RICHARD PIER

Richard Ralph Pier, 68, of Avon, passed away unexpectedly, following a brief illness, at his home in Avon on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at age 68. He was born on August 2, 1957, in Tyndall, to Dick and Helen Pier (née McKenzie). He enjoyed a delightful small-town childhood with four siblings, participating in music and sports, with a particular love for golf. A huge highlight of Rick's was being the keyboard player in his “Hush” Band. They rockingly played local and regional venues, including a Dance for Dystrophy event at the University of South Dakota. Rick graduated from Avon High School in 1975 and the University of South Dakota with a degree in business. He stayed lifelong friends with several of his Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers. Rick also remained a great supporter of the Coyotes, ever enjoying his season tickets for football. Except for a short professional stint in Vermillion, he dedicated his life and career to the family business, Community Bank of Avon. He served as President from 2008-present. Rick was a community servant and avid Pirate supporter. He served in the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and on the St. Michael’s Hospital Board. He further supported Ducks Unlimited. As a sports enthusiast, he especially cheered for the South Carolina Gamecocks and Minnesota Vikings. His greatest joy, however, was his many life-long friendships. He loved traveling with, visiting, staying in touch with, and hosting friends with whom close relationships spanned decades. Although Rick never married nor had children of his own, he adored his nieces and nephews. He had a special relationship with each one. Grateful for their “U. Rick” are: Austen (Emily), Aaron (Amy), and Godson Alan (Anna) Banks of Iowa; Anna (Lucas) Batista and Kirsten (Basanth) Valeti of Florida; Jordan (Christine) Pier of New York; John (Chelsey) and Chantal Carr of Arizona; Ryan Weller and McKenzie (Jacob) Wilkes of Colorado; Sean (Grace) Weller of Connecticut; along with 18 great-nieces and nephews. Preceding Rick in passing were his parents and grandparents. Rick is also survived by siblings: Renée (Bill) McClendon of Ankeny, IA, Michele Carr of Avon, Mac (Marya) Pier of Queens, NY, and Erin (Dennis) Weller of Colorado Springs, CO. Visitation, with the family present, will be held on Monday, October 20, 5-7 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m., also at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Burial is in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Peters Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements. Rick’s funeral service will be live-streamed on the First Presbyterian Church-Avon, SD Facebook page. In lieu off lowers, appreciated memorial contributions may be made to the Rick Pier Memorial Fund, Community Bank, Box 315, Avon, SD 57315. The funds will be used to support and enhance the community Rick loved and served for his entire life.