Richard Lee Mahar

Richard Lee “Rick” Mahar, age 70 of Minto, ND passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2017 at his home in Minto.

Richard Lee “Rick” Mahar was born June 11, 1947 in Grafton, ND, the son of the late Ambrose and Kathleen (Dickie) Mahar. He spent his early childhood years in Crystal, ND. The family moved to Minto in time for him to start 1st grade and he completed his public school education there, graduating with the Minto High School Class of 1965. Rick then attended Mayville State College and in 1969 received a BS Degree in Composite Music Education. In 1975, he earned a Master’s Degree in Education with a major in Counseling and Guidance through North Dakota State University.

He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Sonderson on March 9, 1968, a fellow student from Mayville from Edinburg, ND. That union produced two children, a son Evan, and a daughter Danelle. Mary died in 1996 and Evan died in 2007.

Rick served his country in the United States Army and spent a tour in Cam Ranh Bay, South Viet Nam.

In 1975, Rick and his family moved to Colorado and he found employment as a probation officer. He continued that work for the Colorado State Judicial Department until his retirement in 2002. Upon his return to North Dakota, he immediately began work as the Director of the Domestic Violence and Abuse Center, a program that provides services and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Walsh, Pembina, and Cavalier counties. He became fully retired in 2009.

In 2000, Rick met and married Sandra (Coughlin) Hehr, a secondary teacher in North Dakota. After their marriage, they lived in Colorado for one more year and then moved to Minto, where they resided until the time of his death.

Rick would say his most precious memories were the road trips he took with his four (at the time) grandchildren from Colorado to North Dakota and back. They were special bonding times.

He is survived by his wife Sandra, daughter Danelle (Tom) Dahl; step-son David Hehr, step-son Ryan (Amanda) Hehr, step-son Ken Hehr, grandson Daniel (Allie) Mahar, granddaughters: Payton Riggenbach, Carson Riggenback, Reagan Dahl, Katie Dahl, step-granddaugther Mallory Riggenbach, and great-granddaughter Mary Mahar. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary, son Evan, and brothers: Donald and Louis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 1, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Minto. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Military rites will be provided by the Minto American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. Inurnment will be at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery of Minto.