Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 271942
Title: Richard L. Mette
Date: 11/18/1963-12/2/2025
Creator:
Inscription/Marks: 11/18/1963
Summary: Richard Lee “Dick” Mette, 62, fondly known by many as “Tricky,” passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of humor, resilience, and unwavering love for his family. With his quick wit and constant joking, Dick had a way of making people feel lighter just by being near him. In his earlier years, Dick enjoyed golfing with his family — a pastime that became a cherished tradition and one he later passed down to his children. He also loved watching NASCAR, rarely missing a race, and he had a soft spot for testing his mind and his luck with The Price Is Right. These simple joys painted a picture of a man who loved fun, connection, and a good challenge. Dick loved taking road trips with his family creating endless memories, trips filled with stories, laughter, and moments they now hold especially close. Throughout his life, Dick worked as a truck driver for Habeck Trucking, American Colloid, and Tri-state Construction. He took pride in his work and in the miles he put behind him. In 2018/2019, his world shifted when he was diagnosed with severe COPD. His son, Austin, made the heartfelt decision to move him closer and help care for him — a choice that forged a bond few people ever experience. Even as Dick’s health declined, their relationship became a beautiful balance of care and mutual support. While Austin and his family took care of Dick, Dick made sure they were taken care of too, in all the ways he still could. Dick was a devoted father to his children — Amanda, Celeste, and Austin — and nothing meant more to him than the love he held for his son. His grandchildren quickly became the light of his life, bringing him joy, purpose, and pride. He is survived by his son, Austin (Taylor) Mette of Watford City, ND; stepdaughters, Amanda (Jesse) Verba of Woonsocket, SD, and Celeste (Eric) Stalcup of West Columbia, SC; grandchildren; siblings, Don (Donna) Mette, Scott (Dawn) Mette, T.J. Eich (Leanne), Michelle (Chris) Feterl; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, LaDonna Mette; his parents, Barney and Bobbie Mette; his grandparents, Hank and Lorraine Mette, and Eugene and Frances Lusk; along with aunts and uncles, and family friends.
Red ID: FND_I_79436 Image ID: 542071 Image Notes: FND001 271942

Collection: FND001 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Date: -

Summary: The North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program is sponsored by the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association. The life stories of deceased North Dakotans are featured in an archvied collection. Current partners in the project are Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services, Bismarck Evans Funeral Homes, Carrington and New Rockford Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Williston Fulkerson Funeral Home, Tioga Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Williston Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck Springan Stevenson Funeral Home, Stanley Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson These funeral homes provide recent obituaries to the Foundation, where staff and volunteers format, edit and archive each memorial. The memorials are posted, and copies are sent to the family for their input and approval. The listing currently features more than 13,000 memorials, and is constantly updated as new memorials and histories are received.

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