Richard Dys

A memorial gathering and luncheon with family and friends will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 12 noon - 3pm at St. Wenceslaus Hall at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Jackson, Minnesota. Family burial will be in the Spring, 2025.

Richard John Dys, only son of John and Clara (Witte ) Dys was born on August 31, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois and passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 3, 2024 at his home in Spirit Lake, Iowa. 

Richard grew up in the Chicago area and attended Proviso West High School in Hillside, Illinois, where he was mentored in printing and aviation. Following high school, Dick went to work for Howell Tractor Company where they sent him to school for diesel repair which led him into a career as a diesel mechanic.

When interstate 90 was being built during the 60's and 70's, Richard worked on the interstate until he fell in love with and settled in the town of Jackson, Minnesota. This is where he met Janet, the love of his life. They were married on July 1, 1978, and enjoyed a full life together. Dick worked at Ag Chem Equipment company for 25 years until his retirement in 1999. He was an avid fisherman and loved to fish in Canada and all of the lakes around Spirit Lake and the Jackson area. He loved to travel, go to casinos, attend concerts and most of all spend time with his family and friends. He was loved by all who met him, including dogs and cats, but he had a special bond with all the neighborhood squirrels, hating them with love and watching them with amusement as they antagonize each other endlessly. He was great for entertaining everyone with his fascinating life stories and events. This among his many other traits will be terribly missed. 

Richard leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Janet; children, Richard Dys, John (Eva) Dys, Scherrie (Bob) Buczko, Robert Dys, Lisa (Brian) Te Slaa and Verna (John) Rutiaga; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. A special bond was had by Richard with his fur babies, Luna and Kenai.

Preceding him in death were his parents and grandparents. Blessed be the memory of Richard Dys.