On the morning of September 2, 2025, Richard “Rick” Reed passed away in Billings, Montana, surrounded by his loving family, following complications from a massive heart attack.
Rick was born on October 4, 1955, in Miles City, Montana, the second child of Dick and Irene Reed. He grew up on the family ranch north of Miles City, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a passion that would stay with him all his life—cars. Rick was a “car guy”, anyone who knew him would tell you that. From a young age, Rick could be found taking apart old motors from junk vehicles and piecing them back together. It didn’t take long for everyone around him to realize he had both the talent and the determination to make engines roar back to life.
Rick’s love for cars wasn’t just in the garage—he loved speed. Whether drag racing at tracks across Montana or taking his chances in less official settings, Rick was happiest behind the wheel of something fast. He carried that same energy into every part of his life.
On November 17, 1979, Rick married the love of his life, Kim Klapmeier. Together they built a family and raised two daughters, Emelie and Kelsey, who became his greatest pride and joy. Later in life, Rick found immense happiness in his role as a grandfather. He adored his granddaughters, Avery and Brynna, and cherished time spent with them.
Rick’s hobbies were as adventurous as his spirit. Anything with a motor and speed drew him in—cars, bikes, and side-by-sides. He also found joy in hunting, fishing, camping, biking, and hiking, especially when it meant time outdoors with his family. Friends will fondly remember countless hours spent at his favorite auto shops BS-ing with the boys over a cold beer, or 6!
Rick dedicated 27 years of service as a mechanic for the Montana Department of Transportation in Helena, retiring in December 2017. In retirement, he and Kim embraced life on the road, traveling the West in their RV and most recently a new fifth wheel. Whether it was exploring the desert in Utah and Arizona on his side-by-side or discovering hidden corners of the wilderness in Montana, Rick loved new adventures.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Irene Reed, and his father-in-law, Bill Klapmeier. He is survived by his wife Kim; daughters Emelie Reed (Marcus Mosness) of Clancy, and Kelsey Shuford (Eli) and their daughters Avery and Brynna of Belgrade; siblings Wanda Reed of Miles City, Jay Reed (Linda) of Sidney, and Curtis Reed (Lori) of Tennessee; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will deeply miss him.
Rick’s life was full of love, laughter, hard work, and a little bit of horsepower. His memory will live on in the roar of an engine, the sparkle in his granddaughter’s eyes, and the stories shared around the table with friends and family.
Memorials may be made in Rick’s name to the Humane Society or the Angel Fund.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Linda Kindrick says
Kim – I am so sorry.
Beckie Squires says
Kim. I’m so sorry to hear about Rick. I’m holding you and the girls in my thoughts.
Mark Johnson says
Rest in peace my friend
Xina says
I am so sorry for this loss my Reed family
Cherie Dyba says
This is an incredible loss, Rick was a great man. Uplifting all the family in prayers and hugs.
Bruce and Nancy Klapmeier says
Best brother in law ever!! Rest in peace brother. I’ll never find a better person to call for mechanical advice, or just talk shop.
We’ll miss you.
Tom Hanel says
Extremely sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. We offer our sincere condolences to Kim and the entire family, he was a genuine person.
🙏
Dianna Dyba Sanders says
am sorry cousins he was strong and mindful rest In Peace cousin
Vonnie Jenkins says
Rick is truly going to be missed. I got the privilege to work with him! I also have one of his motors he built! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marvin and Dianne Page says
So sorry to hear of your family’s loss. I had the good fortune to work with Rick for many years. He was one of the best mechanics I have ever known. A good man gone to soon.
John and Lana Kay Smith says
Oh Kim and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Ricks passing. We pray that your memories of your long time together will get you through this incredibly sad time. Sending you prayers and all our love.
Jane LaMoure says
I’m so saddened to read this. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Glen Briese says
He was good guy enjoy his time when we visited at the mdt shop. Rip Rick and family take care .
Sue Wilke says
Kim and girls, I just read the Obit about Rick! I am truly sorry! Please call if I can do anything.
Sue
Emmy says
Dad- I don’t understand why you had to go so soon and probably won’t ever understand. I miss you more than you’ll ever know and am even more sad for mom. She really needed/needs you and my heart is absolutely broken for her. Please keep her safe, mend her broken heart and help her to be happy again. I know our grief will take a lot of time to conquer but please help us to eventually feel happy and content again. Please give us a sign that you are watching over us and keeping us safe. I miss you dad but my grief right now is for mom and her wellbeing. I know it will get better with time but please watch over mom, Kelsey and myself as we truly need your help. 💔
*if you or anyone you know isn’t feeling yourself, having sudden chest pains that last for days or sweating that won’t go away please seek medical attention immediately! Even if you don’t think the Dr will be able to do anything or if they send you away and tell you you are fine please be your best advocate and continue to seek medical attention even if that means seeing several different providers.