Hugh Hart, age 80, of Rapid City, South Dakota, died on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Monument Health Hospice Center in Rapid City.
Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 6 at St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rapid City 532 Adams Street Rapid City, SD 57701.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2024 at St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church.
Interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery in Rapid City.
Hugh Eugene Hart was born on December 31, 1943, to Veronica (Reedy) and Harry Hart in Philip, South Dakota. He spent his youth and school years in Philip. Hugh was united in marriage to JoAnn (Lockett) White on July 15, 1967. JoAnn had five children from her previous marriage and together JoAnn and Hugh had one daughter.
Hugh had many careers in which he was very successful. He managed the Apco Gas Station in Spearfish, SD. He worked for National Mutual Benefit for 14 years. He was a successful car salesman for Junick’s Chrysler in Spearfish, and later at Darner Chrysler in Arizona. Hugh was also an auctioneer, which he dearly loved. He retired in 2009. He and JoAnn bought a motorhome and started spending their summers at Hart Ranch in Rapid City and winters in Apache Junction, Arizona. However, being the go-getter that he is, Hugh “retired” by continuing his career selling park model homes at Rock Shadows in Apache Junction. Hugh loved working with people and helping them. His charisma along with his work ethic led to earning a variety of awards and honors throughout his life.
Hugh was very active in many activities and organizations during his lifetime including rodeo, softball, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, Optimists, and many charity benefits.
Hugh left the world a better place. He would greet you with a huge smile, firm handshake or a big hug asking, “Well, how are ya?” He valued his friends and family dearly. In his final days, he was flooded with visitors, phone calls and many, many words of love and encouragement. He promised to meet everyone in heaven and he always keeps his word.
He leaves to mourn, his wife, JoAnn of Rapid City; six children: Robert (Carrie) White, Yvonne (Steve) Wohlheuter, Bill White, Buck (Irene) White, Howard (Peggy) White, and Valerie (John) Welker; eight grandchildren: Nathan (Elizabeth) Bohls, Averie Georgas, Zach White, Wyatt (Stephanie) White, Joshua (Lisa) White, Nathan (Allie) White, Johnothan White, and Rebekah (Daniel) Card; twelve great-grandchildren: Apollo, Nikos, Aiden, Trey, Asher, Calvin, Helen, Esther, Lucy, Henry, Juliet, and George; a brother, Dan; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers: David, James, Martin, Charles, Dale Hart, and two in infancy; and one sister Deanna Fees.
A special thank you to the amazing staff at Hospice House in Rapid City, SD, for the exceptional love and care they provided to Hugh and his family. We are forever grateful.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
