Edward H. Rypkema (Term 1948 - 1952)

Edward H. “Eddie” Rypkema (May 13, 1914 – January 4, 2000) was a South Dakota businessman, rancher, community leader and Mayor of Deadwood.  Born on May 13, 1914, Edward spent his formative years in Westfield, North Dakota.  In 1936 at the age of 22, Edward married Vernell Peterson of Eagle Butte, South Dakota and the couple moved to Deadwood.  Within two years, Rykema opened Eddie’s Tire & Glass located at 541 Main Street, an automotive business specializing in retreading car tires.  Rykema expanded this business to include automotive sales for Dodge, Pontiac and Chevrolet.  In 1948, Edward was elected as Mayor of Deadwood, a positon he held for four years until 1952.  Rypkema also served as chairman of the Days of 76, was an active member of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and was a member of Toastmasters, Shrine, Rotary, Elks and the United Methodist Church.  In 1972, Edward moved to Rapid City, South Dakota and founded an RV dealership and Eddie’s Truck Sales.  On January 4, 2000, Edward died and was buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City.