R. Dick Mitsch, 77

R. Dick Mitsch was born on Dec. 6, 1941, to Nellie and Adolph Mitsch.

He entered into heaven on Jan. 29, 2019, at Kalispell Regional Health Center.

Dick spent most of his adult life in Columbia Falls where he owned and operated several businesses, including the Texaco service station, Muffler Alley, Quick Lube, mini storage, Lazy Day Trailer Court and the RV park. He was well-known and respected by the community. Dick was a Past Master of the Columbia Falls Masonic Lodge No. 89 AF and AM and a Shriner. Dick was also well-known for his community service with his snowplow during the winter months. He was a top-notch auto mechanic and enjoyed working on vehicles even in his retirement.

He especially liked going to Arizona in the winter and kept an old Jeep in the garage there to work on. Dick successfully restored an old John Deere tractor, which was his pride and joy that he shared with friends and family. He was an avid reader and his favorite winter time reading spot was in his shop next to a wood-burning stove. Dick was quick to respond with his heavy equipment and mechanical expertise to anyone who needed it.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sheila, and other close relatives.

Surviving Dick at the family home is his wife Marla of 24 years, and his buddy the Bichon, Cody. Dick is also survived by his brother Fred (Francis) of Pisgah, Iowa, and by his children, son Chuck (Kim), daughter Cory Admyer and three grandchildren Marty, Steven and Angel; ex son-in-law Martin Armstrong, brothers-in law Gary (Patty) and Mike, and sisters-in-law Penny and Carol; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. followed by interment at Fairview Cemetery and lunch at the Nite Owl/Back Room at about noon.

Tributes to Dick may be made to the Spokane Shrine Hospital for Children.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for the family.