Richard was born July 12, 1943in Hayward, CA the son of Joseph and Marcella Hejtmanek.  He attended school in Lidgerwood, ND, graduating from high school there and then attended UND.  On March 16, 1970 he was married to Ann Kunze.  they made their home at Hastings, NE until 1974 and then returned to North Dakota.  For the past 5 ½ years he has made his home at the Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City.  One of his favorite pastimes was playing cards with his grandsons.

He is survived by his wife, Ann, two sons, Brett (Katie) Hejtmanek and Chad (Kari Lindeman) Hejtmanek, 6 grandchildren: Brett, Cadyn, Jordan, and Taylor Hejtmanek and Devin and Morgan Nelson; and a great grandchild: Aubree Hejtmanek, a sister, Joy (Mike) Schreder, a brother Jay (Denise) Hejtmanek, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Joe,  and two brothers, Doug and Brad.