Richard E. GrasserRichard E. Grasser, 95, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017.Richard Eugene Grasser, son of Nicholas Grasser and Grace (Mahoney) Grasser, was born on June 6, 1921 at Howard, South Dakota. He attended school in Howard at St. Agatha Catholic school and then in Salem, South Dakota at St. Mary's High School where he graduated in 1939. After graduation Mr. Grasser enrolled in St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He then enlisted in the navy where he served during World War II. After the war he returned to South Dakota and pursued degrees in government and law at the University of South Dakota. Upon graduation in 1949, Richard moved to Los Angeles and went to work for Travelers Insurance. He was recalled into the service in 1951 for the Korean War, and after being honorably discharged resumed his career with The Travelers. On November 9, 1952 he was united in marriage to Joanne Stoltenberg in Los Angeles and remained happily married for the remaining years of his life. Richard gradually rose to the position of district manager for the southern California and Nevada claims office. He retired from Travelers in 1984. In 1981, Richard purchased control of the Security State Bank in Canova, South Dakota. This was the catalyst to bring him back to South Dakota where his heart always was. He eventually expanded the bank into Madison and after completing a new building to house the facility he sold his interest in the bank and retired to Sioux Falls. Upon his return, Richard was very active in affairs at USD and served for many years on the board of the university foundation, eventually serving as it's president. He remained an avid booster of the university, receiving the Inman Award in 2004 for distinguished service, and Coyote fan until the end.Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 64 years, Joanne of Sioux Falls, a son, Dan of Vermillion, daughter, Roberta (Paul) Johnson of Sioux Falls and three grandchildren Kendra (Josh) Blankespoor of Inwood, Iowa, Cameron Johnson of Salt Lake City, Utah and Jenna Johnson of Kearney, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Grace, a sister, Phyllis and a brother, Robert.Visitation will be Sunday, February 26 from 5:00 to 7:00 in the evening at Miller Funeral Home-downtown at 507 S. Main with a wake service to follow at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, February 27 at Christ the King Catholic Church 1501 W. 26th St with rites of internment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.Memorials may be sent to the USD Foundation, Sioux Falls Catholic Schools or the Alzheimer's Foundation. www.millerfh.com