Richard "Dick" Schopp

Richard Dean “Dick” Schopp, born November 28, 1938, in Canistota, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on the evening of January 5th, 2023. Dick passed in the presence of family at Sanford Hospital in Vermillion.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carol, his daughter Valerie Ramsey, his daughter Leslie and her husband Ken Noecker, his son Bennett and his wife Nedina Schopp, and his son Daniel and his wife Jennifer Schopp. Dick was a grandfather to Grace (Alek) Gaard, to Ellie (Lucas) LeCleir, and to Jack Noecker and Eva Schopp.

In his youth, Richard was nominated by a member of the United States Congress to represent South Dakota at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Ultimately, he was named the alternate to the appointee and instead chose to study close to home at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell. Richard and Carol met and were married in Sioux Falls in 1958.   

The Schopp family moved from Sioux Falls to Vermillion in 1965. Dick began his career at the University of South Dakota Book and Supply, working there as textbook manager for 38 years. He served on the Vermillion City Council from 1973 until 1977. His deep belief in civic duty and his dedication to personal and social responsibility were guiding principles throughout his life. A kind, soft spoken man with a sharp wit, he led by example with patience and humility.

Dick formed and maintained many lifelong friendships in Vermillion, a community that he loved and was proud to call home. He was an avid and skilled sportsman, enjoying South Dakota’s bountiful hunting and fishing at any and every opportunity. In recent years, Dick and Carol purchased a cabin on Big Stone Lake in northeastern South Dakota that provides a sportsman’s paradise and has brought boundless joy and relaxation to family and friends. The house at Big Stone became a second home for Dick and Carol during retirement, and the two again formed deep and lasting friendships in the community.

A gathering to remember and celebrate Dick Schopp will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Hansen Funeral Home, located at 1120 E. Main Street in Vermillion, SD.