Richard Tallman

Richard Leslie Tallman, 81, of Custer Highlands, South Dakota, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Memorial Service will be held in Newcastle Monday, February 13, 2 p.m.

Richard was born December 25, 1941 in Cortland, New York. His parents were Harold Leslie Tallman and Vivian Virginia (Varnes) Tallman.

Richard described himself as, “a hard worker with a lot of experience in many things.” He started working at an early age (12) on a nearby farm milking cows and doing chores. He spent his spare time at the library reading classical novels and studying. Eventually he became more interested in music – especially rhythm and blues. Buddy Holly was his favorite when rock and roll came along.

In his late teens, Richard took to the road and traveled extensively around the country – without a car. Eventually he hired on with a carnival and became a motordrome rider. This career was short-live. He met his future wife, Ruth Siefers. They married in August, 1961, and settled down in Iowa

He worked at numerous places doing construction, maintenance, and as a boiler operator. Richard remodeled the farm house where they lived and in so doing, developed his carpentry skills. He added a workout room with home gym equipment and spent hours there exercising and listening to his favorite music. He eventually found employment at the University of Iowa where he worked in maintenance/supervision for 20 years.

Richard became an avid Hawkeyes fan and was a loyal supporter and follower of his sons’ athletic activities. They raised four sons in Iowa and all were outstanding athletes.

After retiring from the University, Richard and his wife moved west to Igloo, South Dakota and eventually to Custer Highlands. He continued working at several places throughout the Black Hills at resorts, Elk Mountain School, and in Newcastle. He like to call himself the oldest paperboy. His last job was delivering the News Letter Journal to and from Gillette for printing.

Richard is survived by three sons: Daniel of Edgemont, SD; Randy of Ankenny, Iowa; Tim of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brother Ron Tallman of Cortland, New York; and sister Sherry Jackson; six Tallman grandchildren:  George, Coady, Joby, Jacoby, and Benjamin; one great grandson Maycen Allen.

He is preceded in death by his wife Ruth, son Joe, and two sisters Sue (Tallman) Brown, and Sandra (Tallman) Morehouse.

Services will be held at Meridian Mortuary. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Meridian Mortuary, 111 S. Railway Avenue, Newcastle, Wyoming 82701 or expressed online at www.meridianmortuary.com