Richard (Dick) Nelson Field, 84, of Whitefish, MT died Friday, December 7,
2018 after an extended illness. Born on November 29, 1934 in Edgerton,
Wisconsin to parents Burton and Dorothy Field. Dick graduated from
Wisconsin State College, Platteville with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial
Arts Education in 1959. Dick obtained his Master of Science Degree from
Winona State in 1970. December 21, 1957 brought about his marriage to
Doris Ashley of Janesville. Together they raised two children, Lesia and
Rick. Moving to Montana in 1979, Dick and Doris made Whitefish their
home, surrounding themselves with a tight-knit community of friends.
Two career paths were joined by Dick’s passions for teaching and using his
hands. As a teacher of industrial arts and coach of many sports, Dick loved
the process of building and shaping. Not only was he a coach in wrestling,
football, and golf to many young minds, but continually coached and
encouraged those around him throughout his life. In Whitefish, Dick made a
name for himself as a handyman at North Valley Hospital where he worked
until his retirement. Forever busy in his woodshop he made many beautiful
birdhouses, nativity scenes, rocking horses, and toy boxes, which have
graced all of our lives. His involvement with various community
organizations like the food bank, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, and
Whitefish’s Winter Carnival earned him the loving titles of the “Pageant
Painter” and “Talented Taskmaster”. Both Dick and Doris were members of
The Merry Makers.
Dick had many passions and hobbies - some he excelled at and some
were just fun. He enjoyed the challenge of the Autumn hunting season,
relishing in the preparation for the hunt as well as time with friends. Fishing
and camping at Koocanusa with family and friends occupied many summer
weekends. Dick played many rounds of golf and was a member of the
men’s league transitioning later in life with the “Geezer” group. His Green
Bay Packer’s putter was his short game smoking-weapon. Dick loved time
spent in Glacier National Park with family.
Dick is survived by his children Lesia Hatlestad (Dan) and Rick Field (Kim)
and grandson, Erik Hatlestad. He has a remaining brother, Ken of Ohio.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Doug and David, and
wife Doris.
All are invited to attend Dick’s celebration of life at St. Peter’s Lutheran
Church, 201 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937 at 11am on Saturday
December 15th 2018. There will be a reception immediately after the
celebration at St. Peter’s.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to St. Peter’s
Lutheran Church of Whitefish and Glacier National Park Conservancy.
Austin Funeral and Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for Dick’s family.
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to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Richard Field, please visit our floral store.