Richard Duane Urlacher

A Liturgy Of The Word Service for Richard Urlacher, 76, of Dickinson, will be 10 am, Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson. Burial will follow at the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery.

Visitation for Richard will take place from 2 pm - 5 pm, Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson.

Richard Duane Urlacher, beloved father, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 24, 2025, at the age of 76. He was born on July 24, 1949, the son of Ralph and Bridget (Splichal) Urlacher. Richard lived a life filled with passion, dedication, and love for his family and friends.

He was raised on the family farm near the Rainy Buttes and attended New England School.

Richard's life took a noble turn when he was drafted into the U.S. Marines in 1968, serving briefly before being honorably discharged in 1969. His service to his country remained a proud part of his identity throughout his life.

Upon returning home, Richard met Joan Wanner. They married on June 7, 1974, at St. Patrick's Church in Dickinson. They were blessed with four children, Sara, Amy, Donald, and Heidi.

Richard worked at Dickinson State College from 1974-1979, then worked for Bob's Oilfield Services and Tenneco during the 80's oil boom. Perhaps most notably, he dedicated many years of service as a janitor at Trinity High School from 1990 until 2008, where his kindness and work ethic left a lasting impression on students and faculty alike. After "retirement", Richard spent his time custom combining, driving taxi for D-Cab, and helping as a farmhand.

He was an active man who simply loved to be busy. Richard had many hobbies including camping, cornhole, rodeos, bowling, race cars, and farming. His passion was sports! The type of sport, the level of the sport, the age of the athletes- none of that mattered to him. If there was a sport to watch on TV or attend in person, Richard was happy! Watching his grandkids in various sports brought him great joy! He knew the schedule for every local sporting event and made sure everyone around him was aware of who was playing and what the outcome of the game would mean. Once the games were over, Richard kept records of the scores just in case anyone might ask. He volunteered at local sporting events for many years, doing everything from taking tickets, working concessions, or calling Bingo.

Richard was a social person! He enjoyed attending community events and loved conversing with old and new friends. He never wanted to miss out on anything, and we truly believe that is what kept him young! Richard always had treats for the children around him, especially Tootsie Pop Suckers and Bubblegum for his grandchildren. Richard loved spending time with family and friends. He would spend hours talking on the phone with his life-long friend, Leo Praus. Richard knew everyone's birthday and was always sure to call into the radio station to give them a chance at winning the Paragon Bucks!

Richard will be missed by all the friends and family he impacted in his own unique way. He is remembered for his warm heart and spunky personality! Rest in peace, Richard. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of many!

Richard is survived by his loving daughters, Sara (Dallas) Lawrey, Amy Urlacher, and Heidi Urlacher; his son, Don (Jackie) Urlacher; his grandkids, Chantal (Mason) Heth, Brayden Urlacher, Ethan Lawrey, Ieesha Jordan, Iaunica Jordan, Jocelyn Urlacher, and Keegan Urlacher; 3 great grandchildren, Lilly, Emmett, and Reygan Heth; his siblings, Karen Kouba, Kenny Urlacher, Debbie (Chuck) Briske, and Barbie (Brian) Woehl; numerous nieces and nephews; special friend, Diane; and many other family and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by: Ralph Urlacher (Father), Bridget Urlacher (Mother), Beverly Braun (Sister), Joan Urlacher (Wife), Richard Wanner (Brother-in-law).