Losing someone in a tight-knit place like Rapid City feels different than it does in a big coastal city. Here, you aren't just looking at a name on a screen. You’re looking for the guy who used to fix your neighbor's fence or the woman who taught Sunday school for thirty years. Honestly, checking the Rapid City obituaries today is a morning ritual for half the town. It’s how we stay connected to the generations that built this place under the shadow of the Black Hills.
Finding these records has changed a lot lately.
It used to be that you just grabbed the Rapid City Journal off the porch and flipped to the back. Now? It’s a mix of legacy websites, local funeral home pages, and social media posts. If you’re looking for someone right now, January 14, 2026, there are a few names the community is currently honoring.
Recent Passings and Services in the Area
Death doesn't follow a schedule. It’s heavy, and it’s constant.
Just this week, we’ve seen several families in our region preparing for final goodbyes. Glenn Patrick Tifft, who was only 36, passed away recently, and his memorial service is actually scheduled for today, Wednesday, January 14, at the Central Meade County Community Center. It’s a reminder that these notices aren't just for the elderly; they represent the sudden gaps left in families across Union Center and Rapid City.
Then there’s Donald Y. Rennell. His service details have been circulating through Kirk Funeral Home.
People are also remembering Kristi Lynn Birkeland, a rancher from rural Dupree who was only 55. She passed away at home with her family nearby. That’s the thing about West River obituaries—they often tell stories of people who lived hard, outdoor lives, tied to the land and the weather.
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Rapid City Obituaries Today: Where to Look First
If you’re trying to find a specific notice, don't just rely on one spot.
The Rapid City Journal remains the "official" record for many, but the paywalls can be a massive headache when you're just trying to find a service time. Kinda frustrating, right? Most people have started going directly to the funeral home websites because they’re updated faster and usually have the full text for free.
Here is where the locals actually look:
- Kirk Funeral Home & Cremation Services: They handle a huge portion of the services in town and usually have the most detailed "Tribute Walls."
- Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home: A staple on Jackson Boulevard. If the person was a long-time Rapid City resident, they’re likely listed here.
- Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home: They’ve been around forever. Their site is simple, but it’s often the first place to post for families in the downtown and North Rapid areas.
- The Rapid City Post: A newer digital alternative that’s been picking up the slack for people who don't want to deal with the Journal's subscription model.
Why the "Today" Part Matters
Timing is everything.
In a town where people travel from Wall, Sturgis, or even Lead for a funeral, getting the "today" information right is critical. If a notice says the visitation is "this Friday," you need to know if that was posted yesterday or three days ago.
Kinda helps to check the "Published" date at the very top of the page.
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We also see a lot of "out of area" connections. For example, Nila J. Davis, who was 83, had her funeral today in Watertown, but she’s survived by her brother, Alwyn “Al” Thoreson, who lives right here in Rapid City. Our community extends way past the city limits. We’re connected by blood and business to the whole state.
The Nuance of Digital Memorials
We've moved past the era of three-line newspaper snippets.
Today’s obituaries are basically short biographies. They include photos of the person fishing at Pactola or hiking Harney Peak (I know, it’s Black Elk Peak now, but the older generation still calls it Harney). These digital spaces allow for "Virtual Candles" and guestbooks.
Is it the same as a handshake at a wake? No.
But for the family member living in Denver or Minneapolis who can't make the drive through a South Dakota blizzard, it’s a lifeline.
Common Misconceptions About Local Notices
One thing people get wrong is thinking every death is listed in the paper.
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It's expensive. Like, really expensive. A full obituary with a photo in a local paper can cost hundreds of dollars. Because of that, some families choose to only post on the funeral home’s website or just do a "death notice"—which is basically just the name and dates without the life story.
If you can't find a friend’s name in the Rapid City Journal, don't assume they're still with us. Check the funeral home sites directly.
Actionable Steps for Finding Information
If you are looking for information on a recent passing in Rapid City today, follow this workflow to save yourself some time:
- Start with the Funeral Home Aggregators: Sites like Legacy.com or Connect-South Dakota pull from multiple sources. They aren't perfect, but they’re a good net.
- Check the "Big Three" Local Homes: Open the websites for Kirk, Osheim & Schmidt, and Behrens-Wilson in separate tabs.
- Search Facebook Groups: "Rapid City News & Events" or local community boards often share notices faster than the newspapers do, especially if there's a GoFundMe or a meal train being organized.
- Look for the Service Date, Not the Death Date: Obituaries are often published 3-5 days after the person passes. If they passed away on Sunday, the full story might not hit the web until Wednesday morning.
Life in the Black Hills moves at its own pace, and honoring those who leave us is a big part of that. Whether you’re looking for a service time at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help or just want to read about a life well-lived in the valley, these resources are your best bet for staying informed about our neighbors.
To get the most current details, visit the Kirk Funeral Home or Osheim & Schmidt websites directly, as they update their digital boards in real-time throughout the day.