Ronald "Ron" Herman Kicker

Ronald “Ron” Herman Kicker passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023, at the age of 78 at a local care facility.

Ron was born on April 5, 1945, in Wadena, Minnesota to Herman and Evelyn Kicker. At the age of 11, his father passed away, and his mother moved him, his twin brother (Raymond) and their older sister (Peggy) to Livingston, Montana.

He attended his schooling in Livingston and graduated from Park County High School. On March 27, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Bridgewater. They were married for 51 years before her passing in 2016. He recently attended his 60-year class reunion and had the time of his life connecting with his classmates and friends.

After graduation, Ron and Betty moved to Phoenix, AZ where they lived for 11 years. On May 11, 1974, they were blessed with a daughter, Lori. At 3 pounds and 11 ounces, and after spending several days in the NICU, they decided she would be an only child. Lori was Ron’s pride and joy. A true DADDY’S GIRL.

Not wanting to raise their daughter in a big city, Ron and Betty returned to Montana and made Colstrip their home. He treasured the friends and relationships that he made in Colstrip.

Ron could be found on the basketball court wearing the black and white stripes, refereeing high school and college basketball. He refereed for over 30 years and was well known and respected across the state. Everywhere he went, someone knew him and would come up to talk basketball. One of his proudest moments was when his daughter Lori, passed her Montana Officials Association test, and they could referee games together.

In 2007, Ron retired from the Montana Power Company in Colstrip, MT and moved to Great Falls to be closer to his daughter. They later moved to Ulm where they built a house. Ron and Betty were snowbirds and enjoyed spending the summers in Ulm and the winters in Bouse, AZ. Even after Betty’s passing, Ron continued to go south for the winters. He loved the many friends he made in Bouse and being able to play golf as much as he wanted.

Ron’s greatest joy was not on the golf course or basketball court. It was his daughter, Lori. He loved her more than life itself. They had a very special bond, and she was his little girl. He was so proud when she married her soulmate, Michael, and they gave him three beautiful grandchildren. He loved them so much and Daniel, Sophia, and Madyson loved their Bampa.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Lori (Michael Jr.) Badgley; his three grandchildren, Daniel, Sophia and Madyson; twin brother, Raymond (LouAnn) Kicker of AZ; and sister, Peggy (Chuck) Curtis of Washington. He was preceded in death by Betty, his wife of 51 years; and his parents.

At his request, no services will be held, and cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.