Richard L. 'Dick' Raffelson

Richard L. 'Dick' Raffelson, 70 of Sterling and longtime Padroni, Colo. area resident, passed away Friday morning, Sept., 12, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in Sidney.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 22 in the Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Services will conclude at the funeral home. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Cremation has been held. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in care of the family for future designation to two athletic programs and for Cancer research. Cards and condolences may be sent to Rick and Leslie Raffelson, 34761 CR 29, Peetz, CO 80747.

You may view Dick's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC and Chaney-Reager Funeral Home are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Richard Lee Raffelson the son of Richard B. and Edna (Anderson) Raffelson was born on Dec. 5, 1943 at Oregon City, Ore. The family moved to Buffalo, S.D. when Dick was five and he later graduated from Buffalo High School. In 1964 he met Elaine Rasmussen and they were married and later divorced. To this union three sons were born, Rick, Stace and Brian "B.J.". The family lived on the ranch in West Plains and Dick worked in the Oil Fields as well. He was employed by Gardiner Gophers until his health forced his retirement.

Survivors include his sons: Rick and Leslie and their children, Rylee and Ryder of Peetz, Stace and Sandy and their children, Garrett, Trent and Matteya of Standish, Calif. and B.J. and Mandi and their children, Courtney, Katie and Cole of Sidney; a nephew: Lon Bjerke and wife Paula and their children, Megan, Matt and Mallori. Lon and Paula cared for Dick during most of his illness. Other survivors include a sister: Bobbi Crites and husband Bob of Phoenix, Ariz., special friend: Delena Sexton of Spearfish, S.D. and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Melvin and Robert and a sister: Ruby Jean Bjerke-Sparks.