Richard J. Rykowsky, 85, Dickinson, died Sunday, May 25, 2025, surrounded by family at CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck. Richard’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, June 2, 2025 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson with Msgr. Thomas Richter as celebrant. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan with Deacon Steve Quintus presiding. Visitation will be on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Bob Zent presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Richard J. Rykowsky was born on March 18, 1940, the son of John and Catherine (Custer) Rykowsky. He grew up on the farm near Belfield and graduated from Belfield High School. Richard enlisted in the Army in 1961 and served overseas for 2 1/2 years. Upon his return from the service, he then attended NDSU in Fargo and graduated with a B.S. Degree. Richard worked for the Dickinson Public School District as the supervisor of Transportation..
On February 23, 1974, Richard married Eileen Kubas in Dickinson and together they made their home in Dickinson.
He was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church where he served on the Finance Committee as well as taught Sunday School. He was a founding member of the All Veterans Memorial in Bismarck and was a member of the North Dakota Disabled American Veterans Finance Committee, Adjutant for the Veterans Chapel, Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Richard was selected as the Outstanding Disabled American Veteran Member for the State of North Dakota.
Richard is survived his son, Rick Rykowsky; daughter, Rebecca Rykowsky; step-son, Scott (Cheryl) Kubas; four step-granddaughters, Jen Kubas, Sierra Kubas, Ashley Budeau, and Aundrea Budeau; six step-great-grandchildren; brother, John (Betty) Rykowsky; two sisters, Marjorie Pershy and Loretta (Philip) Stewart.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen, on June 10, 2011; his parents; brother, William (Shirley) Rykowsky; and brother-in-law, Chuck Pershy.
