Ricky Lee Kutter was born October 22, 1963 to Daniel and Arlene (Hubrig) Kutter in Hankinson, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. He attended school in Hankinson, where he excelled in football and graduated in 1981. During his senior year, he joined the National Guard and served six years.

On October 21, 1983 his life would be forever changed. Rick met Brenda Gohrick and the never-ending “Red vs. Green” tractor argument began. They were married July 6, 1985 in Zion Lutheran Church, Tioga.

They moved to Hankinson, where Rick worked for Robert and Jim Miller Farms, while farming a little on his own. In 1988, they moved to Williston where Rick was employed in the oilfield, driving truck for Paraffin Service, then six years for KOCH Services. Throughout this time, whenever he had a day off, he would be up at the farm, helping Jerol, Darren and Jerry any way he could. Rick loved to farm. In 1995, they planted trees and put a house ½ mile north of Jerol and Penny’s farm near McGregor. Rick picked the spot, where he envisioned his farm. The “International/John Deere Debate” continued, with Rick winning, turning everything “green” over the years-until last year-when the first RED International sprayer arrived at the Kutter farm.

Rick loved sports, especially football. He was a die-hard Vikings and Twins fan. He loved to shoot pool and was active in the Oil Basin and Nortana pool leagues, taking MVP in 1998. He played on various softball leagues in Hankinson and Williston. He also golfed and bowled on many leagues and logged innumerable miles across the state for all his children’s sporting activities.

There was never enough time for him to hunt and fish. Rick loved to hunt anything. He took many hunting trips with his family. Elk hunting in Colorado topped it all - he was so thrilled and proud the year the whole family went and all filled their bull elk tags: 8 for 8. Rick took a few fishing trips too, catching his short-billed marlin off the coast of Kona, Hawaii in 2015.

Rick and Brenda loved to snowmobile and rode anywhere they could: Canada, ND, MN, WI, MI, SD, WY, ID and their favorite place – Cooke City, MT. They passed on their love of snowmobiling to all their children and it has become a favorite family activity.

Rick was a member of Norman Lutheran Church, Prairie Pounders Snowmobile club and served on the Tioga School Board for nine years.

Rick treated people fairly, believed that your word and your handshake sealed a deal, and was a true and loyal friend who always had your back. He was a very devoted family man who loved spending time with his kids and grandkids – just sitting back and taking it all in. He was always optimistic. No matter how bad things got, he’d always say “We’ll make it through this.” He will be so terribly missed and forever in our hearts.

Rick is survived by his wife: Brenda. Daughters: Rachelle (Jason) Rehak, Meghan (Tyler) Lalim, Katrina Kutter (Jordon Rehak). Son: Nicholas Kutter (Brianna Honrud). Grandchildren: Easton “Buddy Boy”, Teagan “Bunny Rabbit”, McCoy “Coy Boy”, and Keilyn “Keikers”. Mother and step-father: Arlene and Edwin Arndt. Brother: Neal (Jodeen) Kutter. Sisters: Bev Krump (Roger Tischer), Teri (Jeff) Minar. Brother-in-laws: Darren (Joan) Gohrick, Jerol Gohrick (Emily Horn). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Kutter; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jerol and Penny Gohrick, and his grandparents.