Alex "Dick" Zier

Alex Richard Zier, affectionately known as "Dick," passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 77, in Billings, Montana. 

Dick was born in Agawam, Montana, and raised in Choteau, Montana, where his strong Montana roots took hold. His family owned a farm and ranch near Choteau, and his father managed the Montana Elevator for more than 30 years. These early years shaped Dick's work ethic, values, and lifelong commitment to community. 

He earned two Bachelor of Science degrees from Montana State University and went on to build an accomplished career spanning more than 32 years in banking, including 18 years as a bank president. His professional journey took him across the region, serving in leadership roles at several respected institutions: 

• Miles City, Montana - First National Bank (Assistant Vice President) 

• Wahpeton, North Dakota - First National Bank of Wahpeton (Senior Vice President) 

• Lewistown, Montana First National Bank of Lewistown (President) 

• Billings, Montana - First Citizens Bank (President) 

Throughout his career, Dick was known not only for his financial expertise, but for his belief that strong communities are built through service and connection. In Wahpeton, he helped fundraise for the Sterns Hockey Arena and was actively involved in Kiwanis and Rotary. During his years in Lewistown, his community involvement flourished. He organized the Western Invitational Tournament (W.I.T.) basketball tournament, the Jim Perry Celebrity Golf Tournament, brought the Charlie Russell Choo Choo Dinner Train to the community, and even helped organize the unforgettable Donkey Basketball event at the Lewistown Civic Center. He also served as head of fundraising for the Fergus High School track and football field projects. 

Dick continued his lifelong pattern of leadership and service. He served as basketball and track commissioner for the Big Sky State Games for more than 15 years, was involved in bringing the NAIA basketball tournament to Billings and played an instrumental role with the SBURA Board and recreation initiatives. He was honored as Big Sky State Games Volunteer of the Year in 2018. 

Following his banking career, Dick spent over twenty years as a realtor, where his financial expertise, strong negotiation skills, and extensive network allowed him to guide clients with care and confidence. 

Outside of work, Dick loved sports-especially the Montana State University Bobcats, the Minnesota Vikings, and the New York Yankees. His grandchildren were the true joy of his life, and he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on at their sporting events. He was known for keeping a clean and organized home, playing pranks, telling the same stories again and again, and steadfastly sticking to his ways. One of his most cherished traditions was taking his kids "on the drive," a habit that often-brought equal parts embarrassment, laughter, and lifelong memories. 

A lifelong dream came true for Dick in January of 2026. Though his strength was fading, his spirit was not. He traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to watch his beloved Montana State Bobcats compete for the FCS National Championship. In a dramatic overtime victory against the Illinois State Redbirds, the Bobcats claimed the national title-their first since 1984. Dick shared this unforgettable experience with his family, and his college and lifelong friend, Steve Solburg. The two men were even interviewed by ESPN and appeared together on the stadium Jumbotron. It was a joyful and unforgettable moment that perfectly reflected Dick's enduring spirit, loyalty, and love for Montana State football. 

Dick's greatest and most meaningful contribution to the Billings community was the vision and realization of the SBURA Recreation and Ice Center, located in the south area of Billings adjacent to Amend Park. This multi-generational facility was Dick's dream. For more than five years, he worked tirelessly as a consultant to SBURA, advocating for a recreation center designed to serve families, youth, and future generations while integrating seamlessly with the surrounding park and athletic spaces. He believed deeply in creating a place that brought people together-indoors and out-through sport, recreation, and community connection. Dick followed the project closely, often driving by the site daily, sometimes twice a day, simply to watch the progress unfold. The ice is scheduled to open in June. While Dick will not be here to see the finished facility, this project stands as his proudest accomplishment and a lasting testament to his vision, perseverance, and love for the Billings community. 

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Katherine Zier; his sister, Shirley Johnson; his brother-in-law, Hank Smith; and his beloved nephew, Bill Smith. 

He is survived by his sister, Gerry Smith; his 7 children and 15 grandchildren: Sylvia (Clay) Crocker - Cole; Jennifer (Mitch) Jorgensen - Skylar, Reeves & Maddux; Staci (Douglas) Caviness - Alex & Carter Obie; Ryan (Jennifer) Zier - Lily, Zoe, & Mya; Kyle (Rebecca) Schlichenmayer - Jackson & Nora; Zach (Christine) Swan - Hudson & Brecken; and Brittani (Devan) Hoiness - Parker & Sutton. His newfound love, Jody Lafko, family and her sweet granddaughter Bella. 

Dick lived fully, loved deeply, and believed in showing up-for his family, his community, and any cause that needed a steady hand. His legacy is one of leadership, service, and connection, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center in Billings, Montana. The service will be livestreamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/dick-ziers-celebration-of-life-qcdwucrupza6lia4nfxo

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the DZ Memorial Account to go towards funding sports for kids.  Online donations can be made at paypal.me/dickziermemorial or by check to: DZ Memorial, 5226 Bell Ave, Billings, MT 59106.