Richard Stigen
July 20, 1948 – June 14, 2025
Towner
Richard “Rick” Arthur Stigen, 76, Towner, died Saturday, June 14, 2025 surrounded by his family at Bethany Living Center in Fargo, North Dakota.
He was born on July 20, 1948 to Raymond and Ellen (Bailey) Stigen in Rugby.
Richard was raised in rural Towner and attended a country school until the first grade.
The family moved to California to work on a dairy farm for seven years before moving back to the Towner area.
He then graduated from Towner High School. In high school, he met his forever sweetheart, Rita Miller.
On Aug. 16, 1968, he and Rita were united in marriage at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Towner. Rick wanted to further his education, so the couple went to Denver, where he attended a tech school.
After returning from Denver, he worked at Klein’s Body Shop, P and H Motor until opening his own shop in Willow City.
In 1976, the couple moved their growing family to the ranch, where they raised their family. Rick built his new shop to have his repair shop at the farm/ranch.
He enjoyed what he did, but due to a back injury, it brought him to retirement at the age of 70. In his spare time, he enjoyed building and repairing toy tractors and rakes, as well as going to farm toy shows…he has quite a collection.
With his talent, Rick also made his grandson Dylan’s wedding ring and that made him proud.
He loved to visit with family, friends and neighbors, telling stories, jokes or just having a cup of coffee.
He loved and was proud of his family, who will dearly miss him. His legacy will live on through them.
Rick is survived by his wife of over 56 years; Rita, Towner, children; Robyn Jordan (David Jaeger), Rugby, and their children, Tony Koble, Brian Jordan, Kaden and Kate Jaeger; Raye Johnson (Chad Jacobson), Willow City, and their children, Dustin and Dylan (Katy) Drader, Shailei, Mattisyn and Avarie Jacobson, Robert (Kelly) Stigen, Towner and their children, Cole Peterschick, Alex and Lexi Stigen; Roberta Stigen, Fargo and her child, Luke Nadeau. Great grandchildren; Cain Anderson, Ford, Pierce and Lillian Drader, sister, Sandra (Helgi) Davis, Mission, Texas; in-laws, Marilyn Erven, Ralph Miller, Diane Lee, Ron (Laurie) Miller, Teri Rodgers, Kathleen (Darrell) VanderBusch, Robert (Ellie) Miller, Janet (Monte) Schmalz, Patty (Bruce) Miller, Jerome (Henny) Miller, LuAnn (Ron) Lydamore, Dee (Bob) Gardner and Corrine (Don) Heilman; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by; his parents, grandparents, son-in-law, Daryl Jordan, uncles; James, Robert and Melvin Stigen, brothers-in-law; Roger Erven, Mike Lee and David Rodger and Rita’s parents; Alfan and Kathryn Miller.
Mass of Christian burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 20 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, Towner, burial followed at the church cemetery.
Father Michael Schommer: Celebrant, Father Petro Ndunguru and Father Tom Graner, Concelebrants and Deacon Jonathan Brewer.
Pianist: Angie Deplazes.
Vocal leader: Steve Mueller.
Readers: Dee Gardner and Bob Miller.
Gifts: Chance Gardner and Sierra Schiele.
Casket Bearers: Grandchildren; Tony Koble, Brian Jordan, Dustin Drader, Dylan Drader, Cole Peterschick, Alex Stigen, Lexi Stigen and Luke Nadeau.
Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home, Towner.
Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com.
Published by The Pierce County Tribune, June 28, 2025.