Richard Einarson

Our beloved father, husband, grandfather, Richard Einarson passed away on Friday, Feb. 2, 2015, at Valley Health Care Center in Billings. His family loved him dearly, but are comforted in knowing his faith sustained him and he is now with the Lord.

Of Norwegian stock, he was born in Starbuck, Minn., on June 9, 1935, and raised in Milwaukee, Wis. After high school, Dick served in the U.S. Army in Washington, D.C., from 1954 to 1957. After the service, he attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., where he studied biology, played football, and met and married the love of his life, Joann Traver. After graduation, they moved to Billings in 1962, where he worked in pharmaceutical sales.

Over the years, Dick pursued a number of business ventures before retiring from MONY. Dick enjoyed working in the yard, woodcarving and all sporting activities; he especially enjoyed being his grandchildren's #1 Super Fan. Dick loved cheering for his favorite football teams, the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos - and meeting good friends for coffee.

Dick is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joann (Traver) Einarson; two sisters, Barbara Duwe and Diane Hutt of Grafton, Wis.; his three daughters, Debi Skalbeck (Steve) of Eden Prairie, Minn., Barb Einarson (John) of Gallatin, Tenn., and Liz Simpson (Scott) of Golden, Colo.; and four grandchildren, Traver, Lillie, Arch and Brita.

He left us with a legacy of love of family and life and kindness that will continue to inspire us throughout our lives.

A memorial services is planned later, on Saturday, May 16, at 1 p.m., at the American Lutheran Church, 5 Lewis Ave., Billings.

Memorials can be made to American Lutheran Church or Young Families Inc., 1020 Cooke Ave., Billings, MT 59102.