Dick Schuler

Dick Schuler, 81, of Great Falls, formerly of Dutton Montana died of natural causes Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at the Peace Hospice.A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 12:00 noon at the Dutton American Legion Freeborn Post # 64.Dick was born to George and Mabel Schuler on July, 6 1930 in Great Falls, Montana. Dick and his sisters were raised on the family homestead just outside Dutton. Hegraduated from Dutton High School and attended Montana State University, Bozeman.Dick and Mary met in the emergency room in Great Falls where Mary, a young student nurse met her future husband while treating him for a farm injury. Dick and Mary's new life began March 10, 1957 where they took up residence on the farm in Dutton.Dick and his wife, Mary raised their three sons on their Montana farm. Throughout his life, Dick instilled life lessons, including a strong work ethic as well as an appreciation for life and for family in his sons and grandchildren. His great grandchildren are now the fifth generation of Schuler's to be raised on the farm.From his parents hard won beginnings, Dick and his family grew the farm into a progressive, thriving operation in central Montana. Dick's family remembers the mantra: no matter how badly something is broken, it can always be fixed. When others complained about the infamous Central Montana winds, he would always say it's just fresh air .Dick and his long-time friend Ray Habel rebuilt a damaged surplus Sikorsky S51 helicopter that was later sold to a tour operator in Hawaii. Proceeds from the sale of the helicopter helped the farm overcome a devastating hail storm that struck the farm that year. Dick was always proud of his service in the Montana Air National Guard as a crew chief. He most fondly remembered his time working on Air Guards P51 Mustangs. Recently, he was very pleased to learn that his P51 was still airworthy and flying in the United States. Dick was also a collector of old Model T Ford cars and participated in the Montana Model T cross state races.Dick was very active in his community through the Dutton American Legion Freeborn Post #64 where he helped remodel the old school house into a community center and later chairman of the construction committee for the new legion hall donated by Eugene Van Horn. Dick was also instrumental in procuring and restoring the F 104 static display now prominently displayed in front of the new Legion Community Center. He served as post commander in 1962. Dick managed the Dutton Fun Days fireworks display for over thirty years. Dick was also involved with the Selective Service Board, on the board of Farmers Mercantile Co-op, and was a member of Dutton Civil Air Patrol.Dick is survived by his wife, Mary Schuler of Great Falls; his sons Dave (Cindy) Schuler of Des Moine, IA, Dean (Kippy) Schuler of Carter, Dale (Margie) Schuler of Carter; his sisters, Bonnie Barns of Great Falls and Judi Holgate of Payson, AZ; grandchildren Danny (Nichole), Dusty, Katie, Alex, Beth, and Olivia; great grandchildren, Isaiah and Amelia and his cousin, friend and neighbor Frank (Joyce) Schuler of Dutton.Condolences may be left for the family at www.schniderfuneralhome.com