*Richard Einarson, beloved father, husband, and grandfather, passed away on Feb. 2, 2015, at Valley Health Care Center in Billings, Mont. His family loved him dearly, but is 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. 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, where he studied biology, played football, and met and married the love of his life, Joann Traver Einarson ’60. 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 No. 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; his three daughters, Debi Skalbeck and husband Steve, Barb Einarson and husband John, and Liz Simpson and husband Scott; 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.

Memorials can be made to American Lutheran Church or Young Families, Inc. in Billings.