March 12, 1919 – February 24, 2011
Dick was born in Colman, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He attended Brookings State College in South Dakota for one year. During World War II Dick served in Australia and New Guinea in an Army Finance Corps responsible for payroll. Throughout life, he remained fond of the people he served with and the places where he served during the War.
Dick returned from WWII to Watertown, South Dakota, where he met Gladys, who was working as a nurse. They married in 1947, and moved to Arlington SD, where Dick and his Dad owned and operated a retail lumber yard. In 1956 Dick decided to look for opportunities in Washington State. This decision changed their lives. With four kids and no job, Dick and Gladys uprooted themselves, and moved far from anyone they knew. In their later years, they were glad that they found the courage to make this change. He worked at the Preston Mill for 20 years, where he managed the office. Dick and Gladys raised their six kids in Bellevue, and were proud to see all of them graduate from college.
Dick loved many things: Travelling, driving, practical jokes, sweets of all kinds, solving math problems in his head, playing with his grandkids, coffee, popcorn, Ole and Lena jokes, being with Gladys, going out to eat, keeping squirrels out of his walnut tree, playing Acey Deucey, getting checks in the mail, having money in his pocket, teasing and being teased, and family get-togethers.
Dick is survived by his wife Gladys, and his six children: Arthur (Sharon), Mary Gibson (Dave), Donald (Michellene), Jane, Richard (Roseann Martinez), Christine (Gary Patterson). He is also survived by six grandchildren (the pall bearers), and two great grandchildren. Memorial donations can be made to Cross of Christ Tanzania Endowment Fund or Trinity Lutheran College Intercultural Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Bellevue, Washington.
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