Richard "Dick" Artz

Richard Dick Artz, 73, of Augusta, passed away Wednesday at his home with his wife and son by his side.A funeral liturgy will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at St. Matthias Catholic Church in Augusta at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Augusta Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Dick was born in Great Falls on October 10, 1942 to Norbert and Marie Artz. He was raised and educated in Augusta, graduating in 1960 and then attending Northern Montana College in Havre.November 16, 1963 he married Shirley Weikum and in 1971, a son Shawn was born. Together they operated a combination irrigated/dry land small grains farm along with a cow/calf operation. In 2012, he had to cut back on the work, and in 2014 he had to lease the place out. In his early years, Dick enjoyed fishing, trapping, and hunting in this beautiful state of Montana.Dick served two years in the Montana Air National Guard, six years on the Augusta School Board, 50 years as a member of the Augusta American Legion Post #51, 28 years as President of Nilan Water Users Association, and seven years as a director for Sun River Electric.He fought leukemia for three years. Later, other health issues took over, which his body just couldnt take the stress anymore.Dick is survived by his wife, Shirley of 52 years; son Shawn Artz; sister Barbara (John) Krause; nephew Justin (Prairie) Krause; and several aunts; uncles; and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Marie Artz.The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Martin, and all the staff at Sletten for the exceptional care Dick received.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Sletten Cancer Institute, 1117 29th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405 or the donors choice.Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.