Richard Selinger, 82, Dickinson, formerly of New England died Saturday, March 12, 2011 at his home after a tough fight with cancer, surrounded by his wife and family. Richard’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Jeff Zwack as the celebrant. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Military honors will follow the Mass and be provided by the New England American Legion Anton Ulijohn Post #66. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a St. Pius Verein Rosary & parish vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Jerry Volk presiding.
Richard was born February 21, 1929 to Anton and Barbara (Emil) Selinger. He grew up in Schefield until age 17, when his family moved to New England. He attended school in Schefield, the Assumption Abbey in Richardton, and St. Mary’s in New England.
Richard served in the Army and National Guard from 1951-1954. During his time in the service he was a radio operator and studied to be an electrician. While stationed at Camp Rucker in Alabama, Richard married Loraine Schorsch on November 29, 1951. Following his discharge from the Army, Richard and Loraine moved to Wahpeton. Richard attended NDSSS for two years to be an electrician, where he was also on the boxing team and was the ND National Guard lightweight champion in 1953.
Richard’s first job was as an electrician in Dickinson. After living there for about a year, Richard and Loraine moved to New England and began his career with Slope Electric Cooperative, where he was the manager from 1972 until his retirement in 1991.
During his years in New England, Richard was very active in his community and church. He served on the Park Board for 26 years and was instrumental in getting the ambulance service started in New England. He was a member of the Fire Department and Charter President of the Jaycees. He also served on the St. Mary’s school board, was a trustee for 22 years and a parish council member. For 25 years Richard and Loraine also owned and operated a greenhouse in New England.
Richard and Loraine moved to Dickinson in 1999. He enjoyed retirement, including riding his motorcycle and tending his yard and garden. He attended college courses at DSU and received a Master Gardener Certificate. Richard was a volunteer for St. Joseph’s Hospital and at the NDSU Extension Service in Dickinson. Richard and Loraine spent many winters traveling to Arizona, Texas and Florida with their camper. Richard enjoyed being around people and went out daily to meet friends for coffee. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and could be found at all of their events.
Richard is survived by his wife, Loraine; their five children, Cindy (Keith) Hanson, New England, Bruce (Brenda) Selinger, Dickinson, Shari (John) Griffin, South Heart, Dave (Cindy) Selinger, Dickinson, and Missy (Lee) Hanson, Bismarck; 11 grandchildren, Eric (Tina) Hanson, Jody Hanson, Jacob Selinger, Jordan Selinger, Annie Griffin, Julie Griffin, Alyssa Selinger, Chandra Selinger, Braden Selinger, Ryan Hanson and Sara Hanson; three sisters, Bernie (Harold) Winden, Fort Benton, Mont., Mary Neville, Kansas City, Mo., and Marcie (Ron) Tessier, Dickinson; sister-in-law, Arlene Selinger, Mandan; and brother-in-law, Harold Raunig, Kansas City, Kan. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George Selinger; sister, Clara Raunig; and brother-in-law, Jim Neville.
