Rick Bortnem, age 72, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at his residence near Lake Campbell, SD.
A memorial service will be held at 11a.m. on Friday, May 15 at Lake Campbell Lutheran Church in rural Volga, SD. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings, SD.
Rickard Gene Bortnem was born on Nov. 4, 1953 in Brookings, SD, to Orlo and Helen (Hanson) Bortnem. He attended country school through 4th grade and then went to Sioux Valley Schools where he graduated in 1972.
While he was in school, he met the love of his life, Deborah Milda Knutson, and they were married on July 21, 1973, and celebrated over 52 cherished years together. They welcomed 4 children, Rad Jason, Abbi Jean, Sara Jan and Andrea June.
Rick began his musical career in sixth grade at Sioux Valley in the school band. Not long after that he was out playing his drums in local businesses around Volga and Brookings. He never read music, so he was self-taught on the drums and guitar. His kids were raised with a profound love of music. He made it onto the radio in 1983 with a song he helped to write called “The Ballad of Rudy and Bill” with his band The Lakesiders. He continued to play for many years with a few different bands. His music also graced the church for many years while he played for the fourth Sunday which was Guitar Sunday.
He farmed for many years until 1993 when he began working at Larson Manufacturing. He still enjoyed helping his son Rad on the farm in his later years and after he retired from Larsons.
Rick suffered a stroke on January 19th, 2024, that ended his ability to drive, farm and play guitar. Thankfully his humor, laugh and spirit remained strong to the very end. You could always count on him for a good Ole and Lena or Ole and Sven joke and you might have been lucky enough to get an inappropriate joke out of him too. Rick and Deb’s strong devotion to each other carried them through the years and she was his caregiver till the end. He was able to get his wish to pass away peacefully in their home on May 10th, 2026. His family will always remember that he was blessed to be able to celebrate Mother’s Day 2026 reunited with his mom Helen in heaven.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Deb. Children, Rad Bortnem & Cheryl Hennen, Abbi Murray, Sara and Tom Caffrey, Andrea and Josh Diedrich, and honorary daughter Kaylene Rider. 13 grandchildren Casey Lynn, Keelin Noel, Helen Catherine, Kiley Anne, Ronin Robert Joseph, Thomas Michael, Danika Hailey, Betty Nora, Connor William, Seth Rickard, Ariella Mary, Giselle Lynae and Mable Blossom Levie. His brother Russ & Laura Bortnem, Sister Gail Dybdahl, Sister Rinda & Randy Ribstein. His brother-in-law Milton Knutson, Sister-In-Law Marge Christiansen, and Brother-In-Law Doug & Colleen Knutson. More cousins, nieces and nephews and great friends than anyone could count.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Orlo & Helen Bortnem, In-Laws Albert & Florence Knutson. Brother-In-Law Daniel Christiansen, Brother-In-Law Ralph Dybdahl and Sister-In-Law Janis Knutson and grandson Brayden Timothy Mulvaney.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com.
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