The Rev. Dr. Richard “Mitch” Ludwig Behringer, age 83, of Hill City, SD, quietly passed from this life to eternal life on January 10, 2026, in his beloved log cabin in the woods. He was born in Chicago on December 10, 1942, son of the late Ludwig and Martha Behringer, in Evanston, Illinois. Mitch graduated from High School in Chicago, then went on to Elmhurst College and Eden Theological Seminary. He obtained his Master of Divinity Degree and Doctorate in Theology later in life as he loved ongoing education.

During his years as a pastor, he served across churches in Evanston, Davis, and Marion Ill, Seminole Fl, Tripp, Keystone, and Hermosa SD, and was interim Pastor at Custer SD. He had the amazing opportunity to lead worship during Easter services at Mount Rushmore several times which was a special moment for him. Mitch also supported teaching and went abroad as a missionary in China for two years.

Mitch was a private pilot spending numerous hours in Cessna, allowing him and friends to see the beauty of many places. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast owning a Ural with a sidecar, notorious for coming into Hill City, attending Sturgis rally, taming the dragon’s tail in North Carolina, and riding the coastlines in Florida.

He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Judith “Frobel” Behringer, in 1993. Later in life he was blessed with a second loving marriage to Rev. Dr. Jeri (Smith) Behringer. Together, they blended their families and enjoyed many happy years together.

Mitch is survived by his wife Rev. Dr. Jeri Behringer and three children: Rev. Beth and spouse Daniel Petzke of Sheboygan, WI; Matthew and spouse Julia Behringer of Lakewood Ranch, FL; David Smith and Renee of Lennox, SD, four grandchildren: Kara Petzke, Maradith Behringer, Ty Petzke, Lauren Behringer.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who cared for and made Mitch’s life easier in these last years – Zach Peterson and staff of the Hill City Clinic, Pastor Becky Fleming, Rev. Erin Erickson, Staci, Renee (Norman) and everyone at the Hill City Deli. There are countless others including neighbors, ambulance services, hospice, and local law enforcement that have been there for Mitch and Jeri. The entire town of Hill City welcomed Mitch and Jeri since they retired there, and each establishment meant something very special to them. They had found their “perfect place” living high in the hills and still being able to come to the town for things they needed. His life was a rich and diverse tapestry with much love and many highlights, and he was grateful for it.

The family shared an intimate service at Mitch’s Meadow near his cabin. A memorial service will be at his home church, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Rapid City at a later time yet to be set. Anyone wanting to donate on Richard's behalf, his request was it go to “The Haystack Society” within the United Church of Christ. They can be reached at 866-822-8224.