Richard "Dick" Heidt

Richard “Dick” Heidt was born on July 22, 1947, at St. Alexius in Bismarck to Virginia and George Heidt. He passed away on the morning of November 10, 2025, surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00AM, Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, 825 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-7:00PM, Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. A rosary/vigil service will begin at 7:00PM.

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

A mystical man who loved the lake and the moon—along with his beloved wife Connie and children—Dick found joy in stillness, reflection, and the stories that shimmered in everyday life.

Dick began his education at St. Joe’s Elementary School and graduated from St. Mary’s Central High School in 1965. He attended Bismarck State College for two years, where he famously played pinochle to help pay his tuition. He continued his studies at the University of North Dakota and later graduated from the University of Mary. In 1970, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After basic training, he was stationed in San Diego aboard the USS Blue Ridge, where he served as a journalist. The ship acted as an administrative vessel, carrying generals, admirals, and dignitaries. The Blue Ridge was deployed twice to Vietnam during Dick's time aboard, remaining off the coast during active combat.

In 1980, Dick married Connie Schwede, his cherished wife of 45 years. Together they built a life rich with love, laughter, and shared adventures, and were blessed with their daughter, Amanda. Dick was previously married to Marcia Uhlman, with whom he shared two children, Jeff and Jenny. His three children were his greatest joy and a constant source of pride.

Dick’s broadcasting career began in the 1960s at KFYR Radio, where he worked as a weekend disc jockey before transitioning to KFYR-TV as a weekend sports reporter. His natural charisma, sharp wit, and compassion for people guided him through every story he told. Over the next four decades, Dick became a cornerstone of North Dakota broadcasting, rising through the newsroom ranks to eventually serve as General Manager of KFYR-TV and the Western North Dakota NBC stations. Throughout his long and distinguished career, he earned numerous accolades, including the Upper Midwest Emmy® Award for Continuing Coverage (2002), induction into the Upper Midwest Emmy® Silver Circle (2008) for over 25 years of distinguished service, the Mitchell V. Charnley Award (2009) from the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association, and the North Dakota Broadcasters Pioneer Award (2015), recognizing his lifetime of dedication and leadership in the field. He also served on the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association Board.

A lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, Dick’s passion extended far beyond the newsroom. He was an avid supporter of the New York Yankees and Green Bay Packers, and his love of softball was legendary. Over the years, he not only played but also supported and organized tournaments. He was a founding member of the McQuade Softball Tournament Board, where his organizational talent and love for the game helped shape an event that brought joy to countless players and fans. These off the field talents, along with his on-field abilities, earned him a place in the North Dakota State Softball Hall of Fame. Whenever the weather allowed, Dick could be found on the golf course, where he and Connie shared countless rounds and unforgettable golf trips with cherished friends.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Connie; his children, Jeff Heidt (Cher) of Fargo, Jenny Heidt of Mandan, and Amanda Heidt of Fargo; and his cherished grandchildren, McKenna, Ally, Paige, and Jacob. He is also survived by his siblings, Debby Marback (Mike), Tim Heidt, and John Heidt (Lori); along with many nieces and nephews who adored him.

He is lovingly remembered by the Schwede family, who embraced him as one of their own and shared a lifetime of laughter, stories, and lake memories: Robert and Sally Schwede; Chuck Schwede (Ann) of Detroit Lakes, MN; Mike Schwede (Jill) of Rochester, MN; Marc Schwede; and Cindy Sylte (Calvin).

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and George Heidt; his in-laws, Robert and Sally Schwede; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Heidt; his brother-in-law, Marc Schwede; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Cindy and Calvin Sylte, along with other beloved members of both the Heidt and Schwede families who now welcome him home with open arms.