Richard was born July 3, 1947, to William and Elizabeth (Martin) Timmerman. He grew up and graduated from Arthur (N.D.) High School. He was the middle child of five children. After high school, Richard attended Mayville State University for a short time. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and served a one-year tour in Vietnam as a Huey Helicopter crew chief. He was honorably discharged in 1969.

He married his true love, his soul mate, Roxy Engstrom, on April 23, 1971, of which to this union three beautiful children were born. Dick and Roxy loved the lakes, especially the Detroit Lakes area. In 1993, on their 22nd anniversary, they bought a lake home on Lake Maud. Then in 2005, they built their dream home where they planned to retire. In July 2007, Dick was diagnosed with liver cancer.

Dick had an extreme love of life. He was an amazing human being who would visit with anyone. He loved the lakes, fishing, hunting with his brother, son and uncle, and going to the Cormorant Pub. He loved to have fun with his friends and was always the life of the party. Being "papa" to his grandchildren, especially oldest grandchild, Maddy, was a highlight of later years.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Roxy of Audubon; one son, Richard Jr. (Danielle) of Minot Air Force Base, N.D.; two daughters, Richelle (John) Mewes of Mayville, N.D., Raelle (Nathan) Vos of Fargo, N.D.; mother, Elizabeth; two brothers, Steve (Jan), Bill (Gina), all of Arthur; one sister, Betty (Rich) Hunt of Virginia Beach, Va.; eight grandchildren, Ethan, Gavin and John Mewes, Madison and Corbin Vos, Alyssa, Abigail and Isabelle Timmerman; brothers-in-law, Richard (Mary) Engstrom of Pequot Lakes, Minn., Mert Palmer of Casselton, N.D.; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; sister, Rebecca Palmer; and his in-laws, George and Thelma Engstrom.