Richard “Dick” Frank Bills
December 5, 1953 to July 29, 2021 (Age 67)
It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember…
Dick’s heart stopped beating on July 29, 2021, even though several friends and healthcare providers rushed to his side to prevent his untimely death. His wife of forty-five years and his only daughter were with him when he died less than twelve hours after suffering a massive heart attack. Danae’s sister, Jeanne Jensen, and close family friends, Walt and Linda Tadsen and Bill Sikes, were also at the hospital to support Danae and Erin.
Richard “Dick” Bills was born to Maynard and Isabel (Moerkerke) Bills on December 5, 1953, in Forsyth, Montana. Dick grew up in Colstrip, Montana, graduating from Colstrip High School in 1972. In the fall of 1974, he met a new teacher in town, Danae Matz, and married her shortly thereafter in October of 1975. The couple had one daughter, Erin Bills, in 1980. Within one year of Erin’s birth – inspired by his love for his daughter, the outdoors, and the high plains – Dick decided to attend Montana State University – Bozeman to earn a degree in Range Science and Wildlife Biology. He graduated in 1985 with the hope to reclaim and preserve the great lands of the State of Montana; a legacy that his daughter continues as a lawyer.
A true Renaissance man, Dick was skilled at all tasks he attempted and had a wide-ranging knowledge in many fields and trades. He was a huntsman, craftsman, fly fisherman, jelly maker extraordinaire, naturalist, and a shooting and reloading enthusiast, always seeking the perfect load. Dick was a member of the Forsyth Rifle and Pistol Club and was an avid rifleman. A mere hour before his cardiac event, he was enjoying time on the shooting range.
Underneath his gruff façade was a gentle, caring man that will be missed by all who shook his large, strong hands, or visited with him. He never walked by a dog that he didn’t have to pet. Dick will be sorely missed by his loving golden retriever, Finn.
He is survived by his wife, Danae Bills, daughter, Erin Bills (Ben Anderson), and granddaughter, Freyja Anderson; his brother, Maynard (Sandy) Bills; his sisters Mary Lou (John) Rundall; Georgia Bills; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Isabel Bills, and his father, Maynard Bills.
Dick’s family would like to give a special thank you to the following for their quick response and compassionate care: Bill, Christy, and Annalee Sikes, Sheri Seleg, Daryl and Chad Potts, Erik Fritz, Deputy Sheriff Josh Jonas, Forsyth Ambulance Service, Rosebud County Healthcare Center Emergency Services, Billings Clinic life flight staff, emergency room staff, cardiology, and the nurses and doctors in the ICU.
An informal gathering for friends and family will be held from 2-4 PM on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. to leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Saturday August 7, 2021
Informal Gathering of Friends and Family Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Saturday August 7, 2021
Informal Gathering of Friends and Family Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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TJ Cape says
Danae, I am so sorry to hear of Dick passing. We went through 12 years of school together in Colstrip. Have known him for a LOT of years. Sending sincere condolences.
John Groom says
Danae I have no Words, I am So Sorry for Your Loss. I can not believe that my friend that I went through all of Grade School and High School has crossed over to the unknown. Prayers for You my Friend. I hope I get to see you on the other side. God Bless You and Your Family.
Brian Lee says
Dick was a great personal friend to my dad and I.
I’ll seeing him at the range, and with the dog.
Brian Lee
Cleo L Shea says
He was awesome guy I knew him before there was a grocery store in colstrip, that’s where the skating rink was he twirled us around on ice skates
Joby Parker says
Dear Danae and family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Dick will be so missed by all who knew him. He was such a good person. Prayers, hugs and blessings to you.
Joby and Bill
Jordann Fay says
Payers to your family and comfort! I am so sorry for your loss.
Joan Engle says
Oh Danae and Erin, you are in our thoughts. Dick always had kind words when we would meet him on his walk with Finn. 🙏🏻❤️🐕
Clenora Quinlan says
Oh my gosh, a whole community missed this guy and his big laugh. He always had a helping hand, and a great hello.
Danae and Erin hugs and prays for the whole family. And Finn will miss him so much and the other neighborhood dogs too.
Kim Bement Knobloch says
Danae and family,
May God wrap his arms around you in such a difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Jack & Sandi Van Pelt says
Danae and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻✝️
Sharilyn says
Danae and family, I’m so sorry. You are all in my prayers.
Jared Tadsen says
Rest In Peace to one of my papas best buddies. He was a friend to all of us. Sending my prayers.
Lloyd ,&Norma Gange says
So sorry for your loss.He was a good friend of our son Danny.
Dee Batey says
I have not seen Dick since hs. Nearly 50 years. Sending prayers your way.
