Rick

Sass

Ricky L. Sass, age 69, of Madison and formerly of Huron and Ft. Pierre, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at his home under hospice care. Memorial visitation, with the family present, will begin at 5 p.m., on Friday, November 20, 2026 at Welter Funeral Home in Huron. A Time of Sharing will begin at 6:30 p.m. that evening. 

Ricky Lee Sass was born on August 23, 1957, in Huron, South Dakota, to Doyle and Marilyn (Golay) Sass. The family moved to Lake Preston after his mother's passing in 1960. The family moved back to Huron in 1967. He graduated from Huron High School in 1975.

Rick first met Dawn Heinzerling while attending elementary school. Although their love story didn't begin until years later, the two were married in Huron on April 24, 1982. Together, they welcomed two sons, Jason and David, and built a life filled with family and many memories.

Rick began his working career at Huron Dressed Beef and later at Armour's. In 1997, the family moved to Ft. Pierre, where Rick began driving a concrete truck for Morris Inc. He later took a position as maintenance and grounds supervisor at the Stanley County Courthouse, where he worked for many years before retiring in 2017.

Rick will be remembered for many things, including his unmistakable laugh, his love of coffee, and his passion for gardening. He was happiest outdoors, whether tending his garden, hunting, fishing, or trap shooting. Trap shooting was a longtime favorite hobby. Rick loved playing and spending as much time as he could with his grandchildren.

In 2024, Rick and Dawn moved to Madison, beginning another chapter together.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn of Madison; his sons, Jason (Sarah) of Blunt and David (Brittany Haibeck) of Rapid City; five grandchildren, Stazy Sass, Cameron Sass, Asher Sass, Michael Sass, and Logan Sass; his sisters, Peggy Sheridan of Sioux Falls and Pam Keiser of Lake Norden; brothers-in-law Dana (Kathy) Heinzerling of Kansas, Dennis Heinzerling of Nevada and Mike Beck of Arizona; his step-father-in-law, Rolly Aman of Aberdeen; his beloved dog, Maggie; and many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Marilyn Sass; sister Rita Beck; brothers-in-law, Brian Keiser, Gerry Sheridan, Daniel Heinzerling, and Dillon Heinzerling; sister-in-law, Denise Purintun; mother-in-law Bessie (Fanger) Heinzerling Aman; and his dog Toby.