Richard Theodore Betzold, 91, of Ft. Morgan, Colorado, passed away on August 4, 2025. Born on August 4, 1934, in Brush, CO. Richard was the son of Theodore and Hilda Betzold. He was a cherished husband to Goldie for 62 years, a devoted father to Brenda, Mike, Rebecca, and Marcy, and a proud grandfather.  Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joanne D. (Betzold) Seeley, and his brother Thomas. He is survived by his wife Goldie (Streifel), his sister Elaine (Betzold) Meyer, his four children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Ft. Morgan High School, Richard served in the National Guard before beginning his career in the oil fields. He later joined the Ft. Morgan Police Department, where he worked as a police officer and detective for 25 years. After retiring from law enforcement, Richard continued serving the community at the Street Department for the city of Ft. Morgan for 18 years. Alongside this, he worked during harvest season hauling sugar beets for Great Western Sugar, a job he cherished until 2014.

Those familiar with him experienced his signature humor, his passion for playing pinochle, cribbage, and other card games, as well as gardening, arrowhead hunting, fishing, and telling stories of his youthful antics. Richard was a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge where his competitive spirit was well-known, especially when playing cribbage with other Elk members. Richard was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and an active participant at St. Helena's Catholic Church. Richard's playful nature and love of storytelling made him a joy to be around. Richard was known for his teenage pranks and his ability to entertain others with humorous tales from his past.

Though Richard will be deeply missed, he leaves behind a rich legacy of love, laughter, and community service that will not be forgotten.

Services will be Saturday, September 6th at 10:00 AM at Saint Helena's Catholic Church, 917 W. 7th Ave. in Fort Morgan. Inurnment will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Recitation of The Holy Rosary will be the evening prior to the service, Friday, September 5th at 6:00 PM at the Heer Mortuary Chapel in Fort Morgan.

Memorial donations may be made to the Richard Betzold Memorial Fund.