Oakridge Cemetery

Excerpt on the history of Oak Ridge Cemetery taken from Cemeteries and Graves in Lawrence County and Environs by the Lawrence County Historical Society.

The Deadwood City Council began a search in the late 1940’s for additional cemetery space as Mt. Moriah was filling rapidly.  The area beyond Mt. Meadow at the right of the highway was favored by some but opposed by others because it was a draining area.  The higher area on the left side of the highway was selected as most desirable. However, it was not easily available as it was in use as a milk ranch, and the owners did not wish to sell.

It became necessary to acquire the property through condemnation proceedings.  A letter dated May 20, 1949, to Mayor Eddie Rypkema from Francis Parker, attorney for the city, on file in the Oak Ridge Cemetery book states “we push this condemnation proceeding to trial as fast as the circumstances permit, as we realize it is important to do so …”.  It also stated that the necessary papers had been served May 19, 1949.

The purchase was finally accomplished, and Scott Engineering of Aberdeen was hired to complete “the lay-out”.  Originally the lots were sold for $25.00. In the beginning, there was difficulty with the water supply; the first well went dry, but later drilling located an adequate supply.  The newspaper reported a burial December 21, 1950 in “the new Oak Ridge Cemetery near Deadwood”.

Oakridge Cemetery
'76 Ranch Road and Highway 14A
Deadwood, SD 57732

Hours of operation 6 AM until dark daily.

Oakridge Cemetery Sexton:

Randy Adler – Parks, Recreation and Events Director
108 Sherman Street
Deadwood, SD 57732
605–578-3082
E-mail:  randy@cityofdeadwood.com

Contact Person to purchase burial lot for Oakridge Cemetery:

Misty Trewhella 
Deputy Finance Officer
102 Sherman Street
Deadwood, SD57732
605-578-2600
E-mail:  misty@cityofdeadwood.com