A Funeral Mass for 64-year old Gerald “Sam” Risse of Martin will be held Friday March 17, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Martin, SD.
Burial will follow at the Martin Catholic Cemetery.
Vigil will be Thursday, March 16, at 7:00 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Martin
A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of Bennett County Funeral Service, PO Box 65, Martin, SD 57551.
Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Gerald “Sam” Risse was born in Martin on October 4, 1958, to Dave and Joyce RIsse. He passed away unexpectedly in Martin on March 12, 2023.
Gerald attended Martin Grade School and graduated from Bennett County High School in 1976. During his high school years, he participated in football, basketball, and track.
Summers saw Gerald on the baseball diamond, from Little League to Teeners and finally South Dakota Amateur baseball.
He was a sneaky-fast left-handed pitcher with a good curveball. His pick-off move left many runners standing in their tracks. When he was not on the mound, he played outfield or 1st base.
Gerald thought of attending college, but ultimately knew he was going to work the ranch with his dad. Gerald and Dave started selling registered Angus bulls right after Gerald graduated high school and he took great pride in providing the best quality bulls to his customers.
Gerald continued farming and ranching until his passing, and the family would like to thank all who supported him in his business all these years.
Gerald and Molly (Livermont) were married on June 29, 1985. To this union 4 children were born – Nate, Chante, Will and Hannah – and Gerald enjoyed helping with and supporting all the kid’s activities.
Gerald had a very strong work ethic and while providing for his family was his main concern, he also took pride in caring for many in the community – sometimes too much.
The greatest joy of his life was being a grandpa. He enjoyed picking the grandkids up from school, taking them to the ranch, buying them candy and ice cream, and just spending time with them. When he wasn’t at the ranch or with the grandkids, you would probably find him fishing.
Gerald will forever be remembered by: His wife Molly Risse; His children Nate, Chante (Korey), Will and Hannah; His grandchildren Kayne and Kage; and His mother Joyce Risse;
He wil also be missed by His siblings and their families Wes and Carol Risse; Mathew and Amanda Risse, Juliet, Gavin, Jordan; Keith and Leslie Risse, Tyson, Gracie, Maddux, Kendyll; Aaron Risse, Preston, Hayden, Emmie; Justin and Sadia Risse, Prevah, Jaxx; Logan and Taylor Risse, Parker, Rhett; Kristina and Jerry McLain; Josh McLain; Joe and Taren McLain, Jordan; Jake and Ashlynn McLain, Landrie, Kollyns; Jonn McLain; Jamie and Dylan Furrier, Jackson; Jasmine McLain; Nick and Gina Risse; Tucker and Kelby Risse, Axel; Ryan and Dawne Risse, Conley, Adleigh; Tania and Colin Kuxhaus, Carter, Turner, Easton.
Gerald has joined his dad (Dave Risse) at the greatest baseball game of all.
Bennett County Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements for Gerald Risse.