Richard “Rick” Joseph Luchau
RONAN — Richard “Rick” Joseph Luchau, 56, of Ronan, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010, due to natural causes. Rick was born May 18, 1954, to Dick and Nadine Luchau of Ronan. Growing up, he learned his love of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors from his Dad. After Rick had his own son, he spent much time doing the same things with him. “Ricky” became Rick’s main hunting and fishing buddy and Rick cherished every moment they spent together in the outdoors. Much of Rick’s youth was spent at the family cabin on Flathead Lake, where he spent his time boating, water-skiing, fishing, and initiating firework wars with the cousins. In later years, during the annual Fourth of July celebration, he was also known to start the neighbor’s trees on fire due to the excessive fireworks.
Rick attended Ronan High School, where he played football and participated in track, was a member of the ski club, and a member of the Big Mountain Ski Team in Whitefish. He graduated from high school in 1972.
From 1972 until 1974, he attended Montana State University, where he pledged with Lamda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He returned to Ronan in 1974 to join the family business in building and managing Ronan Sports and Western, which he ran for 25 years. In conjunction with the sporting goods store, he also owned and operated an outfitting business in the Selway Bitterroot wilderness for five years.
In 1986, he married the love of his life, Susie Kelly. Rick and Susie had two children, Jenna and Ricky, who were his entire world. He was known to say many times that becoming a father was the best thing he had ever done and nothing else could ever compare to it. In October of this year, Rick and Susie celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary.
In 2000, Rick opened the doors of Doubletree Homes and Development with his wife Susie, and they began building homes.
He will be greatly missed throughout the community and will always be remembered for his large smile, warm heart, and high spirits.
Rick is predeceased by his mother, Nadine Luchau, and survived by his wife, Susie Luchau, his children, Jenna and Ricky Luchau; his father, Richard “Dick” Luchau; his sister Gail Ann Luchau; aunts, numerous cousins and endless friends.
Cremation has taken place and services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. at Christian Missionary Alliance, Terrace Lake Road, Ronan.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Rick’s name to Glacier Bank in Polson.
