Leo Dick Obituary

Leo A. Dick, 90, a lifelong resident of Wabasha, died Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at St. Elizabeth’s Nursing Home in Wabasha.  
    He was born Sept. 7, 1925, one of 11 children born to Andrew and Mary (Theismann) Dick.  Leo was a graduate of St. Felix High School.  He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps serving in the Pacific Ocean Theater and helping to liberate the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific during WWII.  Following his discharge he returned to Wabasha.  He married Lucille Hielscher July 20, 1948 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Red Wing.  He worked as a depot agent for the Milwaukee Railroad for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1985.
    He was a member of St. Felix Catholic Church, the Wabasha American Legion Post 50 and the Burkhardt-Roemer VFW Post 4086.  He was instrumental in developing and operating Little Squaw Valley ski hill in rural Wabasha.  He was also a past Wabasha Boy Scout leader, a member of the Wabasha Rod and Gun Club and a long time gun safety instructor.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing in his younger years, and the outdoors in general.  He especially loved taking walks and spending time with his dogs.  He and his family spent a good deal of time at their cabin at Whitewater State Park enjoying their time together and the outdoors.  Leo also enjoyed collecting and reading cook books.
    He is survived by his wife, Lucille Dick, Wabasha; nine children, Jim (Judy) Dick, Minnetonka, Bill Dick (Barb), Winona, Jeani (David) Wodele, Wabasha, Ken (Diane) Dick, Rochester, Marilyn Dick (John), St. Louis Park, Marie (Phil) Hendel, St. Louis Park, and Dan (Jayne) Dick, Glen (Cheri) Dick and David (Amy) Dick, all of Wabasha; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ervin Dick, Lake City and Ed (Shirley) Dick, Eagan; sisters-in-law, Eleanore Dick and Sharron Dick, both of Wabasha; sister, Marne Lager, Wabasha; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by brothers and sisters-in-law, Dennis Dick, Tom Dick, Robert and Lucille Dick, John and Mildred Dick, Don “Swede” Dick, and Grace Dick; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Vera and George Hielscher, Frances and Ed Lager and Harry Lager.
     A memorial mass will be Tuesday, March 29, at 11 a.m. at St. Felix Catholic Church in Wabasha with the Rev. Msgr. Robert Meyer officiating.  Interment is in St. Felix Cemetery.  Military rites were performed by the Wabasha American Legion and VFW Posts and the Minnesota Army Reserve National Guard (MNARNG) Honor Guard.  Family and friends can call at the Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha on Monday, March 28, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 8 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday one hour before the mass.  
    Memorials are preferred to St. Elizabeth’s Community Development Foundation, 1200 5th Grant Blvd. W., Wabasha, MN  55981 or to St. Felix Auditorium Restroom Renovation Fund, 117 3rd St. W., Wabasha, MN  55981.  
    The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements.  www.abbottfh.com