August 10, 1939 – January 7, 2016
Our hearts are heavy, yet full of joy for the years we shared with our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Richard Gene Kauk, died peacefully on Thursday, January 7, 2016.
Dick was born in Great Falls, Montana on August 10, 1939, the first born of three children to Richard and Lelah Kauk. While he was growing up on the farm by Brady he learned early on the value of a day’s work, done right, that stuck with him throughout his lifetime.
Dr. Dick is survived by his wife, Lynne, children, Kevin (Sheila) Kauk, Karla (Dave) Compton, Kirby (Kathi) Kauk, Kelsy (Keith) Cofield, Jeff (Rushany) Jermunson, Chris (Christine) Jermunson, sister, Cheryl (Gordon) Schlepp, uncle Elmer Kauk, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Dr. Dick is preceded in death by his parents and a baby brother.
Dr. Dick received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University, Pullman, Washington in 1963. Upon graduation he returned to Great Falls working with Doctor Pat Doran for one year before establishing his own large animal practice in Brady, Montana.
Dr. Dick is known and recognized in a wide variety of circles. One arena was sports, excelling in basketball, football, track and baseball, offered scholarships and playing basketball and baseball at Eastern Montana College. Dick’s passion for baseball resulted in his signing on as Bonus Baby for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Later in life he continued the Kauk-Hill legacy as Chairman on the Brady School Board, established the cattle business, K and K Cattle Company with his father, and was President of the International Pinzgauer Association, to name a few.
Dr. Dick was…”A noble heart made weak by time and fate but strong in mind to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.”(Lord Byron). Dr. Dick was a man of courage, strength, kindness and integrity…a gentleman who made natural connections with people, the land and the animals who foraged it.
The Memorial Service will be at 1 p.m., February 12th at the First Presbyterian Church, 123 4th Ave SW, Conrad, Montana. Reception following the service will be held at Norley Hall, 400 North Virginia.
Memorials may be sent to Washington State University Foundation: College of Veterinary Medicine, Richard G. Kauk, DVM Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 647010, Pullman, Washington 99164-7010.
Published in Great Falls Tribune on Jan. 21, 2016