Dirk Shulund

Dirk Shulund, age 46, passed peacefully on Aug. 9, 2024, and took a seat with our Lord in heaven after a hard-fought and courageous battle with glioblastoma.

Dirk was born on Aug. 11, 1977, in Havre, the second son to Richard and Sheila Shulund. Dirk rounded out the family of four with his older brother Eric. He attended school at Sunnyside Elementary through the fifth grade. He enjoyed being outside riding bikes and spending summer evenings playing games with the neighborhood kids. There were also a lot of adventures, family picnics and fishing in Beaver Creek Park directly south of town. Prior to sixth grade, the family moved to the farm just west of Chinook. This was a new experience for a town kid learning what it meant to be a farm kid, a great experience that Dirk was always thankful for as he was granted independence and responsibility to manage on his own. As long as there was a full tank of gas in the ATV and a brick of 22 shells, he was good to go. He continued his education in Chinook and was proud to be a "Sugarbeeter" well beyond graduation from CHS in 1996. Dirk participated in baseball, football, basketball, and track and field throughout all of these years.

After graduation, Dirk moved on to Rocky Mountain College in Billings and played football for the Battlin' Bears. Rocky holds a special place deep in his heart, another step in his evolving independence and how he represented himself as a genuine person. After graduation from Rocky in 2000, Dirk pursued graduate studies at the University of Montana in Missoula. Everyone knows this was just his way of extending his "college experience." Ultimately, Dirk returned to Billings and took a full-time position with Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). He had previously worked there as an intern the spring of his senior year at Rocky. This job turned into a proud career of 24 years. He especially enjoyed working at WAPA to assist customers within ways WAPA could serve them. Not entirely sure of his day-to-day activities and responsibilities at work, Lisa would affectionately refer to Dirk as the Walmart greeter of WAPA and that is not entirely wrong.

Oh, Lisa! After they met, the rest was history. It may have taken a few opportunities to meet, but the result was always the same. Two people curious about each other and nervous to know when the timing would be right. Eventually the stars aligned and from there the courtship was quick and intentional. It is a fairytale to this day. There was no sense in prolonging the inevitable as Dirk and Lisa were married July 26, 2008, in Billings, surrounded by loving family and friends. With marriage to Lisa came non-negotiable superfan status of the Senior High Lady Bronc Softball program. Dirk appreciated being the coach's spouse. Willing to help with what needed to be done, and extremely proud to take Sloan and Reid to games and state tournaments so they could witness the greatness of their mother as an exceptional coach and leader of classy ladies.

"Sloan and Reid, the best gifts a father could ever receive. From precious babies to smart, caring middle schoolers. Each with their own personalities and quirkiness, I adore you both so much. The future is bright for you two, I'll be watching and cheering relentlessly. There is no reason to doubt your abilities. Remember where you're from; your mom and dad and we've always got your back!"

Throughout Dirk's life journey, he was blessed to meet and befriend a diverse group of people. People who became lifelong friends and a closeknit network of people he valued time and conversation with, and ultimately supporters and champions with him on his journey. Thank you to those who walked with us on this journey.

This was as far as Dirk got with his obituary. As his wife, I was the lucky one who got to witness the Lord's masterpiece everyday. Dirk prided himself in hard work and being a genuine person. He loved his family fiercely and his only dream was to watch his kids grow up. We know he will continue to be where we are no matter where that is. He loved providing for his family and taking care of their every need. He was a true giver and always put us first. It has been truly humbling to see how many amazing people supported our family through his life and most recently with his health journey. It is a true testament to the person Dirk was.

Dirk will forever be remembered by his loving wife, Lisa; his beloved children, Sloan and Reid; his parents, Rick and Sheila; brother Eric (Tara); brothers-in-law Brian (Nikki) McDonald and Craig (Stephanie) McDonald; nieces and nephews that he loved dearly; and so many friends that felt like family.

Dirk was warmly welcomed into heaven by his grandparents Albert and Selina Vasseur and Herman and Eva Shulund; and mother and father-in-law Ken and Linda McDonald.

Dirk was celebrated at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at Camelot Ranch in Billings, Montana. The service was livestreamed at https://youtube.com/@spearentertainment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Dirk Shulund Memorial Fund at US Bank, 1645 Grand Ave., Billings, MT 59102 or stop in any US Bank.

Please help us create a memory keepsake of Dirk by sharing your favorite story at shulundfamily@gmail.com.