Richard "Rich" J. Holland

Richard Joseph Holland, age 86, passed away peacefully at home in Casper Wyoming on May 21, 2026. He was born on April 5, 1940, in Butte, Montana, and lived a life marked by faith, hard work, love, and devotion to his family and friends.

Rich was the beloved son of Richard “Dick” Holland and Gertrude (Stephens). He grew up on The Anaconda Road in Butte Montana, with his sisters, Monica “Monnie” and Cecilia “Lee.” He was raised in the Irish Catholic faith and attended Butte Central Catholic School during his childhood. After high school, Rich worked at Hennessy’s Department Store as a delivery driver. In 1962, he enlisted in the United States Army, he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, where he proudly served his country until 1968.

On June 13, 1966, Richard married the love of his life, Carol Ann Aho. Together they built a life filled with dedication, perseverance, and love for their family. They welcomed two children, Steven and Connie. Their hobbies were traveling together, square dancing and league bowling.

Rich worked for Anaconda Mining Company in Butte, where he learned the trade of an electrician. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Big Butte Fire Department.

When the mines in Butte were shut down in 1982, Richard moved his family to Fort Peck, Montana, where he worked at the Fort Peck Dam and Power Plant. In 1985, the family relocated to Casper, Wyoming, where Richard began working for the United States Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), retiring in 1991. Following retirement, he devoted his time to driving for the Casper Troopers and Head Start programs. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and the American Legion. His strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his loved ones remained evident throughout his life.

Rich had a lifelong appreciation for cars, especially classic cars, a passion that grew over the years. In 1985, he purchased a 1929 Model A pickup truck, the first in what became his treasured collection of classic vehicles. These cars brought him immense pride and happiness throughout his life.

Rich was a proud grandfather to Joseph, Nathan, and Lindsey, and a loving great-grandfather to (6) great-grandchildren. His family was one of the greatest joys of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Rich will be remembered for his wisdom, quiet strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his family. He touched countless lives through his kindness, resilience, and the example he set for those around him. He is deeply missed and will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Rich is survived by his wife, Carol Holland; his children, Steven Holland (Donna), and Connie Richardson (James); his grandchildren, Joseph Richardson (Aubree), Nathan, and Lindsey Richardson; and his great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Rylan, Morgan, Dallis, Kaiden, and Klaus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard “Dick” and Gertrude Holland; his sisters, Monica Driscoll, and Cecilia Erlandson; his brothers-in-law, Jack Driscoll, and Ronald Erlandson; and his son-in-law, Shawn Richardson.

To honor Rich’s memory, the family asks that contributions be made to the American Legion in lieu of flowers.

The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026 at Bustard's Funeral Home. Pastor Dan Odell will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery.