Richard’s Obituary

Richard Harter, 76, of Highmore, South Dakota, died April 20, 2012, at the Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by family and friends. A memorial service to celebrate his life was held on August 18, 2012, at his residence in Highmore.

The eldest of four siblings, Mr. Harter was born June 29, 1935, in Hyde County, South Dakota, the son of Morris and Vera “June” (Hanson) Harter. He attended grade school at North Eagle Township country school, graduated from Highmore High School in 1952, and obtained his BS degree in mathematics from South Dakota State University in 1965. From 1954-1957, Mr. Harter served in the U.S. Marine Corps in a ground air support unit working with missile tracking radar/analog computer systems.

As a mathematician, Mr. Harter’s professional career was spent in computer programming, first as a numerical analyst and then as a software tools entrepreneur. His other interests included writing, acting, riding horses, playing volleyball, gardening, collecting and reading books, creating the website Richard Harter’s World, and being a founding member of the New England Science Fiction Association (NESFA).

In the fall of 2000, Mr. Harter returned to Highmore, South Dakota, to help with the care of his ailing mother. After her death in 2002, he chose to continue living in Highmore. He met Deborah Rinehart and married her in a memorable ceremony in their back yard on August 27, 2011. They enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family across the United States and in Italy, watch relatives perform in national rodeos, and attend conferences.

Mr. Harter was an active member of the community, including participation in the statewide Horizons program. Through his involvement in the development and implementation of the community garden, transit program, and farmers’ market, he touched many lives. He also enjoyed exploring the county and surrounding areas as part of the 2010 U.S. census team.

In addition to his wife Deborah and her son Nicholas Shaull and fiancée Stephanie LeFebvre, Mr. Harter is survived by his sister, Lynn Saint James of Monterey, California; sister, Nanci Adams of Watsonville, California; sister, Lois Harter of Pollock Pines, California; nephew, Mark Sisson of Tustin, California; and niece, Robin Jane Jackson of Santa Ana, California. He is preceded in death by his parents.

The family thanks all that extended support and care during Mr. Harter’s illness.

Richard’s Memorial Service

The service was in the gardens at Richard’s residence at 19891 SD Hwy 47 Highmore SD 57345, on Saturday, August 18th, at 7:00 pm.

Those attending helped create a rock garden for Richard’s Memorial. The service included bell ringing, wonderful music, and a candle lighting ceremony. Pastor Kori Lehrkamp officiated. Open tributes ended with Military Rites.

There was a small fireworks display, as well as music and stories.

It’s too late for the memorial service, but visit Highmore anyway. Here are directions:

To get to Highmore, fly into Minneapolis and then rent a car and drive.

Alternatively, fly into Huron, SD, or via Denver fly to Rapid City SD, rent a car and drive, or continue to fly into Pierre, SD. As Richard would say, it’s not impossible to get here but bring your passport.

We have two local motels: The Grand Lodge, 605-852-3200 for reservations, or the Prairie View, 605-852-2261 for reservations.

If you would like to have a copy of the printed obituary mailed to you please email Deborah Rinehart Harter at drinehart -at- venturecomm.net.