Richard J. Heidt, Minot, ND, died Tuesday, October 6, 2020, in a Minot nursing home.

Richard was born January 16, 1932 in DeSart, ND to Albinus and Eugenia (Greff) Heidt. He was one of 14 children. He completed his grade school years in Kennedy Country School near DeSart. He went to high school in New England, ND; graduating from St. Mary's High School in 1950.

Following graduation, Richard moved to New York, where he went to Mary Knoll Seminary for one year. He then returned to the family farmstead. Richard enlisted in the Air Force on November 7, 1952. He was stationed in Alaska, where he served honorably and was discharged from active duty on August 17, 1956. He moved to Long Beach, CA, where he completed his bachelor's degree at California State University-Long Beach, in 1960.

It is when he was attending college in Long Beach, that he met his wife, Diane Zeller. Richard and Diane were united in marriage on July 30, 1960, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Long Beach, CA. They made their home in Long Beach, while Richard completed his master's degree. Richard then secured a teaching job in Gilroy, CA, where he taught for three years at the Catholic School. Richard then returned to Long Beach, CA, where he taught metal working in a school in Norwalk, CA. In 1969, Richard secured a teaching job with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools and moved with Diane and his two children to Bitburg, Germany.

Richard was a teacher at the Bitburg American Middle and Bitburg American High Schools at Bitburg Air Base. He taught Industrial Arts, Wood Shop, Auto Shop, Driver's Education, and Cooperative Work Experience. He also coached Junior Varsity Volleyball. During his time in Germany, Richard and Diane had their third child. The family spent many summers traveling through Europe in their red Volkswagen Campervan. They also made regular trips back to the States; where they would visit family in ND, WA, OR, and CA.

Richard also purchased a cabin in Garrison Bay, on Lake Sakakawea; where family and friends spent many fun-filled summers. The cabin remains a regular gathering place for his family. When Richard retired in 1992, he moved back to ND and settled in Minot, to be close to family. In retirement, Richard spent time with his family, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He worked at Sears as a power tool demonstrator.

He was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He also maintained memberships in NARFE, AARP, and the Knights of Columbus. Richard enjoyed traveling with his family and was a talented woodworker.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, of 60 years, Diane, Minot; children Andrew (Doris) Heidt and Theresa (Scott) Gochanour, both Minot and David (Cassandra) Heidt, Long Beach, CA; grandchildren Christopher, Julia, Aaron, Alaina, Seth, and Eli; great-grandchildren Dylan, Brayson, and Royce; siblings James (Rosemary) Heidt, Salem, OR, twin brother Reverend Charles Heidt, Lake Sakakawea, ND, Sister Dolores Heidt, Richardton, ND, Sister Lucille Heidt, Dickinson, ND, and Donald (Donna)Heidt, Eugene, OR.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, infant brothers Adam, John, and Cyriak and brothers Frank, Edward, Kasper, and Phillip Heidt, and sister Leontine Gable.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot, ND.
Vigil Prayer Service: Friday, October 9, 2020 at 5:30 pm at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, ND.
Interment: Monday, October 12, 2020 at 3:00 pm at the Veteran's Cemetery in Mandan, ND.
Visitation: Friday October 9, 2020 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, ND.

Richard Heidt Flowers