Richard D. McAtee died peRichard D. McAtee died peacefully at home on July 11, 2022. He was born in Bryant, SD to George and Emma McAtee on June 6, 1936.  He grew up in Flandreau, SD where he attended Spafford Grade School and graduated from Flandreau High School in 1954. He participated in many sports, which he loved. He played first base on the 1952 State Champion Junior Baseball Team; he was co-captain of the football and basketball teams with friend Bill Cone; ran hurdles in three state track meets and he enjoyed being Homecoming King his Senior year. He was a member of the National Honor Society and was selected to attend Boys State. He continued his education at SDSU where he earned his Civil Engineering Degree. After college, he went on to a 38-year career with the Minnesota Department of Transportation where he started in Road Design and worked on many segments of the Interstate Highway System which was just starting at this time. He then became the Liaison working with the Federal Highway Administration which had to approve all segments. He also did “G” projects involving the interstate and railroad crossings which brought in millions of Federal funds to the State of Minnesota. He supervised the Cultural Resources Department, which included historical and archaeological projects. He was elected President of the Hiwayan Club, a social organization for all members of the department.
Richard continued his love of sports also becoming adept at volleyball, golf, bowling and especially downhill skiing. He traveled to Europe seven times, five for skiing. He also skiied many of the major ski areas in the western U.S. and Canada. He traveled to Laughlin, NV for 25 years to play golf with friends and loved to golf with his daughter.
He was a loving father and grandfather.  He is survived by his beautiful and loving daughter, Dianalyn (David) Museus, his two adorable grandchildren, Katelyn and Tyler, of Inver Grove Heights, MN, step daughters, Dorilyn (Dean) Forbes and children and Debralyn Bryant and children of Inver Grove Heights, MN, brothers James (Mary Lue) McAtee of Sioux Falls, SD, Larry (Jean) McAtee of New Hope, MN and sister, Carol (Gary) Kappenman of Montrose, SD, niece, Lisa (Jason) Wiehle and children of Dayton, MN, nephews, Daniel Kirkegaard and children of Mitchell, SD, Jeff (Anne) McAtee and children of St. Petersburg, FL, John (Phouvanh) Soderquist and children of  Stillwater, MN, Mark (Melissa) Soderquist and children of Rathdrum, ID, Steve (Catherine) Soderquist and children of Blaine, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Emma McAtee, sisters, Helen and Linda McAtee, and brother, Albert Soderquist.
Obituary written by Richard, himself
A Memorial Service will be held at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, MN on Sunday, August 7, 2022 with Visitation starting at 2:00pm and Service at 3:00pm.
www.robertsfuneralandcremation.com