Richard "Rick" Sistek

Richard "Rick" Ludvik Sistek, 71, of Walker, passed away Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Rick was born on Dec. 4, 1953, in Austin. He was the son of Richard "Dick" and Phyllis (Holmquist) Sistek. He grew up on the family farm in southern Minnesota and graduated from Glenville High School.

Rick lived most of his life in southern Minnesota, with memorable years spent in Montana after moving his young family there in 1981. In 1995, he returned to southern Minnesota, and in 2012 made his home in Walker. Most recently, he returned to Laurel, Mont., where he spent the past two years.

On Feb. 17, 1973, Rick married Laurie Buchanan, the mother of his children, and together they built a life and raised their family.

Rick was a wanderer at heart – someone who embraced life with curiosity and a sense of freedom. After high school, he farmed alongside his father before venturing west dreaming of being a cowboy.

Throughout his life he worked in roles that kept him close to the land, including time as a truck driver and feedlot worker, along with various agricultural work and several ventures he pursued with pride. No matter where life took him, Rick approached everything with an adventurous spirit and an eagerness to lend a hand.

Rick will be remembered for his friendly, engaging nature and the way he could make people smile while always lending a hand. He loved the outdoors and found joy in fishing, especially on Leech Lake, hunting, riding horses and spending time in the mountains he adored. He also enjoyed the fun and camaraderie of playing pull tabs and slots. Some of his happiest moments were simply spent at the American Legion in Walker, where he found friendship, laughter and a strong sense of community.

Rick is survived by his mother, Phyllis Sistek; children Heather (Merle) Coombs, Hannah (Travis) Bailey, and R.B. Sistek (Adam); grandchildren Savannah (Wyatt) Madson, Elijah Coombs, Darian (Jed) Eaton, Dalton Fischer, and Oliver Bailey; five great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Gayle (Pete) Schneider, Sandy (Mike) Pence and Gloria (Mike) Kozel.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard "Dick" Sistek.

A visitation will be held Dec. 5 starting at noon and followed by a 1 p.m. Celebration of Life at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker.

Donations may be made to the family, who will donate in Rick's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project in Walker to ensure the funds stay local.

Rick's family will forever remember him for the love he gave and the adventures he embraced, a man who lived life his own way with humor, heart and the open sky above him.