Richard Arnold Kobs

Richard (Rick) Kobs, 62, New Salem, ND, was born on May 10, 1956 in Hazen, ND.  He was the youngest child of Arthur and Evelyn Kobs.  He passed away on January 15, 2019 at Prospera Care Center on Sunset in Mandan.    A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, January 21, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Joshua Eddy officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Parkway Funeral Service. He grew up in New Salem, ND where he attended school.  He helped work on the family farm and was loved and spoiled by his older siblings.  On September 6, 1975, he married Linda Keller of New Salem.  Along with this union came two daughters, Michelle and Kristen. Work hard, play hard was how Rick lived his life.  He spent many years behind the wheel of a semi-truck traveling coast to coast.  He took pride in having the cleanest and most well-lit truck on the road.  Truck driving was not just a job to Rick, but an adventure with every mile.  At every truck stop he walked into, there was always a friendly face wanting to share a pot of coffee along with a little BS.    Rick worked for various trucking companies as well as owning his own truck for a period of time.  Following his trucking years, he worked for Border States Electric in Bismarck, ND and Billings, MT.  Many of those he worked for and with, became lifelong friends.  He had an excellent reputation for his safe driving and for always working hard.    He had a love for motorcycles, particularly Harley Davidson.  He enjoyed going on group rides on the open highway and even took his dog, Sparky, along with him a time or two.  Many of these rides created bonds and friendships that remained special to him throughout his life.  Rick also had a love for western movies, Johnny Cash, horses, dogs, and was always a sharp-dressed man in his cowboy hat and boots.  The cowboy spirit in him showed through with his rough and tough personality.  He did not let fear stop him from attempting anything.  Rick loved to dance and had his own unique style.  When you took a spin on the dance floor with this cowboy, your feet never touched the ground.    Rick’s final days were spent surrounded by his family and close friends.  During this time, he was able to share stories and loving moments with his daughters and grandchildren.  He never complained and wanted his room to be filled with family and laughter.  Even on his toughest days, he made everyone smile by singing, “You are My Sunshine” with his sister, Lois helping him finish each line.    Rick will be remembered for being a fun-loving, carefree, prankster with a generous heart.  He will be missed by many.  He is survived by his two daughters, Michelle (Scott) Rud, Kristen (Fabian) Erhardt; eight grandchildren, Dreyton, Dylan, Dallas, and Bristol Rud and Samantha, Alexa, Kendall, and Jax Erhardt; one great-grandchild, Brooks Merritt; one brother, Roger (Connie) Kobs; three sisters, Sharon (the late William) Price, Patricia (Jim) Kautzman, Lois (Bob) Christianson; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Art and Evelyn Kobs; and one brother Douglas.