On the evening of June 17, 2018, Richard Leo Beehler passed away peacefully of natural causes at the Aspen Meadows Assisted Care Facility in Billings, Montana. Richard was 80 years old.
Richard Beehler was born in Miles City, MT on April 26, 1938. He was the third child and only son of the four children born to Anton “Tony” and Leona (Steinert) Beehler. Richard attended schools in Miles City and graduated from Custer County District High School in 1956. During the years following high school, Richard proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves.
On January 6, 1966, Richard married Judith Estelle James and instantly became a father to Judy’s son, Joseph Fredrickson. A year later they welcomed a son, Anton John “Tony” into the family. And in 1970 a daughter, Katherine Ann, joined the family.
During his time in Miles City, Richard had multiple occupations – in other words, he was a jack-of-all-trades. After his Honorable Discharge from the Marines in 1962, Richard returned to Montana and worked for the highway department building bridges for the interstate system. He also worked for a cable TV company; worked in construction for quite a few years; and worked for the public school system as a custodian at Highland Park School and the high school. His final job before retiring was managing a group of 8 apartment buildings in Miles City, in which he took a great deal of pride.
Richard was a straight shooter – he always told it like it was. He was honest, hard-working, intelligent and a great father figure to not only his own children but to many other family members and children of the community. If he said he was going to do something, he did it. He had a great work ethic and always followed through on his promises.
Richard lived life to the fullest and enjoyed many hobbies such as woodworking, camping, fishing, photography and spending time with his family and friends. One of his proudest moments was watching his son Tony graduate from the Montana Highway Patrol Academy.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy; daughter, Katherine “Kat” Beehler-Goodson; sisters Delores Claver, Charlene Schumacher, and Norma Ludwig; and his parents Tony and Leona Beehler.
Richard is survived by his two sons, Joseph (Dayna) Fredrickson of Bismarck, ND and Tony (Bobbie) Beehler of Billings, MT; numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family plans a graveside service at Custer County Cemetary on Friday, June 22, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Friday June 22, 2018
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Friday June 22, 2018
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT
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Jessie Beehler says
My deepest, sincere condolences to all of the family. Richard will be greatly missed by many and welcomed home by some of the dearest and closest angels ever!! Hugs, thoughts and prayers to all!!
Jack Fleming says
Tony and Family,
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your Dad
Jack and Caroline
Michael , Speelman Family says
Tony and Family,
Sorry for the loss of your father. Prayers and Condolences to all of you.
Raymond Clauson says
We are so sorry for your loss. Dick worked for us for several years – good worker – good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Lynn Anderson says
Richard and Judy were such special people and I will never forget their kindness to me and my son. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Joe and Elaine Malensek says
Tony, Bobby and family ,we are so sorry to hear about your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Phyllis Anderson Stevens says
Tony & Joe, I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing! You’re in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time and just know we love you bunches!
JAMES L. ARNESON says
Your family ids in my thoughts and prayers Tony.
Stephani Schumacher-Collins says
I was just thinking of Richard the other day! What a neat human being he was! Both Judy and Richard were very kind people.Thinking of you and your families with warm thoughts.
Take Care
Stephani Schumacher-Collins
Clara jo says
Sorry to hear about your dads passing .Your dad was a wonderful man ! May all your wonderful memories fill those days .
Joni James Schaff says
Sincere sympathy to Tony and family from Judy’s cousin, Joni James.
May you keep the happy memories of your parents in your hearts forever.
Love,
Joni
Kristen Waide says
Grandpa, I’m sorry that I cannot make it to be with you. You are so very loved and will be missed so much. You were a remarkable man and I will never forget all my childhood memories with you. RIP Papa.
Wayne White says
Was on the way back from a camping trip yesterday and Richard popped into my head and I thought I should see him soon, you should never wait, when it comes to us old guys. Richard was my cousin and went into the Marines with my brother, Robert White. Rest in Peace Richard you were a good man. Wayne White
Keith Krupicka says
In the 90’s I worked in Miles City. I remember the love Richard had for Judy and the love Judy had for Richard.This relationship was because both were quality caring persons who valued each other , their family and their community of friends. Their examples are something I will never forget.
Raynee Danklefsen says
Richard was a great person. He was in my care at Aspen Meadows Retirement for several years. Since I was originally from Miles City we would reminisce back on the days how Miles City’s history was. He had so much knowledge and compassion for all his hard work he did in Miles City. He loved putting his western crafts together. He would catch the nursing staff off guard cracking a joke at the last minute. He always kept us on our toes. Richard love his newspaper and coffee in the morning . He was always someone who like trying new activites at the retirement home and try to help others out that without hesitation. In which led him to gain a popularity of new coffee friends with other patients and their families. Soon everyone was like a big family.
I am sending my condolences to the all his family and friends. Richard was a true kind person and I am glad I had the chance to care for him and get to know him. I thank you for that opportunity.
He will truthfully deeply missed. GOD BLESS YOU RICHARD.