Richard Cushing

Funeral services for Richard Allen Cushing were held Thursday, June 12, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Marcus Ring officiating.

Music was provided by Melanie Hannahs on organ, accompanying the congregation on a number of hymns. Julianna Jayne was flower attendant, and Stephanie Knight and Dennis Schoenwald were in charge of registrations.

Casket bearers were Kylee Cushing, Marquise Cushing, Keisha Cushing, Kelly Kerner, Troy Travnicek, and Zakary Hoffelt. Honorary casket bearers were members of the Brookings High School class of 1995.

Interment was at the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Richard Allen Cushing was born April 19, 1977, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Duane and JoAnne (Deraas) Cushing.

Growing up in Brookings, Richard attended Brookings High School, where he developed a deep passion for hockey, forging lifelong friendships both on and off the ice. After high school, he pursued higher education at the University of South Dakota, earning his degree in Economics in 2002.

Shortly after graduating, Richard married the love of his life, Robin Kerner from Gregory, SD. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with two wonderful sons, Levi and Hunter, whom he adored beyond measure. He was a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures— whether listening to music on his record player, spending time outdoors through camping and travel, or cheering on LeBron James as he played for the Lakers.

Alongside his family, Richard had the opportunity and privilege to call many places home, from Georgia, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Washington to Germany and South Korea.

Richard passed away on April 30, 2025, at the age of 48. He is survived by his wife, Robin; his sons, Levi and Hunter; his parents Duane and JoAnne Cushing; his mother-in-law Charlotte Kerner-Kahler; his sisters Christine Cushing and Stacie Cushing; his brother- in-law Kelly Kerner; sister-in-law, Kim Kerner; and his nieces and nephews: Kaylee, Marquise, Tyler, Riley, Keisha, and Emma.

Richard was preceded in death by his father-in-law Vernon Kerner, and his grandparents.