Richard Clifford “Rick” Reed Jr., age 69, of Montana City

On the morning of September 2, 2025, Richard “Rick” Reed passed away in Billings, Montana, surrounded by his loving family, following complications from a massive heart attack.

Rick was born on October 4, 1955, in Miles City, Montana, the second child of Dick and Irene Reed. He grew up on the family ranch north of Miles City, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a passion that would stay with him all his life—cars. Rick was a “car guy”, anyone who knew him would tell you that. From a young age, Rick could be found taking apart old motors from junk vehicles and piecing them back together. It didn’t take long for everyone around him to realize he had both the talent and the determination to make engines roar back to life.

Rick’s love for cars wasn’t just in the garage—he loved speed. Whether drag racing at tracks across Montana or taking his chances in less official settings, Rick was happiest behind the wheel of something fast. He carried that same energy into every part of his life.

On November 17, 1979, Rick married the love of his life, Kim Klapmeier. Together they built a family and raised two daughters, Emelie and Kelsey, who became his greatest pride and joy. Later in life, Rick found immense happiness in his role as a grandfather. He adored his granddaughters, Avery and Brynna, and cherished time spent with them.

Rick’s hobbies were as adventurous as his spirit. Anything with a motor and speed drew him in—cars, bikes, and side-by-sides. He also found joy in hunting, fishing, camping, biking, and hiking, especially when it meant time outdoors with his family. Friends will fondly remember countless hours spent at his favorite auto shops BS-ing with the boys over a cold beer, or 6!

Rick dedicated 27 years of service as a mechanic for the Montana Department of Transportation in Helena, retiring in December 2017. In retirement, he and Kim embraced life on the road, traveling the West in their RV and most recently a new fifth wheel. Whether it was exploring the desert in Utah and Arizona on his side-by-side or discovering hidden corners of the wilderness in Montana, Rick loved new adventures.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Irene Reed, and his father-in-law, Bill Klapmeier. He is survived by his wife Kim; daughters Emelie Reed (Marcus Mosness) of Clancy, and Kelsey Shuford (Eli) and their daughters Avery and Brynna of Belgrade; siblings Wanda Reed of Miles City, Jay Reed (Linda) of Sidney, and Curtis Reed (Lori) of Tennessee; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will deeply miss him.

Rick’s life was full of love, laughter, hard work, and a little bit of horsepower. His memory will live on in the roar of an engine, the sparkle in his granddaughter’s eyes, and the stories shared around the table with friends and family.

Memorials may be made in Rick’s name to the Humane Society or the Angel Fund.

Service Schedule

Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.

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