Walter Richard, 82, Dickinson died Friday, April 25, 2008 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Walter’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 28, 2008 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Biju Chitteth as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Belfield. Visitation will be Sunday, from 3 pm until 9 pm and Monday from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. There will be a rosary and vigil Sunday at 7 p.m., with Deacon Ron Keller presiding at Ladbury Funeral Service.
Walter Henry Richard was born at home on May 20, 1925 the son of Henry and Louise (Denault) Richard. He was raised on the family homestead southeast of Belfield attending country school 1 1/2 miles south of the farm. Walter married Eleanore Ficek on November 12, 1946 at St. Wenceslaus Church, Dickinson. Farming in partnership with Walter’s father, the couple lived for a number of years with Walter’s parents before taking over the family farm in 1956. Later, Walter’s sons entered into the farming and cattle ranching partnership. Walter was a member of the Belfield Knights of Columbus Council #6310 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2328.
Walter enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, dancing, card playing, snowmobiling, gardening, spending time at his lake home, and visiting friends, family and neighbors. Walter will be fondly remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor.
Walter is survived by his wife Eleanore and his five children: Raymond (Rita) Richard, Belfield; Roger (Rose) Richard, Belfield; Dennis (Beth), Belfield; Dale Richard (Pam Whitely), Lincoln, and Denise (Dean) Scheetz, Washburn; 15 grandchildren: Dawn (Brad) Fitzgerald, Marie Richard (Rod Beers), Jeanine (Bryan) Clendenen, Becky (John) Holm-Johansen, Jason (Michelle) Richard, Ben Richard (Jessica Flynn), Dusty (Christina) Richard, Megan Richard, Lyle, Brian, and Estelle Richard, Brandon Ruggles, Cameron, Holly, and Heidi Scheetz, and special friends Josh and Tyler Whitely; six great-grandchildren: Jaden Cymbaluk, Haley and Brett Fitzgerald, Maizie and Lane Richard, Sawyer Clendenen. Walter was preceded in death by two sisters, Irene Schmiedt, Carson City, Nev. and Helen Ficek, Des Moines, Iowa, and one infant brother, Henry Jr.
