Richard “Dick” Eriksen, 78 passed away quietly of natural causes at his home with his family in Helena on April 5th, 2021.
Dick was born and raised in Fort Peck and attended school in Fort Peck and Glasgow. Dick was a cowboy at heart. He did ranch work for Fort Pecks area ranches until he entered the Army in 1968. After his tour he married and had three sons and then returned to ranching in the area.
Dick moved to Helena in 1976 where he worked as a contractor and started his own construction business which he operated for several years. In 1980, he married Sheryl, who had 2 sons from a previous marriage, Brandon and Rande. Together they have a daughter Richelle.
Starting their own ranch in 1986, they raised cattle, horses, pigs, chickens, cats, and dogs. He loved watching the newborn babies come into the world every spring. Usually on cold snowy nights. Dick enjoyed outings with his family. Camping, catching fish, and hunting with his kids and grandkids was his life. Dick had several grand and great grandkids. He helped anyone that asked whether it was fixing a piece of machinery or fixing a bike.
Dick worked for TST and First Student Bus Company for many years. He loved talking with the little ones that rode his bus. He also drove the fire bus for several fire seasons taking and bringing back firefighters from all over Montana. He had the prettiest sparkling sky-blue eyes. When he looked at you with those eyes you knew you had better pay attention and listen. Richard was loved and will be greatly missed.
Dick is preceded in death by his mother, Esther and father, Richard. Surviving him is his wife, Sheryl; his sister, Louise; and his children, Tim, Doug, Dusty, and daughter Richelle.
Burial with Military Honors is set for 3:00 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2021 in the Pavilion at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice Center of St. Peter’s Health or Fort Harrison in honor of Dick. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dick.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday April 30, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday April 30, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
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Rogelio Moreno says
So sorry to hear of Dicks passing I worked with him
at TST and than at Laidlaw
now First Student he was very nice man and I glad to have met him my deepest condolences to you and your family RIP Dick you’ll be missed
Joyce says
Shelly so sorry to hear this. Dick was a great neighbor very friendly and always willing to lend a hand. He will be missed.
Lynn and Ralph Guay says
We are very sorry about your loss, Sheryl. Dick was a fine fellow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brandi Martinez says
My deepest condolences Sheryl and Richelle, Dustin, Dusty, Tim and Nathan Randy Brandon and the boys also Hunter, and Toston! Dick will truly be missed!
Brandi and Family
Joanne DuBois says
I have many good memories of childhood summer gatherings at Grandma and Grandpa’s farm in ND. Cousins gathered from across the states and played together while aunts and uncles visited and kept in touch. I’m sorry he had to go through these sufferings at the end. I’m so glad I got to talk to him recently. My deepest sympathy to all of your family.
Love, Joanne
Gene DuBois says
I am very saddened to hear of the death of my cousin Dickie, which is how he was known in the family. I only got to know him a few times, the most memorable being when I rode with him from Fort Peck to Dillion to celebrate our uncle and aunt’s 25th wedding anniversary in 1963. He apparently could not read a speed limit sign.
My deepest condolences to his wife, children and friends.
Chris Eriksen says
Great memories of our cousin, Dick. When we were growing up at the farm in ND, Dick and his family would come visit in the Summer, and we always had fun–sometimes almost giving my Mom a heart attack with some of things we did playing in the barn and all over the farm. Good memories to cherish. My sympathy to Dick’s family.
Bart Eriksen says
My sincere sympathies to Dick’s family for their loss.
Dick (Dickie) was a fun cousin who would bring much cheer and enjoyment to the family farm in ND during summer visits. Was very impressed how he could make Louie’s with his car in Kensal, having that spin ball on the steering wheel! Ha! Always fun times with him!
Prayers to the family!
Batt
Jerilyn (Jeri) Lubahn says
Many fun memories of cousin Dick when we got together on the farm in North Dakota. The summers several families came at same time were the most fun. When Larry and I visited Fort Peck with our family we were treated to around up.and branding.The boys enjoyed that. Sympathy to Dick’s family.
Kristina Halverson says
Our deepest sympathies to Dick’s family. I always enjoyed Dick’s stories. He was a kind man with a big heart. He will be missed. Many prayers
Robert Eriksen says
My sympathies to Dick’s family.
It was always a fun time when Uncle Richard, Esther, Dickie, and Louise would come to the family homestead farm at Kensal.
I haven’t seen Dick for many years, but it hurts to lose a cousin.
R.I.P. Dick.
Tonna Strasko says
Sheryl and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Will certainly miss the smiles Dick always had for others.
God be with you all.
Tonna Strasko
Henry Flatow says
Sorry to learn of Dick’s passing. I drove bus with Dick for ten years at TST. The first day I drove, Duck went with me, teaching me the methods of driving a bus. I also enjoyed his daughter Richelle on my bus route. Dick gave a lot in helping other drivers to learn the trade. Sincerely, Henry Flatow
Debbie and Nels Strandberg says
So sorry for your loss. We have so many memories of Dick and the family. He was like a Dad to Denise, and I can’t thank him and the family for all you did for us all the years we’ve known you. So many memories over the years of going to the farm and seeing the animals. Denise so remembers picking the “potato bugs” and just helping out. I remember riding the horses and helping get the cows back to the pasture they belonged in and the girls being scared when the horses galloped with them on them. So so many fond memories. Being there for each other (you for us more than the other way around) Too many memories to put here. We miss all of you so much. You are forever in our thoughts and prayers. You are true friends. God bless you all.
Love and hugs,
Debbie and Nels Strandberg
Diana Draur says
Sheryl and family – I planned to attend on Friday, thinking the burial was at 2. I have a conflict at 3 and now can’t attend. I am there in spirit and am always here for you. Dick was a “neighborhood” Superman. He is sorely missed. I love the reference to his sparkly blue eyes in your write-up, and I will never forget the mischievous grin right below those eyes.
May God bless all of you today, tomorrow, and always,
Bitsey and Family