GARLAND, Texas - Ricky Lynn Niederwerder, 47, Garland, died of a brain tumor on Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, at Rapid City (SD) Hospice House.

Ricky was born Dec. 4, 1960, in Sturgis, SD, to Ernest and Nona (Harris) Niederwerder. He grew up at Hereford, SD, and graduated from Sturgis High School in 1979. He attended Western Dakota Vo-Tech and graduated with a degree in Business Management. Ricky worked for Hild and Spring of Union Center and Sturgis Feed and Seed. He worked in the oil fields in Gillette, WY, before the bust in the 80's. He returned to South Dakota, where he worked at Merillat and Perdue Mfg. In 1995, he moved to Orchard, TX, where he worked for Southern Rodeos as a Marketing Director. In 2000, he was instrumental in establishing the National Professional Bull Riders Association, where he held the position of Business and Marketing Manager. Since 2006, in addition to the NPBR he was the Special Events Coordinator for the Resistol Hat Company.

Through his associations in the sports of Rodeo and Bull Riding, Ricky made many friends across the entire country and was widely respected for his dedication and professionalism. After Ricky accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, he touched a lot of lives and led many to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Survivors include five brothers, Gerald (Michaela) of New Underwood, Greg (Eileen) of Rapid City, Rodney (Jane) of Salina, KS, Roger (Marilu) of Sturgis, and Galen (Donna) of New Underwood; three sisters, Nancy (Grant) Simons of White Owl, Melody (Ross) Boydston of Gordon, NE, and Kim McMillan of Rapid City; fiancée, Donna Thibodeaux of Garland, TX; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, and resumes at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, with a family prayer service at 7 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the First Assembly of God Church in Rapid City, with Pastors Harold Delbridge, Tim Stuen and David Hilton officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Lawn Cemetery.

FROM MAY 2014 BY LARRY B REINHOLD

Danny figured out how to download the photos off my "old" cell phone. Brought back many memories going back to 2008. I remember the day well when Ricky called me to share of his illness and quite certain death. We had known each other since high school. We talked for a long time. He shared his appreciation of God and said that he had appreciated my life and testimony. I was humbled and the glory certainly goes to the Lord. After Rick died I remembered meeting with his brothers at the truckstop and they presented me with a check for Rainbow Bible Ranch from Rick's estate. That moment was overwhelming. "But for and by the Grace of God".