Raymond "Bucky" Heyer

RAYMOND JOHN “BUCKY” HEYER, 75, of Marion, SD, passed away in his home on Thursday, May 23, 2013. He was born in St. Paul, MN to Mary Charlotte and Jack Heyer. Bucky was raised on the east side of Sioux Falls where he enjoyed playing baseball and eventually attended Cathedral High School. At Cathedral, he was named class president as well as played first string basketball and baseball. From there, he attended college at the University of South Dakota where he earned a B.A. in political science, played first string baseball and basketball and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. While in college, Bucky bought his first business: Tiki Liquor. Tiki Liquor was only the start of his long list of business achievements. In 1967, he opened the Mocamba Club, whose opening act was The Big Thing (now known as Chicago).He later built the state’s number one bar and restaurant, The Fireside Lounge, located in the old Western Mall. But his accomplishments weren’t limited to the alcohol/bar industry. During his decades as an entrepreneur, he created “Deals on Wheels” magazine; organized the group that later went on to develop the Empire East Mall; served as the only auctioneer in Maui, Hawaii; created a women’s line of clothing called Bucky’s Calamity Jeans; and created/owned Tea Realty, which was responsible for bringing millions of dollars in business to Tea, SD by way of new restaurants, grocery, hardware and drug stores. Professional honors and distinctions earned include serving in the Marine Corp, being honorably discharged from the Army where he served in Germany; being elected president of the Retail Liquor Association; being appointed State Director of Alcohol; receiving a Key Man license from the South Dakota Gaming Commission; and graduating from Reich World Wide College of Auctioneering from which he earned the designation of “Colonel”. Bucky’s favorite pastimes were playing poker, giving his cat, Dipper, rubdowns, fishing, flying, sports, debating politics and taking long walks with his dogs on their beautiful acreage. He had a deep appreciation for wildlife, good food and telling jokes. And he will be remembered for his lively stories told around the poker table and his many commercial contributions to the Greater Sioux Falls area. He is survived by his wife, Susan Heyer; his daughter, Jill Freeze of Ellensburg, WA; his grandson, Christopher Freeze of Bellingham, WA; his granddaughter, Samantha Freeze of Ellensburg, WA; his mother, Mary Charlotte Heyer; his sisters, Rose Dougherty, Marsha Heyer and Greta Carter; and his brother, Stuart Heyer. Bucky was preceded in death by his father and sister, Jeannie Johnson. In lieu of a traditional service, it was Bucky’s wishes that he be cremated and then scattered along his acreage driveway along with the ashes of his dogs, Pretty Girl and Sausage. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting http://www.hofmeisterjones.com. The family requests that donations be directed to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.