Richard "Dick" Wiese, 85

Richard “Dick” Wiese, 85, passed away March 17, 2025, surrounded by family.

Dick was born July 3, 1939, in Washburn, N.D., to Frank and Mary (Kowarsch) Wiese. He was the first of eight children, and his Catholic faith was always important to him.

From a young age, he developed a deep fascination with engines, cars, and problem-solving. He had an innate talent for fixing things, often using creative methods to keep a vehicle running.

Dick’s early work experience included driving semis from Washburn to Chicago before the interstate highway system was constructed. Dick attended North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, earning a degree in mechanics, playing baseball and making extra money as a waiter.

It brought Dick great joy to tell stories, especially about his beloved wife, LaVonne (Louser) Wiese. Their story began on a blind date where Dick fell in love instantly, and they married as soon as LaVonne graduated.

They shared many adventures together, first moving to Lovell, Wyo., then Baker, Mont., and eventually settling in Polson. In 1967, their son, Darren, was born, followed by their daughter, DeAnn, in 1970.

Dick owned and operated businesses in Polson including a U-Haul dealership for more than 30 years and was a lifetime member of the Polson Elks Lodge.

After 26 years of marriage, LaVonne passed away in 1988 and Dick’s heart was truly broken. He carried her driver’s license in his wallet for the next 27 years, and whenever her name was brought up, he would cry over the loss of her.

Dick passed on his passion for cars to Darren, and in 1981, they restored a 1966 Ford Mustang together which is still running strong today. His ability to diagnose mechanical issues simply by hearing the sound of an engine was legendary.

Dick could change a tire in under three minutes, throw a mean curve bowling ball, and balance a cup of hot coffee on his knee while he slept in the recliner.  

In 2018, Dick moved to Henning, Minn., to live with his son and daughter-in-law. Over the next seven years, he made friends at the local cafe, the Senior Citizens Center, and along his daily walking route. Dick was known for his friendliness – he never knew a stranger. He enjoyed playing cards, loved a good piece of fried chicken and a great piece of chocolate.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary, his wife, LaVonne, his daughter, DeAnn, and siblings MaryAnn, Eddie and Paul. He is survived by his son, Darren (Pam), grandchildren Stephanie (Tanner) Jorgenson, Kellin Wiese and Courtney (Marc) Hendricks, as well as great-granddaughters Brynley and Ashtyn Jorgenson, siblings Jim, Jerry, Mark and Agnes and a host of in-laws, nieces, and nephews.  

The funeral mass will be June 14 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Fargo, N.D. Dick will be laid to rest next to his wife, LaVonne, at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson.  A celebration of life will be held at the Elks Lodge in Polson at a later date.