Eileen Rykowsky, 66, Dickinson, died peacefully on Friday, June 10, 2011 at home, with her family by her side following a courageous battle with cancer. Eileen’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Jim Braaten as the celebrant and Fr. Casimir Paluck con-celebrating. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be on Monday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Fr. Casimir Paluck presiding.

Eileen Metz was born November 29, 1944 at South Heart, the daughter of Steve and Margaret (Zentner) Metz. Growing up, she attended South Heart Country School #2 and graduated from South Heart High School. Eileen later went to school to become a certified nurse aide.

Eileen married Richard J. Rykowsky on February 23, 1974 in Dickinson. Together they made their home in Dickinson. Family was very important to Eileen. Her life was complete when her two granddaughters, Jennifer and Sierra Kubas arrived. Eileen was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Eileen is survived by her husband, Richard; son, Scott (Cheryl) Kubas, Bismarck; daughter, Rebecca Rykowsky, Bismarck; step-son, Rick P. Rykowsky, Dickinson; two granddaughters, Jen and Sierra Kubas, and their mother, Jackie, Mandan; two step-granddaughters, Ashley and Aundrea Budeau, Bismarck; one step-great-grandson; six brothers, John (Barb) Metz, South Heart, Albert (Sharon) Metz, Dickinson, Harvey (Joy) Metz, Aberdeen, S.D., Tom (Diane) Metz, South Heart, Robert (Theresa) Metz, Taylor, and Howard Metz, Austin, Texas; five sisters, Agnes Custer, Belfield, Bernice Heiser, Killdeer, Mildred Robison, Cheyenne, Wyo., Alice Pajorlie, Dickinson, and Linda (Martin) Buzalsky, Aberdeen, S.D.; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; Steve and Margaret Metz; two brothers, Adolph and James Metz; one sister, Janice Slater; and two brothers-in-law, Martin Slater and Nick Pajorlie.