Rickey (Rick) Darrell Rogne was born on November 27, 1943 on a small farm near Regent North Dakota, to Robert and Marjorie (Underland) Rogne. He was the little brother to his two sisters Marcella June and Billie Ann. Rick passed away at the age of 77 on December 6th, 2020 in Surprise, AZ, where he and Donna recently purchased a retirement home.
Life on the farm was challenging, but they lived a life full of love and laughter. Rick attended Regent High School. He played basketball and enjoyed outdoor, music, and going to dances. While still in high school, he met the love of his life, Donna Marie Weinberger. Rick graduated in 1962 and shortly after was enrolled at Bismarck College. In 1964 his family moved to Helena, Montana. Rick continued school at Carroll College, leaving after a short while to pursue a job and a lifelong career with the Montana Dept. of Transportation.
Rick and Donna were married on August 21 , 1965 and had two children, daughter Michelle and son Steve. The family traveled with Rick doing road inventories and statistics throughout the state with a German shepherd and a pull camper in tow. Many summers were spent camping along spring creeks or lakes. Rick loved all types of fresh and saltwater fishing. He would take you fishing on uncharted territories, including no trespassing loved to tell the fish stories- always bigger than the fish!
We have many fond memories of Rick. He loved to spend time with his family and just watch them enjoy life. As Michelle and Steve started their own families, Rick and Donna found their most cherished moments being with family and watching their grandchildren grow. Rick loved to share stories with the kids, influencing them with his knowledge and wisdom. He loved to share jokes and was quite the prankster at times. Many friends and family will have stories to tell if you ask them. He was a skilled craftsman and handyman and took great pride in the homes he built for his family in Clancy and Montana City, MT. Rick was always working on cars and fixing anything that needed fixing. A jack of all trades. Rick was a man of strong faith and loved helping others, be it a stranger or a friend. He was quick to lend a hand to anyone. He was loved and cherished by many.
After retiring from the Highway Department, Rick and Donna began a life of adventures traveling the US and abroad. These travels took them to many places including Alaska, Portugal, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Jerusalem, and Machu Picchu to name a few.
Rick is survived by his loving wife Donna of 55 years, his daughter Michelle (Gerry) Olsen, Pocatello, ID, son, Steve (Maria) Rogne, Helena, MT, grandchildren Karly Olsen, Kristen (Layton) Wasia, Forrest Rogne, Jaden (Tony) Butler, Hailey Rogne, and Aysia Rogne; Aunt Helen Bjerke (Orin) plus many nieces, nephews and cousins. He had many friends he loved dearly through numerous circles of lasting friendships.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Robert and Marjorie Rogne, sisters June Adolph and Billie Rogne, in-laws George Adolph, Richard Kouba, and Maria Weinberger.
As quoted by the Adolph nieces and nephews, “Our beloved wild man Uncle Rick captured our imagination and hearts as tiny tots, who ran with the bulls, guided our fishing and camping trips, who loved to laugh and have fun, who taught us that life is an adventure. We love you and miss you Rick.”
In memory of Rick, please play an old country tune, hug the ones you love, and live life to the fullest.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Rick’s favorite charity, God’s Love, which supports those less fortunate. God’s Love Inc., 533 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601 (406)442-7000. Funeral Services are pending summer 2021.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 16, 2021
Our Lady of the Valley Church
1502 Shirley Rd
Helena, MT
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 16, 2021
Our Lady of the Valley Church
1502 Shirley Rd
Helena, MT
Allen Stennhjem says
Donna Family.
Our tthoughts and prayers are with you God Bless Rick…
Allen / Glenda
Spencer and Chris Holling says
Donna we are so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Spencer and Chris Holling
Jeff Meyer says
So sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. I had just been looking at the nice card and comments he sent me when I retired in back in May. Rick was my first boss when I started at the Highway Department in 1980. I was new to town and he took me fishing and grouse hunting in the Clancy area where I also got to know Donna and the kids. He was a great guy with a great attitude and was always instrumental in planning work or retirement parties back in the good old days. I’m glad he got to enjoy retirement, travel and grandkids and I’ll think of him as I begin my own retirement journey.
Rick Marks says
Donna and Family, Sorry to hear this about Rick. I always enjoyed visiting with him. May the sweet embrace of our higher power wrap you in his embrace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shelly Sanders Horne says
Donna Michelle I am so very sorry to hear about Rick my thought and prayers and with you both may God bless you and comfort you in this time
Brenda and Tony Vacca says
Donna and family – we are so sorry to hear of Rick’s death. It is especially tough at this time of the year. Please know that you are all in our hearts and in our prayers. May you feel God’s loving arms around you.
Saundra Lowry says
Donna, Michelle and Steve,
I am so sorry to read of your Rick’s death. I remember him from when we were in high school Michelle and they are fond memories. I am thinking of you all and holding you close in my heart now.
Love and Peace,
Saundra Lattin