Richard Anthony Geiss

Richard Anthony “Dick” Geiss of Ellendale, ND, was born on August 2nd, 1942, in Solen, ND, the son of Anthony and Rose Geiss. He attended school in Solen, and upon graduation joined the U.S. Army, where he served in Korea as a military police officer. After leaving the military, Dick joined the North Dakota Highway Patrol in 1966, where he served for a total of 42 years, with 30 years as a State Trooper and 12 years as a Motor Carrier Inspector. He retired from the NDHP in 2008. Dick was a member of American Legion Post #137, Ellendale, ND where he was Commander in 2001 and 2003. Dick’s many awards from North Dakota Highway Patrol include; 1991 State Trooper of the Year, 1992 Outstanding Service Award, 1996 Meritorious Service Medal, and 2008 Colonel’s Award of Excellence. On September 16, 1967, Dick married Cathy Einerson, the love of his life, in Lakota, ND. Dick was stationed in Lakota until he was transferred to Stanley ND in 1971. They relocated to Ellendale, ND in 1977, where they have made their home, in addition to spending brief periods in both Lisbon and Fargo. Dick's pride and joy was their son Michael (Mick) and his loyal canine companion Tucker. They enjoyed countless hours of hunting, fishing and golfing. Dick also took pride in his gardening skills, often accompanied by Cathy. Dick was a talented cook and often shared his culinary treats with family, friends and neighbors. Tucker and Goodwin (Tuckers neighborhood friend) will miss his cherry tomatoes. In the morning of December 27, 2009, Dick passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He was 67. Dick will be deeply missed by his wife Cathy and son Michael, both of Ellendale; Brother Ron, of Bismarck, ND; mother-in-law Marge Einerson, of Omaha, NE; brothers-in-law: Donald J (Linda) Einerson and Dr. William J. Jr. (Karyl) Einerson all of Ohaha, NE; sisters-in-law: Jane (Jim) Delaney, Las Cruces, NM, Sally (Tim) Markel, Omaha, NE, Marjorie (Dr. Peter) Reedy, Boise, ID, Nancy (Andy) Anderson, Omaha, NE, Carol (Paul) Mount, Bloomington, MN and many nephews and nieces. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Rose Geiss; father- in-law, Dr. William J. Einerson; and nephew Eric Einerson. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30am Thursday with Father John F. Kizito officiating. Visitation is 2-8pm with a Rosary at 6:30pm and prayer service at 7pm on Wednesday. All services will be held at St. Helena's Catholic Church, Ellendale, ND. Military Honors and burial will be at St. Helena’s Catholic Cemetery, Ellendale in the spring of 2010. Casket Bearers: Tracy Brumfield, John Sova, Ryan Holte, Dave Hook, Wayne Klipfel, James Nygaard, Ken Halvorson; Honorary Casket Bearers: Floyd Engbrecht, Earl Webster, Dave Thompsen. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Burial for Richard Geiss will be 1:30pm Saturday, May 15, 2010 at St. Helena's Catholic Cemetery, Ellendale, with Military Honors.