George Jordan says
Danae what a shock. Dick became a very good friend .He put the fun back in shooting for me .So much knowledge and willing to share it with others. Bob and I called it his teaching moments. Shooting will never be the same without Dick.. I will always be looking for him… My prayers are with you.
Bill Schwarzkoph says
Danae and family, Cheryl and I were shocked when we heard that Dick had passed away! He had so many stories and always had a laugh for us. He was big and strong and left us much too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and family.
George & Jan Simmons says
Danae and Erin, we were shocked to hear of Dick’s passing. What a loss to you and the community. He always had a kind word for all and his stories were so wonderful! Many hugs and prayers go to you! May you be comforted by the memories of him and his stories!
Cheryl Moerkerke Yerger says
I am so sorry to hear of Dicks passing. Always liked hearing his stories and visits. Wish we would of spent more time together. Will remember him with heartfelt family memories in our good ole days. Love n prayers.
sharon cope says
Prayers to all of you. .
Lori and Ray says
Danae and family, was so shocked to hear about Dick passing away when we returned from camping. So going to miss hearing Dick working on his projects across the fence. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura Monasmith says
Mr. Bills was a thoughtful man who kindly returned my gun to me when I lost it at the range. he even brought it to me in Miles City. He didn’t have to, but he did. Thank you.
Anthony Krahwinkel says
Sorry for your loss as well as ours. Dick was truly one of the Good guys, said what meant and meant what he said and Iam sad I lost touch with him but am extremely proud he touched my life. Good bye my friend!!!!
Terri Hein says
Danae and Erin-
I will miss Finn and Dick at the cemetery. Sorry for your loss. If I can take the dog for a walk, let me know!
Anita Kurtz says
Danae, Erin and extended family, Dick’s passing was also a shock to me since Peggy and I had just seen him a few days before when he playing catch with Finn. Many times we would stop to visit with Dick when we were out for our morning walk. Gene and I are very sorry for your loss. We have many special memories of visiting with Dick at ball games when Erin was playing. I have one of his beautiful cutting boards which he made and I think of him many times when I use the board. He was a very talented craftsman. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you.
Vanna Byrd says
Georgia and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Dick’s sudden passing. Hugs and prayers. May God Bless and Comfort you.
Terri Brown says
We were stunned to hear of Dick’s passing upon our return from camping. He was a man of many talents and will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies and condolences. Hugs and prayers,
Terri and Charlie
Dana Stokke says
My first memory of Dick was in the weight room when I was a youngster where he was an absolute beast yet he was always glad to help me with technique. Then when I returned to the village he always had a kind word and his gifts of jelly were greatly appreciated. I will miss seeing him out with his dog. My thoughts are with you during this trying time. Dana Stokke
Joletta Spang says
Danae, I am so sorry to hear about this we were driving through town during the fair and hoping to see you both, Dick loved to tease me each time we seen you and that is a good memory I will always cherish. Prayers for you and Erin and rest of family. If you need anything don’t hesitate to call.
JUDY ROSS says
Danae I am so sorry for your loss, sending you hugs and prayers.
Lynn Tompkins says
When Bill came into the N.A.P.A. we all knew work just came to a dead stop. Let the fun begin! Story time had arrived. He admitted he wasn’t much of a mechanic but he thought he had a pretty good idea how to fix it. Three trips later…defeat. But a good story on the reasons. He’ll be missed. My condolences to the family.
Kay Davis Berdahl and Rocky says
Danae and Erin,
So sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers for you at this difficult time.
Karie Weamer Linstead says
Danae and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dick. He was a family friend back in the 60’s and 70″s. Sorry I had lost track of him. He was always so sweet and gentle. The night my Grandfather Ed Weamer was passing away Dick and Terry O came by the house to be their for our family. Didn’t realize until now it was Dick”s birthday. It was a cold wintery night and my dad and my Grandma Marie were ever so grateful. Will always remember the big burley hug he gave my Grandmother. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers through this most difficult time!
RIP Dick
Karie
Monte Wilke says
Danae and family:.
I remember the story Dick told me one day at work at the Rosebud mine. He said people of Colstrip were watching one of the first diesel locomotives arrive pulling coal cars. (Coal fired steam locomotives was the norm), he was just a boy watching with his dad. He remembers people cheering and clapping. Dick told me that his Dad said, “I don’t know what they are so happy about. Don’t they know that spells the end of our jobs??”
