Fred "Rick" Barthule
1957 - 2022
Fred "Rick" Barthule
1957 - 2022
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Fred Barthule Obituary
Fred "Rick" Barthule
March 23, 1957 - Sep. 16, 2022
Fred "Rick" Barthule, former Sheriff of Broadwater County, passed away Friday, September 16, 2022, at the age of 65 after a battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
The son of Fritz and Ivy Barthule, Rick was born on March 23, 1957, in Spokane, WA, joining three older sisters. The family returned to Montana, where he graduated from Broadwater High School. He married his "Sole Mate", Diana, and her boys in 2011.
At an early age He ran for Sheriff of Broadwater County and won! He's listed in the 1983 Edition of Who's Who in American Law Enforcement as the youngest elected Sheriff at the age of 22. With a high school education, he joined the ranks of many worthy law enforcement officers, garnering certifications from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and the Department of Justice Drug Enforcement – Arrest Search & Seizure Program, and even served as President of the Montana Peace Officers Association...all by the time he was around 26 years old.
At 30 years old, He left Montana, entering into law enforcement for the Federal Government, retiring when he reached 62 years old. Cremation has taken place, but there will not be any kind of service per his wishes. Gone, but forever in our hearts. Until we meet again Rick.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Vickie R
September 19, 2025
Still remembered. RIP Rick.
Vickie R
February 16, 2025
Thinking of you...Hope you're having fun reminiscing with other BCHS'ers who've gone before and come after.
Vickie R
September 19, 2024
Next year is your class's 50th reunion year. It won't be the same without you -
Vickie Rauser
October 8, 2023
Remembering Rick in the halls of BCHS, wearing his football jersery with nickname "Barbung" emblazoned on the back. Makes me smile every time I think of it.
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therese m brunton
October 6, 2023
I miss talking with Rick.He told me he wanted to tell me something but he couldn't at the time.Soon afterwards I heard of his passing.Then I knew why.He was my closest cousin,but yet so far away.I will never forget our phone conversations and visiting you in Townsend.With Love your cousin Therese VanMeter.
Therese Van Meter
September 30, 2022
Will miss talking to ya Rick.We we're a phone call away.Best cousin ever.I will miss you.RIP until we meet in heaven.
Doug & Jo Anne Baum
September 30, 2022
He was best man in our wedding 43 years ago and we have stayed in contact. Habe some wonderful memories....saddened to hear of his passing .....prayers to Diane and the family!!!!!!
Janet Jones and J.L. Jones
September 26, 2022
So sorry to hear of Rick passing. I worked for him at the Sheriff´s office. He loved to play pranks on people and especially on one dispatcher, named Jeanie. I had a little bit of a southern accent and I remember him asking someone else what I had said. We had a lot of fun times and a lot of good memories.
Keith and Robin Kirscher
September 25, 2022
So sorry to hear of Rick's passing.
Gone way too soon.
Condolences to his family.
Betsy Riley
September 25, 2022
Our most sincere condolences to Rick´s family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Betsy & David Riley
Vickie Rauser
September 25, 2022
Condolences to family and friends. Although I haven't seen him in decades, we did connect through social media for a short period of time a few years ago. One of the things I remember about him is his great smile. He will be missed.
Mary Jane Becker
September 25, 2022
So sorry to hear about Rick. He was a truly a great person.
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