Thief River Falls – Rev. Richard David Lambert, affectionately known as Father Rick, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND, at the age of 72.
Born on August 19, 1953, in Fosston, he was the beloved son of Walter J. Lambert and Evelyn S. (Voxland) Lambert. He was raised near Oklee and various areas in Northern Minnesota.
From a very young age, Father Rick knew he was called to the priesthood. His sense of vocation was unwavering, and it shaped the course of his life with clarity and purpose.
He graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1972, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Thomas College (St. John Vianney Seminary), and continued his theological studies at the St. Paul Seminary. He was ordained into the priesthood on May 24, 1980, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, beginning a lifelong journey of spiritual service and pastoral care that spanned 45 years.
Father Rick began his ministry as Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart in East Grand Forks (1980–1981) and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moorhead (1981–1983), where he served with humility and dedication before reaching pastor status. He then led St. Stephen Church in Stephen (1983–1987) and Assumption Catholic Church in Florian (1984–1987). From 1987 to 1993, he was pastor of St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Bemidji, ministering also to Sacred Heart in Wilton and the Newman Center in Bemidji (1990–1993). From 1993 to 1997, he served as pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fosston, with mission responsibilities at St. Joseph’s in Bagley and Our Lady of Victory in Shevlin. From 1997 to 2009, he led St. Michael’s Church in Mahnomen and its mission parish, St. Joseph’s in Beaulieu.
In 2009, Father Rick became pastor of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, where he served with devotion and grace. During this time, he also ministered to St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Goodridge and St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Grygla (2010–2015). In 2023, he entered Senior Priest status, continuing to serve the Church with wisdom and humility in retirement.
Throughout his ministry, Father Rick was a passionate advocate for Catholic education. He served the Catholic schools affiliated with St. Philip’s in Bemidji, St. Michael’s in Mahnomen, and most recently, St. Bernard’s in Thief River Falls, with deep commitment and joy—nurturing generations of students in faith, character, and community.
In his pastoral and priestly life, Father Rick was a remarkable shepherd—faithfully guiding and serving his parish families with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. His ministerial presence was a source of strength and inspiration, nurturing the spiritual growth of those he served and helping build communities rooted in faith, hope, and love.
Father Rick also had a unique gift for leading church and school families through building and remodeling projects. With a blend of liturgical training, practical insight and heartfelt care, he transformed physical spaces into sacred places where faith could flourish and fellowship could thrive.
He is survived by his siblings: Jim Lambert of Thief River Falls; Carolyn Bidleman of Seattle, WA; Irene (Harley) Danielson of Fargo, ND; and Kay Lambert of Moorhead. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, and a devoted community of parish members who were blessed by his spiritual leadership, friendship, and unwavering care.
Father Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Evelyn Lambert; his sister, Pat Ueland; and his sister-in-law, Carol Lambert.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. Interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will take place from 4–6 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, with a prayer service at 6 p.m. Additionally, visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass on Friday at the church.
Father Rick’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the churches and schools he helped shape, and the enduring spirit of service he exemplified.
May he rest in peace – good and faithful servant of God.
Memorials are suggested to the Father Rick Lambert Memorial Scholarship at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.
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Rev. Richard “Father Rick” Lambert, 72
