Richard "Dick" Olberding

Dick passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife and their three children at his side on December 20, 2022. Dick was born, August 31, 1928 in Greenwald Minnesota to John and Emilie (Nathe) Olberding. After graduating from Sauk Centre High School in 1946, he worked for the Washington Water Power in Clarkston, Washington. Dick was drafted and inducted into the U.S. Army in October of 1950. He was assigned to the U.S. 8th Army, serving eight months in the Korean War. Seven months of his service was spent in the mountains of North Korea with the 5th Field Artillery Group Head Quarters. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was discharged in September, 1952. Dick joined the Spokane Police Department in October 1954. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Eastern Washington College of Education in 1958. He was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Delinquency Control Institute at the University of Southern California. Dick began his 30 year police career, “walking a beat” in downtown Spokane. He rose through the ranks through the civil service competitive examinations. He earned the rank of Captain commanding the Patrol Division followed by the Detective Division for the last 9 years of his career until his retirement in 1984. Dick married Dorothy Hayward on February 4, 1951. They have three children, Douglas, Cheryl and Ronald. Eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Dick was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt with his friends and family. He was known for his quick wit, great sense of humor, kindness and most of all his generosity. He was a devoted Catholic, husband, father and friend, who was respected and loved by many. His family and faith meant everything to him. He lived to spend one more day with his wonderful wife with over 71 years of marriage. He was a protector of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness who built an amazing legacy setting the bar high to lead the way for others. He will be greatly missed by all. “Gone Fishing”. Burial will be at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. Father Bob McNeese will preside at the private family service.