Richard Bullinger

Richard Bullinger, 87, Mandan, died Nov. 24, 2017, at Miller Point, Mandan. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday November 28, 2017 at Church of St. Anne, 1321 Braman Ave, Bismarck, with Rev. Tom Grafsgaard officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5 – 7pm at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a rosary/vigil service will begin at 7pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Richard Matt Bullinger was born on Jan. 20, 1930 to John and Margaret (Fleck) Bullinger. He attended St. Anthony School until 7th grade. He lived and worked on a farm 25 miles south of Mandan. Due to his father’s passing, Richard at the age of 13 began taking on the responsibilities of taking care of the farm and becoming the father figure to twin sisters and two young brothers. In 1952, Richard married the “love of his life” Carolyn Leingang. They purchased the farm from his mother and began their lives on their farm. Richard and Carolyn enjoyed many wonderful years on their farm working hard and raising their four children, MaryAnn, George, Brenda, and Pamela. Richard was a member of St. Anthony Verein, Knights of Columbus, and Eagles Club. Richard and Carolyn enjoyed many hours of dancing with friends and belonged to a square dancing club. In 1992, they sold their farmstead and moved to Bismarck. Richard was very outgoing, with a great sense of humor. He enjoyed talking to everyone he met. If you needed help in any type of project he was there to help in a minutes notice. He seemed to be able to fix anything. He dearly loved his family and his main goal in life was to make sure his family was always well taken care of. His grandchildren were his world and he loved teasing them and considered his great grandchildren as “special” gifts to him. Richard spent many of his retirement years building many wonderful items made of wood. He made beautiful Christmas decorations, carved shelves and wooden benches. He also made wooden toys for the grandchildren and was especially proud of his rocking horses. Richard will always be remembered as a kind, generous, caring, and loving man, with a heart of gold and a smile on his face. He was strong in his faith and was often seen praying his rosary. He will be greatly missed by his three children: son, George (Renee)  and two daughters, MaryAnn (Rod) Friesz, Brenda (Sid) Miller; his grandchildren, Melissa Friesz, Ryan (Natalie) Friesz, Sarah (Ryan) Holzer, Amy (Jake) Larson, Jessica (Tyler) Beckler, Rocky (Brittany) Bullinger, Casey (Heidi) Miller, Dustin (Jenny) Miller; his great grandchildren, Caydence Kahl, Brynn and Bennett Friesz, Allyson and Noah Holzer, Easton Larson, Harlee Kleinjan, Isabella and Brody Beckler, Scarlett Bullinger, Mya and Blake Miller and Hadley Miller; his brothers, George (Sharon) Bullinger, John (Marilyn) Bullinger; his brother-in-laws, Frank (Eileen) Leingang, Raymond (Nell) Leingang, Leo Leingang, Robert (MaryAnn) Leingang, Ronald (Betty) Leingang, and Ed (Janice) Fitterer; his sister-in-laws, Helen (Bill) Kuntz,  Eldean (Bill) Fitterer, Georgian (Arnold) Leingang, Laura (Richard) Wycarus, , many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Pamela Thomas; his parents John Bullinger and Margaret Hoffman; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Rose Leingang; his sisters, Eileen Leingang and Irene Doll; brother Valentine Bullinger; his sister-in-laws, Janize Leingang and Janice Fitterer; his brother-in-laws, Arnold Leingang and Richard Doll.