Richard Sauerbier

Richard Tate Sauerbier of Kalispell passed in peace on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, under hospice care at Brendan House, at the age of 73.Richard was born in Kalispell to Neil and Mary Sauerbier on Jan. 5, 1946. He attended school in Kalispell. After graduating High School, he took some classes at the University of Montana in Missoula where he was part of the roping team. Richard went to work as a heavy equipment operator at the aluminum plant in Columbia Falls. He joined the Army Reserves in Kalispell as a private and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Richard was the base commander in Missoula for the Army Engineer Association where he was awarded the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal for inspirational leadership to the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Richard was a true cowboy and outdoorsman. In his younger days he enjoyed breaking horses, roping, fishing, hunting and backpacking on a horse all over Western Montana, the state he was so proud to call home. He was always looking for better ways to serve the veterans and the community. Richard also had a very creative side. He enjoyed woodworking and glass cutting. But most of all, Richard had the utmost respect and passion for all military veterans. He devoted many years and hours to the veterans. He was a member of the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley and served as the commander from June 2015 through June 2017. He regularly participated in the Honor Guard at veterans’ funerals around the valley for years where he honored those vets as they were laid to rest. Richard demonstrated his patriotism by proudly painting a huge American flag on the back side of his barn and displaying the words, “Honor* Support* Thank our Veterans,” a theme by which he lived his life. There is a light that shines brightly at night so passersby on Reserve Street can read the sign.

Richard is survived by his brother, David (Donna) Sauers, of Missoula; four nieces, Christi Scott, Carin Orr, Diana Sauerbier-Whaley and Carolyn Bush; one nephew, Daniel Sauerbier; and seven grandnieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as a loving son, brother, uncle, and as a proud patriot and U.S. Army Reserve veteran.

The family wishes to extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to his caring neighbors Kelly and Eric for adopting his beloved and elderly dog, Brandy.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, in the Chapel at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, 1890 Hwy. 93 North Kalispell. A reception will follow at the Kalispell VFW at 330 1st Ave. West, Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory or Richard T. Sauerbier to United Veterans of the Flathead Valley, 662 Rock Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901; or North West Montana Veterans Food Pantry, 1349 Hwy. 2 East, Kalispell, MT 59901 (email linda@veteransfoodpantry.org).

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.