Richard Oliver

Richard Kane (Dick) Oliver, 78, passed away at home on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, February 16 at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 520  Raymond Street, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 15 at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, followed by a Vigil at 6:00 p.m.

Dick was born on September 13, 1945 in Detroit, MI to Donald and Helen (Kane) Oliver. He was raised in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI; graduating from St. Paul’s on the Lake Catholic School. Dick attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. While there he was accepted into the Air Force ROTC program; after graduating in 1967, he joined the US Air Force as a commissioned officer.

In 1975, Dick joined the U.S. Secret Service as a special agent. He served in field offices in Memphis, TN, Grand Rapids, MI and Bismarck, ND. From 1978 to 1981, Dick served on a protective detail in Calhoun, GA during the Jimmy Carter administration. Throughout his 23 years with the U.S. Secret Service Dick traveled the world – he loved exploring foreign countries and always came home with interesting gifts for his children. After retiring in 1998, Dick became a contract investigator for federal agencies. Dick was devoted to his family; his children, grandchildren and great grandchild were the center of his life.

He was committed to attending and/or supporting every educational endeavor, sporting event, theater performance or musical concert the children and grandchildren were involved in. Dick was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Booster Club and proudly carried the chains at St. Mary’s Saints football games for over 30 years.

Dick is survived by his six children: Richard Oliver II (Bismarck); Molly (Brett) Kleinschmidt (Australia); Sarah (Eric) Johnson (Bismarck); Elisabeth (Jim) Davis (Chicago); Mark (Olga) Oliver (Bismarck); and Katherine Oliver (Chicago); fourteen grandchildren and one great grandchild; former wives Suzanne Merz Oliver and Leslie Bakken Oliver; brother, Donald Oliver (Detroit); girlfriend, Karen Treadway (Sioux Falls); and best friend, Gary Groth (Milwaukee).

Dick was preceded in death by his parents.