Dick Durtschi

Richard “Dick” Arnold Durtschi, 61, of Victor, died Friday, July 16, 2010, at his sister’s home in Rigby. He was born August 26, 1948 in Driggs, Idaho to Arnold Alfred Durtschi and Marian Edna Heileson. He was raised in Alta, Wyoming, attended Teton High School, graduating in 1966. He enlisted in the US Army and served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter door gunner and received a Purple Heart. He married Debbi Jean Small in March of 1973, together they had two sons, Nathan and Donovan; they later divorced. On June 29, 1979, he married Sherry Lyn Wentworth; together they had three children, Samuel, Daniel and Ayla, they later divorced. On June 9th 2007, he married Raquel Taylor in Ashton; she has been a great comfort and joy to him since that time. Dick chose to be a welder, boilermaker, pipefitter and fabricator as his profession and became widely known for his expert workmanship and creativity. He had a great love of nature; and knew the names and calls of all the birds of this area. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being in the mountains and was an avid rifleman. He especially loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife; Raquel Taylor, of Victor, daughter; Ayla May Durtschi, of Victor, sons; Nathan (Alisa) Durtschi, of Idaho Falls, Donovan (Sabrina) Durtschi, of Boise, Samuel (Alisha) Durtschi, of Twin Falls, Daniel (Kasey) Durtschi, of Pocatello, mother; Marian Durtschi, of Alta Wyoming, sisters; Dorothy (Ted) Ashby, of Hillsboro, Oregon, Heidi (Gary) Peterson, of Rigby, brothers; Ralph (Erna) Durtschi, of Pocatello, Alfred(Brenda) Durtschi, of Alta, Wyoming, Jim (Jeannie) Durtschi, of Syracuse, Utah, Grant (Beth) Durtschi, of Alta, Wyoming, Mike (Desiree) Durtschi, of Sandy, Utah, Roger (Karrie) Durtschi, of Ridgecrest, California, and 6 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, and a brother, Benjamin. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 22, 2010, at Targhee Village Golf Course in Alta, Wyoming. Interment will be in the Pratt Cemetery at a later date. Services are under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.