Remembering Rick W. Mills

Rick Wayne Mills sadly passed away on April 20th, 2025. As the longtime director and curator of the South Dakota State Railroad Museum, all of us who volunteer at the museum will miss him greatly. Not just his leadership, but also his passion, compassion, and generosity toward all who knew him.

Rick was more than a leader and director of the museum, however. He had a lifelong love of railroads as well as the history, art, and culture of South Dakota. His accomplishments and impact are simply too great to put into words, and I think it is better to allow others to explain the impact Rick had on their lives rather than try to summarize all his contributions to humanity. In addition to our tribute exhibit to Rick, the museum and myself have ongoing ideas on how to best honor his legacy and we will be sharing those ideas as they take shape.

Many of us who knew Rick will be celebrating his life on July 27th in LaCroix Hall at the Monument in Rapid City, South Dakota. Services will begin at 2pm. Since our volunteers and members wish to honor Rick at his services, the South Dakota State Railroad Museum will be closed on July 27th. If you knew Rick, we hope to see you there!

-- James Willmus, Interim Director of the SDSRM.