Richard (Dick) Lienesch, Sr. passed away in his sleep on October 15, 2025. He was 85 yrs old. In his final days he was cared for and surrounded by his loving wife Helen, his son Chris and daughter Denise. His son Rich, his grandchildren, and his son-in-law and daughter-in-law also had the chance to see or speak with him and say their final goodbyes. Dick was a very loving and kind husband, father and grandfather who will be missed greatly by his family and friends and will be remembered as a person who made the world a better place.

Dick was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1940. He had a very happy life growing up with his wonderful family. He went to school and college in Dayton, and then medical school at Marquette University. Upon gaining his medical degree, he then became an officer in the US Air Force and served in the late 1960s as a Flight Surgeon, being deployed both overseas and in the US.

Shortly after graduating from medical school, Dick met his wonderful wife Helen, and they would be each other’s best friend and would stay very happily married for the next 58 years. Upon leaving the service, Dick and Helen lived in New Jersey for a few years before settling in Kalispell, Montana, to raise their own family. Dick began his medical practice and became the second anesthesiologist at Kalispell Regional Hospital. Throughout his many years there he was known as a very caring and skilled doctor, and treated many thousands of patients. He always endeavored to be a close friend and mentor to others in the medical field.

They had a group of very close friends, and valued these relationships very much over the many years they spent together.

Dick and Helen had two sons and a daughter that they raised in Kalispell, always providing a wonderfully supportive and loving home and being role models for their children. Over the next many years his children, grandchildren, son-in-law and daughter-in-law could always turn to him and count on him for guidance, help and love.

In his first years of retirement, Dick remained in Kalispell and spent time on their small homestead raising animals and enjoying working in the fields and garden. When he and Helen decided to slow down more, they moved to their dream house on Bitterroot Lake west of Kalispell. Here they spent time enjoying the beautiful lake and forest scenery, gardening and being on the water and fishing as much as possible. They made more friends and enjoyed their time together. Dick also enjoyed being very active in local singing groups, and valued the camaraderie and friendships he made.

It was during this period in his life that Dick was able to start his next, and maybe most important role, being a grandfather. His family grew with first two granddaughters, and then a grandson. They all loved their Papa very much and always enjoyed visiting Dick and Helen at the lake, and having them come to visit them in their home states.

Dick and Helen eventually moved to the Seattle area to be closer to their granddaughters and grandson, daughter Denise and son-in-law Brian, and son Rich and daughter-in-law Brenda. Dick’s son Chris visited the Seattle area often, and they spent much time together as a big family.

Dick got to see his grandchildren grow into teens and adults and help them become the wonderful people that they are.

He faced his last months of declining health with his typically courageous attitude and concern for Helen and his family. He appreciated the strength, support and love provided by Helen and his family, and the amazing care he received from the staff at their assisted living facility and his hospice team.

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