Richard E. Soukup was born on Saturday, January 23, 1937 to William and Theresa (Schulte) Soukup in Yankton County, South Dakota. Upon graduating from Scotland High School in 1955, he drove truck and worked spraying livestock. In November 1958, Richard was united in marriage to Rose Vellek. Shortly after their marriage, they became members of Vodnany Catholic Church near Tyndall. In 1960, Richard began what would become his lifelong passion, farming. Throughout his life, he loved John Deere and antique Cockshult tractors. Alongside his sons and grandson, Richard took great pride in farming the land that had been in the family hands for over 101 years. In April 1987, Richard was united in marriage to JoAnn (Sykora) Homolka. For several years, he served on the St’s. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Cemetery Board. He was also a member of the Catholic Workmen and 10-4 CB Club in Tripp.

Richard passed away on Friday, June 19, 2015 at Menno-Olivet Care Center in Menno having attained the age of 78 years, 4 months, and 27 days.

He is survived and remembered by his wife of 28 years, JoAnn Soukup of Scotland; sons: Mike (Shelly) Soukup of Scotland, Don (Darlene) Soukup of Scotland, and Gary (Konnie) Soukup of Scotland; grandchildren: Nick, Cody, Cassidy, and Colby Soukup; step-daughters: Linda (John) Mortimore of Mitchell and Carol (Gary) Roth of Delmont; step-grandchildren: Kyle, Jeff, Bryce, and Caitlyn Roth; step-great-grandson Bennett Roth; brothers Carl (Marietta) Soukup of Sioux Falls and Howard (Sharon) Soukup of Harrisburg; sister Helen (Pete) Manke of Paul Harbor, FL; sisters-in-law Mary Ann Kasal of Tyndall and Karen Andersen of Wagner; and brothers-in-law Art (Mary) Huber of Utica and Fr. Paul Sykora of Boliva.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Rose in March 1986 and his parents.