Richard King

Funeral Mass for Richard King, 92, of Dickinson, will be 10:00 am Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Robert Shea celebrating. Burial will follow at the ND Veterans Cemetery. Military Honors will be presented by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3. 

Visitation for Richard will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday, September 30, 2024 at Stevenson Funeral Home, with a rosary and vigil taking place at 6:00 pm.

Richard passed away Monday, September 23, 2024 at his home in Dickinson. 

Richard T. King was born October 31, 1931 in Minot, ND, to William and Alma (Thompson) King. He grew up in Minot and graduated from St Leo’s High School in 1949. Following graduation, he attended St. John’s University for 2 years before completing his teaching degree at Minot State University. Richard married his high school sweetheart, Donna Paulus, on April 9, 1953 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Minot. The couple was blessed with seven children: Robert, Catherine, John, Mary, Barbara, Carol and William.

Richard was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He spent his time in the service at Fort Devens, MA. The couple returned to North Dakota where Richard started his teaching career with stops at White Earth, Harvey, and Columbus high schools. While teaching high school, Richard earned a Master’s Degree in accounting from the University of North Dakota. In 1965, the King family moved to Dickinson where Richard began teaching at Dickinson State. He was proud to be a part of the DSU business department from 1965-1993. Richard also earned his CPA certificate in 1969 and in addition to teaching, worked for a local CPA firm during tax season.

Richard enjoyed golfing, playing old pro softball and walking at the college and the WRCC. He also enjoyed supporting local sports teams, especially the Trinity Titans and DSU Blue Hawks. He particularly took pleasure in attending his grandchildren’s activities. He loved traveling, and he fulfilled his lifelong dream of visiting the Vatican in 2013. He was a faithful member of St. Wenceslaus Parish, where he served on numerous committees. Richard was also part of a coffee group that regularly met at the Student Union on campus. Richard was a past member the Knights of Columbus, the Elks Lodge and several accounting organizations.

Richard kept meticulous records of his daily activities. He loved to journal and always recorded every major family event. 

Richard loved having his family around and especially enjoyed their time together at the King place on Lake Pomme de Terre near Elbow Lake, MN. Richard cherished his time with his grandkids and never missed a chance to get down and play or wrestle with them. He will be remembered for his caring heart, soft smile and quick wit.

Richard is survived by his wife of 71 years, Donna; children, Robert (Donna) King, Bismarck; Catherine King, Viroqua, WI; John (Anita) King, King George, VA; Mary (Bryan) Ennis, Dickinson; Barbara (Dale) Weiler, Fargo; Carol (Gregg) Grinsteinner, Dickinson; William (Danette) King, Burnsville, MN; grandchildren, Jacob (Kirsten) King, Michael (Gina) King, David (Isabel) King, Jessica King, Matthew (Rachel) Ennis, Sarah (Brandon) Muth, Scott (Amy) Ennis, Laura Ennis, Megan Weiler, Adam Weiler, Ellen Weiler, Amy Grinsteinner, Aaron (Kenzie) Grinsteinner, Nicole (Josh) Torgerson, Katelyn (Brendin) Steiner, Andrew (Samantha) King, Maggie (Paul) Wolfgram, Thomas King, and Isaac King; and 26 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, his parents, William and Alma; siblings, Kenneth King, Lucille Ellison, Helen Erdmann, Sr. Lucy King, Robert E. King and Elizabeth Chasteen.

In lieu of flowers, Richard’s family suggests memorials to a charity of your choice.