Richard Arnold Vranicar, 84, danced through the gates of Heaven on 1/20/2026 surrounded by family.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, with a visitation being held one hour prior to the service.

Richard was born to Margot and Joseph Vranicar on February 28, 1941, in Virginia, Minnesota. He was the youngest of two children and enjoyed growing up playing hockey on the frozen lakes of Minnesota with his older brother, Jack at any opportunity they had. On a night out and about on main street in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1968, he was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Arlene Moszer. The two married, only four and a half months later, in Sisseton, South Dakota on June 6, 1968. 

Richard and Arlene were later blessed with three children: Richard, John and Debbie. They moved from Bismarck, North Dakota, to Virgina, Minnesota then Great Falls, Montana. When they ultimately decided to settle down in the small town of Lincoln, North Dakota to raise their family.

In his spare time, Richard enjoyed fishing, deer hunting with family in McClusky, tinkering with race cars and camping with family around Beaver Bay or Dakota Waters on Lake Sakakawea. He had a strong sense of pride for his ceramic tile work and had a deep devotion to his wife and children. It wasn’t uncommon to find Richard out on the dance floor (or even at home) doing the jitterbug with Arlene or serenading her with Johnny Horton songs.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Arlene Vranicar; children, Richard (Melissa) Vranicar, John (Katie) Vranicar, and Debbie Vranicar; and four grandchildren: Kristen, Gavin, Seth and Anthony Vranicar.

Richard is greeted in heaven by: Margot, Joseph, and his older brother Jack Vranicar.