Richard ‘Dick’ Model

Richard "Dick" Model, 94, passed away Friday, June 10, 2016, following a brief admission at the RiverStone Health Hospice Home in Billings.

Dick was born and raised in Milwaukee, the son of Frank and Bertha Model. He graduated from Pulaski High School in 1940. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Oct. 1, 1942, and served in the U.S. Army's 19th Engineer Combat Regiment in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, until the end of WWII, attaining the rank of S.Sgt.

He attended The University of Wisconsin (Madison), graduating in 1949 with a bachelor's degree in geology. After graduating from college, he worked for 20 years as a field geologist in oil exploration for the Cities Services Oil Company and the Northern Pacific Railroad. As the oil business consolidated, Dick then became an independent oil well consultant for the next 20 years, in order to remain in Billings. He retired in 1989 in Billings to devote his days to community volunteer service and enjoy outdoor activities.

He met his loving wife of 66 years, Agnes Walkowski, after moving to Billings in 1949. They were married on June 19,1950.

Dick said that life in the Big Sky Country has been "just great." He enjoyed many years of hunting, fishing and working in the West. He also enjoyed volunteering at the Chamber of Commerce and Alberta Bair Theater, traveling, reading, birdwatching, gardening and, of course, working the daily crossword puzzle. Dick was a member of St. Pius X Church, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and a past member and president of the Montana Geological Society.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bernard; and his sister, Elizabeth.

He leaves his wife, Agnes Model; his sons, Michael (Diane), Mark (Lesley), Brian (Jeanine); his daughters, Colleen Model, Jan (Phil) Robins; four grandchildren, Scott (Ashley), Tim (Alex), Stephanie (Duncan) and David (Megan); four great-grandchildren Mikayla, Johnny, Marilyn and Maggie; and many close friends.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11a.m. Monday, June 20, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, with interment of ashes immediately following in St. Pius Calvary Cemetery next to the church. A luncheon reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Pius X or your favorite charity.

Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is assisting with arrangements. Condolences may be made online at www.michelottisawyers.com.