinsett, his church, and community involvement.  His faith in God and country was reflected in his everyday life.  Dick was a quiet and patient man who typically stepped back and observed, never spoke negatively of anyone, and relished conversations with his friends and family.  He enjoyed cars, history, world news, and virtual adventures by watching travel and history documentaries.

Dick was an active member of the American Lutheran Church of Castlewood, a 70-year member of the American Legion Post 250, Castlewood School Board, and served on the board of directors of several insurance companies and a state insurance association. He was also involved in the Castlewood community and its economic development.

Grateful for sharing his life are his three sons, David (LuAnn) Strait, of Watertown, SD, Dennis (Vicki) Strait and Doug Strait of Castlewood, SD; six grandchildren, Sydney (Dion) Helgelien, Spencer Strait, Sawyer Strait, Lindsey (Carver) Ching, Haley (Will) Gallman and Abbey (Corben) Leo; one great-grandchild, a sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife Ardell, and infant son Dean; his parents and six siblings: Maynard Strait, Hugh Strait, Ida Mae Goeman, Lillian Boswell, Pearl Strait, and Bob Strait.