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Darwin Reynolds says
Danae and family, I am so sorry to hear about Dick’s sudden passing. I just met Dick a few short years ago and we hit it off right away. I soon found out that Dick said exactly what he thought of things and I usually agreed with him. I was lucky enough to have been able to tap into his vast knowledge in the shooting arena as well as other areas as he was a most generous person.. Thank you Dick for being my friend. Danae, Erin and family my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Lynette Kyle says
Danae and family, so very sorry to hear about Dick’s passing! I had the nicest visit with him at the Speedway sometime ago! We laughed at our days of growing up in Colstrip! Please accept my deepest sympathy! Sincerely, Lynette Riley Kyle, Cody, Wy
Becky Gillin Miller says
So sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. I ran into him and Finn last year one day when they were out walking and we had the best visit. We reminisced about the old days in Colstrip in the 1960s and his mom as a teacher. I hadn’t seen him in years but we picked right up where we left off. That was Dick…never afraid to get in a good visit. My condolences to you all.
Arlen & Barbie Kirkaldie & Family says
Denae, Erin & Family ,
We love you . Our prayers are with you .
Seth Haselhuhn says
I remember a man who taught me a lot and expected a lot of me. I remember him being kind and gracious, smart, funny, sweet, and still a little rough around the edges.
He introduced me to shooting competitions against old timers, an appreciation for bad coffee, and that being able to solve problems was more valuable than just knowing an answer.
He was the first adult that befriended me but also put me to work. He didn’t have to but he did and the older I get, the more gratitude I have for his willingness to do it.
I always respected and appreciated that he was unapologetically him, for better or worse. He was good for me and I am fortunate to have him in my life.
Danae, thank you for sharing him with me. Erin, know that he thought you hung the moon.
With love – Seth.
Joy Peters says
To Dicks family…I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Dick from our high school years, graduating in ‘72. Enjoyable classmate & sounds like an amazing adult & family man & friend to many. 💕
My condolences to all of you. 🌺
Judy Trout says
Danae and family,
I am so sorry for your loss… My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time… May God bring you peace and comfort….
Sheila & Monty Haselhuhn says
Danae and Erin,
There are no words to express the loss of such a gregarious man. He was one of the best story tellers I’ve ever known. He brought a lot of laughter to many – especially those in need of some. I always knew that if I needed something, he would help. He’s probably swearing at the Covid virus which is keeping us at home these days. Since we can’t be there, we are sending hugs and prayers. May you find peace.❤️
Mandie Clark says
Most days I wanted to tell him to take his grumpy ass home, but on the other days; he took me for motorcycle rides, made me apple pie hootch (when I was legal-of course), loved Harley like his own and was an amazing friend to our whole family. He will be missed. Much love to you both.
Judy Moerkerke Zent says
Danae, Erin, Maynard, MaryLou, and Georgia and families…while it’s been a long while since I’ve seen Dick, I will always remember the times I would stay with Aunt Isabelle, Uncle Maynard and Dick in Colstrip. He would let me tag along and oh the rides we took on his dirt bike. Never told my Mom and Dad how fast we’d go or the near wrecks! And come back full of coal dust and dirt. Had some good laughs. Thinking of you all and sending prayers. God Bless
Kari Bogner says
I am so very sorry……My thoughts and prayers are with you all. ❤️🙏🏼
Loren A Williams says
I happened on to this obit which stirred some fond memories of Colstrip and the Bills family – from my years teaching science at Colstrip HS in the 1960s. I remember Dick as a little guy then. The Bills family lived right across the street from us. Both of my adopted daughters joined my late wife Jeanie and me during our years at Colstrip (1963-1966), adding to permanent memories of Colstrip legacy. Grateful for the memories. Thanks.
IUOE Local 400, Board, Members and Staff says
Sending prayers for comfort and strength during this most difficult time in the passing of Dick
Ken Nygaard says
Danae and family, I am so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a great man and I have many fond memories of the both of you as you welcomed me to Montana many years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lori Gribble says
Sorry for your loss Thought and prayers go to you a and your family.
Jan Erickson says
Dear Danae…wow…sounds like you married a terrific man… heartbroken to find you & know of his passing. Nancy Clough Rooney shared your news when they passed through Forsyth. I’ve honestly thought of you often & longed to catch up with you, my friend. You’re in my prayers, Jan Struck Erickson…I’m on Facebook…teach out of you’d like to ❣️
Dianne Kvapil Breen says
Danae and Erin,
I am so surprised and sorry to hear of Dick’s passing! I am thinking of you both, and wishing there was some comfort I could offer. Steve died 7 years ago, and I know that no words are not adequate to decrease your grief, but I want you to know that I wish I was close enough to do more. You will be on my mind and in my prayers! I hope you have my phone number and will use it!
Craig Bonnarens says
Danae just heard of Dick’s passing as we had alot of good times together when we were just kids. Still remember goose and sage hen hunts with his dogs.