RICHARD LESLIE TALLMAN

Dec. 25, 1941–Jan. 31, 2023
Richard Leslie Tallman, 81, of Custer Highlands, S.D., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. Memorial service will be held at Meridian Mortuary in Newcastle, Wyo., on Monday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. 
Richard was born Dec. 25, 1941, in Cortland, N.Y. His parents were Harold Leslie Tallman and Vivian Virginia (Varnes) Tallman.
Richard described himself as, “a hard worker with a lot of experience in many things.” He started working at an early age (12) on a nearby farm, milking cows and doing chores. He spent his spare time at the library reading classical novels and studying. Eventually he became more interested in music, especially rhythm and blues. Buddy Holly was his favorite when rock and roll came along.
In his late teens, Richard took to the road and traveled extensively around the country — without a car. Eventually he hired on with a carnival and became a motordrome rider. This career was short-lived. He met his future wife, Ruth Siefers. They married in August 1961, and settled down in Iowa.
He worked at numerous places doing construction, maintenance, and as a boiler operator. Richard remodeled the farm house where they lived and in so doing, developed his carpentry skills. He added a workout room with home gym equipment and spent hours there, exercising and listening to his favorite music. He eventually found employment at the University of Iowa where he worked in maintenance/supervision for 20 years.
Richard became an avid Hawkeyes fan and was a loyal supporter and follower of his sons’ athletic activities. They raised four sons in Iowa, and all were outstanding athletes.
After retiring from the University, Richard and his wife moved west to Igloo, S.D., and eventually to Custer Highlands. He continued working at several places throughout the Black Hills at resorts, Elk Mountain School, and in Newcastle. He liked to call himself the oldest paper boy. His last job was delivering the News Letter Journal to and from Gillette for printing.
Richard is survived by three sons, Daniel of Edgemont, S.D.; Randy of Ankeny, Iowa; Tim of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brother, Ron Tallman of Cortland, N.Y.; sister, Sherry Jackson; six Tallman grandchildren, George, Coady, Joby, Jacoby, and Benjamin; and one great-grandson, Maycen Allen.
He is preceded in death by his wife Ruth; son, Joe; and two sisters, Sue (Tallman) Brown, and Sandra (Tallman) Morehouse.
Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Meridian Mortuary, 111 S. Railway Ave., Newcastle, WY 82701 or expressed online at meridianmortuary.com.