December 14, 1951 – February 25, 2024
Mass of Christian Burial for Richard “Rick” Christman, 72, of Mobridge was held March 4, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mobridge. Inurnment was at the Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge.
Rick passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Mobridge Regional Hospital surrounded by his family.
Richard “Rick” John Christman, born on December 14, 1951, in Lemmon to Rhieny and Kathryn (Gossman) Christman, transitioned from this life after a journey marked by love, service, and culinary passion.
Rick’s early years were shaped in Lemmon until his family relocated to Mobridge in January 1963. Completing his education at Mobridge High School in 1970, he embarked on a path blending vocational training and entrepreneurship.
After a brief stint working with his father at Christman Electric, Rick pursued studies at Mitchell Technical College, graduating in 1973 with a culinary degree. Returning to Mobridge, he briefly joined the railroad before pursuing his true calling, establishing first Snappy Lunch, then Rick’s Recreation and lastly Rick’s Café. Among his achievements was the creation of Rick’s Salt, a seasoning whose recipe remains a closely guarded secret.
Rick’s culinary expertise was renowned, with specialties ranging from chili to burgers and Indian tacos, all served with his trademark flair. Visitors to Rick’s Café were treated not only to delicious meals but also to engaging conversations, where Rick’s wit and occasional quirks left lasting impressions. Despite his careful attention to waste and condiment usage, Rick’s overarching goal was to ensure everyone relished his food while having a good time.
Beyond his culinary endeavors, Rick was a pillar of generosity, supporting various charitable causes and community initiatives, including “Share the Spirit” Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. His contributions were recognized with awards such as the Knights of Columbus “Knight of the Year” in 2016. Rick also had numerous victories in Chili Cook-Off events, being a founding member of the “International Chili Society Foundation” and qualifying for the National Chili Cook Off in California in 1983. Rick’s diverse interests spanned from his passion for John Wayne films, love for timeless vehicles, dedication to sponsoring the “Killer Bees,” and persistence in collecting vintage signs. You didn’t have to know Rick long to learn he was a HUGE Democratic supporter as well as a lifelong supporter of the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Cubs.
A devout member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Rick lived by the principles of faith, family, friendship, and food.
He is survived by his sisters, Ginger and Diane Christman of Mobridge, Nancy (Tom) Hepper of Wing, ND, and Mary Luening of Onalaska, WI; sister-in-law Judy Christman of Akaska; brothers Steve Christman of Mobridge and Jeff (Marlene) Christman of Pollock; nieces and nephews, Jody Christman, Erin Reisner, Nichole Heagy, Grant Leuning, Emily Lathara, Grace Gleason, Jack Leuning, Anna Leuning, Rudie Lee, Cash Hepper, Lindsey Bachman, Brent Odde, Brian Odde, and Ross Odde; and great-nieces and nephews: Shane, Seth, Maycee, Griffin, Kallina, Cyrus, Eliza, Hattie, Lily, Bryar, and Baylor.
Rick was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents; brothers Mike, David “Bean,” and Bob; sister Connie Larsen; and nephew Randy Larsen.
Honoring Rick’s request, memorials will go to the Rhieny Christman Memorial Legion Scholarship Fund, Klein Museum and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Vocation Fund.
(The Christman family’s address is Box 28, Mobridge, SD 57601.)