Richard Henry Klempel, 74

Richard Henry 'Dick' Klempel, 74, died among loving relatives after a short illness Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. His many loved ones will miss him greatly.

He was born July 26, 1934, in Sidney to parents Joseph 'Joe' and Martha (Nollmeyer) Klempel. He grew up in a large, loving family who enjoyed singing and having family devotions. His family were area farmers and ranchers in Richland County.

Richard graduated from Prairie Bible Institute and Seattle Pacific University. He also attended Augustana College in South Dakota. Richard was united in marriage to Lois Luoto on Aug. 31, 1961, in Seattle.

Richard with his wife were missionaries in northern Brazil for four years. He later taught in a special education school in Buckley, Wash. He also taught band at the Liberty Christian School in Sidney. He and his wife, Lois, provided the band instruments.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Martin; twin brother, Robert; and sisters, Esther and Violet.

Richard is survived by his wife, Lois Klempel, of Enumclaw, Wash.; two brothers, Joe and Annie Klempel of Bigfork, and Frank and Harriet Klempel of Fort Worth, Texas; and numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services were held Oct. 7 in Sidney.