South Dakota Patriot Guard Riders

Funeral/Burial with Military Honors
January 27 & 28, 2026
Sioux Falls, SD

   The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited by the family of Richard “Rich” Melvin Fonder to show our appreciation and respect to “Rich” with flags posted in honor of his service to his and our great country.  After graduation from O’Gorman High School in 1965, Rich decided to enlist in the United States Navy.  After completeing basic training, he spent a year stationed in Adak, Alaska before serving aboard the USS Oriskany in Vietnam.  He was a “radioman” in the Navy and spent much of his time on the aircraft carrier decoding Morse code.  In 1969, Rich completed his active duty and received his honorable discharge from the Navy.

Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls, SD.  Family will be present to greet friends for visitation on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls beginning at 5:00 PM, with a Liturgical Wake Service at 7:00 PM.  Burial with Military Honors will be a 11:00 AM in St. Michael Cemetery following the service at the church.  The Funeral and Visitation will be “Flags Only”.

   Stage: 10:30 AM, Wednesday, January 28th at St. Michael Cemetery, 3001 N. Cliff Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD.

Flags will be provided.