Richard Allen Hessling, 86, of Lakota, North Dakota, formerly of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born September 15, 1939, in Grafton, North Dakota, to Mildred (Dammen) and Bernhard Hessling.

Richard graduated from Starkweather High School in 1957. On May 8, 1958, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving honorably until June 15, 1962. During his time in the Air Force, he was stationed in Japan and Germany, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic.

On September 26, 1964, Richard married the love of his life, Sandra “Sandi” Melville. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family. They welcomed two children, Kory and Kara, and shared 61 years of marriage together.

Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took great joy in the family he and Sandi created. He cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren and was proud to watch his family grow through the years. His steady presence, kind heart, and willingness to help others were gifts he shared freely with those around him.

Richard’s faith in God was an important part of his life. It guided the way he lived, the way he treated others, and the values he passed down to his family. His quiet devotion and kindness were reflections of the faith he carried with him throughout his life.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sandi; his son, Kory (Brenda) Hessling; daughter, Kara (Tim) Kujawa. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Eileen) Hessling, and sister-in-law Peggy Wallace. Richard was the proud grandfather to Hilary, Timothy (Kjersten), Ricky, Danny, Jose and Moises, and a great-grandfather to Timothy and Warren. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and cousins who will remember him with love, including special friends Gary and Anne Trenda.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Bernhard Hessling; his brother and sister-in-law, Ray (Dorothy) Hessling; his parents-in-law, Alice and Leslie Melville; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James “Jim” (Sandy) Melville; his niece, Kim Yotter and his great niece, Sara Ludovissie.

Richard will be deeply missed, but the love and memories he leaves behind will remain in the hearts of his family forever.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Good Samaritan Society of Lakota, Veterans Affairs, Altru and HIA Hospice workers for the compassionate care they showed Richard and the kindness they extended to our family during this time.

Services for Richard will be held at a later date. Richard is in the care of the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake