Funeral service for Richard “Dick” Klempel, 74, Enumclaw, Wash., formerly of Sidney, was at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, at the Ebenezer Congregational Church in Sidney, with Pastor David Meehan officiating. Musical selections were provided by Darlene Pust and Sally Borg.

Casketbearers were Bert Lepel, Tim Klempel, Joe Klempel, Jerry Klempel, Ben Miner and Ron Klempel. Honorary casketbearers were all of Dick’s many friends and family. Ushers were Larry Knels and Bill Cundiff. Interment was in the Klempel Family Cemetery, Lambert, under the direction of Fulkerson Funeral Home of Sidney. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.

Richard was born on July 26, 1934, in Sidney, to parents, Joseph “Joe” and Martha (Nollmeyer) Klempel. He grew up in a large, loving family who enjoyed singing and having family devotions. His family was area farmers and ranchers in Richland County. Richard graduated from Prairie Bible Institute and the Seattle Pacific University. He also attended Augustana College in South Dakota. Richard was united in marriage to Lois Luoto on Aug. 31, 1961, in Seattle, Wash.

Richard with his wife were missionaries in Northern Brazil for four years. He later taught in a special education school in Buckley, Wash. He also taught band at the Liberty Christian School in Sidney. He and his wife, Lois, provided the band instruments. Richard attended the Ebenezer Congregational Church in Sidney.

During his high school years, Richard enjoyed playing basketball, and in his later years he enjoyed watching all sports. He always had a big smile on his face. He enjoyed teaching his band students.

Richard loved spending time with his nieces, nephews, cousins and enjoyed teaching them family history. He liked tracking and looking up his family history and legacy. Richard just enjoyed history, period. He wrote a book on the Klempel family. With his wife, they wrote two other books titled “The Self Esteem Controversy” and “Abused? How you can find God’s help.”

Dick died among loving relatives on Sept. 30, 2008, after a short illness at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. His many loved ones will miss him greatly.

Richard is survived by his wife, Lois Klempel, Enumclaw, Wash.; two brothers, Joe (Annie) Klempel, Big Fork, and Frank (Harriet) Klempel, Fort Worth, Texas; numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Martin; twin brother Robert; and sisters, Esther and Violet.