Richard 'Hog Dick' Fliehler, 56

Richard "Hog Dick" Fliehler, 56, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2009, near Bigfork, as the result of a motor vehicle accident. He was born on March 5, 1953, in Arlington, Iowa, to Donald and Dorothy (Astor) Fliehler.

Dick received his early education in Arlington, graduating from the Starmont High School in 1971. He joined the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1973.

Dick went right into trade school and worked as a machinist in Fayetteville, N.C., until moving back to Iowa in 1979. There he attended a welding trade school, before moving to the Flathead Valley in 1981.

Dick worked at various jobs around the valley and mastered every profession or hobby he undertook. He worked to support the style of life he chose.

Dick met Helen Bushby in 1983 and they became companions in 1996. He would often talk about the "3-H's' that were the love of his life: horses, Harleys and Helen.

Dick had a tremendous love of life and he had the ability to focus on what was important at the moment. If it was hunting season, he hunted; if it was mushroom season, he was harvesting mushrooms. He was a member of the United Veterans, the American Legion, and the Montana Legends. He loved all of his family, whether related by blood or not.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Linda Vanek.

He is survived by the love of his life, Helen Bushby, of Kalispell; four brothers, Doug and Julie Fliehler of Winthrop, Iowa, Larry and Brenda Fliehler of Arlington, Bruce and Robin Fliehler of Arlington, and Terry and Joan Fliehler of Allison, Iowa; one sister, Brenda and Mike Sullivan, of Marion, Iowa; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, especially Abby Fliehler, and Jessi and Al Mart. Dick is also survived by Helen's family, mother, Ruth Bushby, of Kalispell; daughter, Kodi and Mat Sohl, of New Jersey; and two sons, Kyle and Katie Nace of Kalispell, and Ross and Serena Holcomb of Bigfork.

Memorial services for Dick will be in conjunction with those of Mitchell Kopczyk at 2 p.m. Friday, May 29, at the Crossroad Christian Fellowship in Bigfork. Friends and family are invited to the Rocky Mountain Roadhouse for a potluck gathering at 4 p.m.

Dick's family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Richard Fliehler Memorial Fund, c/o Flathead Bank, 800 Grand Ave., Bigfork, MT.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Dick's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Dick's guest book.