Richard E. 'Dick' Mendenhall, 87

Richard E. "Dick" Mendenhall, 87, died Friday, July 7, 2006, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

He was born Feb. 21, 1919, in Scobey to Edmond and Bertha (Safty) Mendenhall.

Richard moved from Scobey as a small boy along with his family to Kalispell. After graduating from Flathead High School, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served his country in Italy and North Africa during World War II. After his honorable discharge, Richard returned home, where he went to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad, from which he retired after 35 years.

Richard took much pleasure in his cabin and property by Bitterroot Lake, where he enjoyed hunting, firewood cutting and hiking. He also took numerous trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness with his family. He enjoyed Chevy cars and pickups, pancakes and sausages, Savage lever action rifles, and had a great love for children. Although Richard remained a single man his entire life, he was actively involved with his nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Edna Mendenhall.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Aurela Craig, Vivian Atkinson and Steve Swanberg, all of Kalispell; Evelyn Nyholm of Spokane; and Harvey Hendrickson of Avon.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2006, at Johnson Mortuary Chapel in Kalispell. Burial will be in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2006, at Johnson Mortuary.

The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Shriners Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for the family.