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Niles Richard "Dick" Wedge Obituary

Niles Richard “Dick” Wedge, 80, of Lake City, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Lake City Hospital, after a two-year battle with cancer,.
    He was born Oct. 6, 1935 in Rochester to Niles A. and Josephine (Clay) Wedge.  
    Dick graduated from Zumbrota High School in 1953 and received a bachelor's degree in business from Carleton College in Northfield in 1957.  He married Ruth Reppe in 1961 and enjoyed many happy years in Zumbrota.  As a member of the National Guard, he served his country for six years.  Dick and his brother, Jim, owned the family business, Wedge Lumber Company, in Zumbrota.  Following his career in the lumber business, he used his knowledge to further his career learning computer-aided drafting.  He and Ruth moved to Florida where he worked as an autoCAD draftsman for 10 years.  In 1997, they returned to Minnesota to be involved in their children and grandchildren’s lives.  Dick continued his drafting business in Willmar, Hutchinson, and most recently Lake City, where he enjoyed this work until his cancer diagnosis.
    In high school, Dick was active in football, basketball, and baseball. He was also a proud Eagle Scout, which shaped his way of living. He loved outdoor activities including canoe trips to the Boundary Waters, fishing, and spending time at his family cabin. He took care of the “girls” in his life, always putting them first.  He was equally proud of his grandchildren and sons-in-law and deeply involved in their lives. He served his community by being active in Kiwanis and volunteered his time at First Lutheran Church.
    We will remember Dick’s quiet strength, positive energy, and humble presence.  He loved unconditionally and has been a role model to his family and friends.
    Dick is survived by his wife, Ruth; two daughters, Carrie (Mike) Griebenow, Lake City and Anne (Jeff) Solberg, Zumbrota; son in-law, Steve Jacobs of Kerrville, Texas; five grandchildren Kevin, Kiah, Zach, Ben, Jake; a brother, Jim (Sue) Wedge of Zumbrota; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. Dick was preceded in death by one daughter, Gina Jo (Wedge) Jacobs, and his parents, Niles and Josephine (Clay) Wedge.
    A memorial service will be Saturday, March 5, 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Lake City with Revs. Tim Ehling and Duane Holst co-officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at the Zumbrota Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, March 4, from 4  p.m. to 7  p.m. at First Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
    Dick’s young friend, Matteo, who has autism, was an influential spiritual force in Dick’s life over the last few months.  Memorials can be given to the Matteo Musso Autism Therapy Fund which will further develop his special gifts. Memorials can be sent to 4339 Rutgers Court, Livermore, CA, 94550. Memorials can also be given to First Lutheran Church in Lake City, United Redeemer Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, or First Congregational Church in Zumbrota.
    Online condolences can be sent to http://www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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ISSN 2994-1059 (print)  ISSN 2994-1067 (online)