Our father, husband, brother, uncle, papa, and friend, Dick Welbes left us Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at his home in Cody, Wyoming.
Dick was born June 20, 1947 to Richard and Velda Welbes in Miles City, Montana. The first of three kids, his sisters, Vicky and Diane were to follow shortly thereafter. Dick graduated from Sacred Heart in Miles City in 1965, and immediately went to the Seminary, and then to the Navy.
After his service, he returned home to Miles City where he met Cheryl Thomas and was married in 1977. Adopting Brad, and becoming a father with the births of Shane (1979), and Melissa (1982). The family lived in Gillette, Wyoming for quite a few years while Dick worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad. They spent many summers camping and fishing in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Devils Tower in Wyoming.
After moving to Billings and North Dakota for a time, Dick moved to Red Lodge, Montana where he met Terri Charvat and was married in 2009 surrounded by his family and friends.
He worked as the friendliest bartender in town at the Bull n’ Bear Saloon, and loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He frequently wrote poetry, and was known to write things for people on their birthdays and special occasions.
After Dick retired from the work force, he spent a lot of time on the golf course and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. He loved his little curly haired dogs and was constantly telling everyone about the latest mischief they would get in to.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Velda Welbes of Miles City.
He is survived by his wife, Terri Welbes. Children, Brad (Kala) Welbes, Shane Welbes, and Melissa Welbes. Sisters, Vicky Heckel and Diane Welbes. Granddaughter Morgan Welbes. Nieces and nephews, Lynda (Waylan) Charlton, Levi (Jodie) Heckel, and Amanda Heckel. Numerous cousins and friends whom all will miss his sense of humor and laugh.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday May 8, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
following memorial service
Monday May 8, 2017
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
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Diane (Shamley) Ligon says
Diane,
I am sorry to hear about your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
Verlin and Bernadette Miller says
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.
Sandy McFarland-Hays says
Sorry I am unable to be there for the service. Sending prayers to you all. Dick was a special person.
Bobby says
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I only knew you guys for a very short time but enjoyed meeting you both and caring for Dick. He will be greatly missed by everyone that has ever met him. Prayers to all of the family.
Doug and Lucy Benge says
First knew Dick back in little league days, and then we were both just around town but didn’t hang out together all through school years. Sort of lost track after high school. Then, in the last 10 years or so, Lucy and I started visiting Red Lodge and while looking for some music, wandered into the Bull and the Bear Saloon, and discovered Dick bartending. We struck up a conversation, and looked him up several times thereafter. He made a point of looking us up at the 60’s reunion and introduced us to his wife. Really enjoyed getting reacquainted. Always cheerful and fun to be around. We will miss those times.