John Morris Brewick, 81, of Rapid City passed away Saturday, July 12, 2025.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 18 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Rapid City, with Pastor Erin Erickson officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm, followed by a funeral service at 2pm and then a reception. Burial will be 1:30pm Monday, July 21 at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis with full military honors. A memorial has been established for the care of the Wizard of Oz set and other attractions at Storybook Island, 1301 Sheridan Lake Road Rapid City, SD 57702 attention Brewick Memorial. Online condolences can be left at www.osheimschmidt.com

John was born May 6, 1944 in Mitchell, SD, to Emmet and Mabel (Callison) Brewick. He married Dorothy “Rowdy” Rees on April 29, 1972 in Austin, MN. John graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1962 and received a Bachelor of Science in History degree from the University of South Dakota in 1967.  During his college years, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi where he met many of his lifelong friends.  John entered the United States Army in 1967 and served in Viet Nam from February 1968 to January of 1969 when he was honorably discharged. 

After his military service, he received a Master’s Degree in The Art of Teaching from the College of St. Thomas in 1970.  He began his teaching career at the Gerard School located at the Historic Hormel Home in Austin, Minnesota.   It was in Austin where he met and married Dorothy “Rowdy” Rees. Their four month courtship led to a marriage of 53 years. 

The Black Hills called the couple back to South Dakota in 1974 and what better place to hunt and fish than the Black Hills!  John began his teaching in Rapid City at North Junior High School in 1974, transferred with many teaching buddies to Dakota Junior High when it opened and finished his career at Stevens High School.  After retirement, John spent his time fishing, hunting, reading and writing.  He also traveled to many wonderful places with Rowdy and other traveling companions.  His favorite travel destination was Israel.  He was enamored by its physical, cultural and historical characteristics. 

John and Rowdy welcomed Leah Jane into the world in August of 1975 and enjoyed five beautiful years before releasing her to the arms of the Divine in September of 1980.  They raised two sons, Michael (born 1978) and Andrew (born 1981).

He is survived by his wife Rowdy of Rapid City, devoted sons Michael Brewick (Sarah Hanzel) of Rapid City, Andrew Brewick (Mary Ellen) of Moscow, ID, four adored grandchildren Mabel, Evelyn, Lars, and Perry Brewick, four special cousins and their families Dennis Holm (Judy), Marcie Holm Schroeder (Gary), Mary Kay Holm, and Debra Fouberg (Patty). He was preceded in death by his daughter Leah Jane Brewick, his sister Barbara and his parents.