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It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Edward Aaron Himrich, who departed this life peacefully on July 29, 2026, at the age of 92 from late-onset Parkinson’s Disease. His wife and daughter were by his side as he passed away. Born on January 13, 1934, in Selby, South Dakota, Ed was the beloved son of Edward and Emily Himrich. He was one of nine children who grew up working on a farm operated by his family.
Ed’s journey was marked by service, dedication, and a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a devoted husband to Frances Kae Manke, whom he married on August 11, 1957, after a long courtship that included many letters while they were separated. Their union, a testament to a lifelong commitment to love and partnership, spanned an incredible 69 years, filled with unwavering support and shared joys as they raised their three children, Mark, Connie, and Matthew.
A proud graduate of Selby High School, Ed attended South Dakota State University for one year before answering the call to serve his county. From 1953 to 1955, he served as a military police officer in the army, stationed in Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. This experience instilled in him a sense of duty and discipline that would guide his future endeavors and leadership.
Following his military service, Ed completed his education at the University of South Dakota and later graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Dental School in 1960. Many people admired Ed’s strong work ethic and when asked about attending three different colleges and where he learned the most, his answer was, “I learned the most growing up in a hardworking family of nine kids on the farm”. Armed with skill and compassion, he embarked on a career in dentistry, initially practicing in Perham, Minnesota before establishing the Himrich Dental Clinic in Custer, South Dakota in 1962. For more than 25 years, he served his community with dedication, earning a reputation as a compassionate and skilled dentist who cared deeply for his patients, many of whom drove distances to receive his care.
Ed’s commitment to his community extended far beyond his professional life. As an active member of the Custer Community Church since 1962, he served in numerous roles, including on the Board of Trustees and as Church Moderator. His leadership and generosity were also evident through his involvement with the Jaycees, the Rotary Club, the Custer Golf Club, and the Custer Community Hospital where he served as a Board member for many years. Notably, he was highly responsible for the construction and opening Colonial Manor Skilled Nursing Facility, demonstrating his dedication to the betterment of his community.
A man of many passions, Ed found joy in hunting, fishing, and golfing, pursuits he lovingly shared with his sons and grandsons. In the fall, his main hunts were for pheasants and deer. For many years, in both spring and fall, he went to Three Lakes Camp in Saskatchewan, Canada, always sharing this trip with family and friends.
He and Fran also delighted in travel with friends and family, creating countless memories and stories to share. Their destinations included Mexico, Australia, Great Britain, and four trips to Europe, including attending the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. They took five trips to Hawaii which included a six-week retirement celebration in 1989 where they hosted family and friends on the beautiful island of Maui.
In 1990, Fran and Ed became snowbirds, spending their winters in Arizona City, AZ. They purchased two properties and for seven years, they rented a condominium at a golf course. During those years, Ed designed and had a house built on Paradise Lake. He was instrumental in creating and chairing the committee to obtain the title to Paradise Lake and helped form the Paradise Lake Association and write their bylaws. He and Fran spent every winter in that house until they sold it in 2025. In the summer of 2025, their doctor advised them that they needed assisted living care. They moved to Valdosta, Georgia to be near their daughter Connie and son-in-law, Mike.
Ed’s kindness, generosity, and wisdom left an indelible mark on the lives he touched. Quick with a friendly joke and always ready to share his knowledge, he was a beacon of warmth that touched many lives.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers (Leo, Glen, Wayne, and Meade), sister (Idyll George) and his sons, Mark Himrich and Matthew Himrich. Ed is survived by his cherished wife, Fran, their daughter Connie and her husband Michael Porcaro, his daughters-in-law Lorraine Himrich, and Tammy Allen (Troy), his brother John Himrich, and sisters, Millie Carmen and Mavis McGill, along with numerous nieces and nephews. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Aaron Himrich (Anna), Galen DeReu (Kyle), Alexander Keintz (Alexa), Cameron Keintz, Adam Himrich (Kourtney), and Haley Himrich, as well as seven great-grandchildren (Mackenzie, Emmy, and Marlee Himrich; Adaleigh, Matthew, and Karson Himrich; Quinn Keintz) who will grow up hearing stories of his remarkable life.
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Legacy
Edward Aaron Himrich
January 13, 1934 – July 29, 2026
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