Richard D. Pampuch, age 80 of Olivia, MN and Mesa, AZ passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 25, 2017 while wintering in Arizona. A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 12th at the Roseland Reformed Church, Roseland, MN. A Burial Blessing will be 1:30 Saturday, May 13th at Isanti Union Cemetery Isanti, MN.
Dick was born September 20, 1936 in Winona, MN to Thomas & Veronica Pampuch. Dick grew up in Winona, one of ten siblings. He was baptized and raised in the Catholic faith. Dick attended Winona High School. Dick served 2 years in the United States Army. In 1959 Dick was united in married to Gladys Semling to which 4 children were born. Dale (Jane Dube) Pampuch, Susan (William) Sullivan, Don (Lisa) Pampuch, and Sandra (Dennis) Ostrom. Together they raised their family in Richfield, Apple Valley and Isanti, MN. Gladys passed away in 1990 after a long battle with lung fibrosis.
Dick was an over the road truck driver, member of the Teamsters Union, and farmer. Dick was blessed with a second chance at love when he met and married Vera Damhof, a widow herself. Dick & Vera enjoyed driving truck together, dancing, golfing, fishing, and visiting their many friends and extended family, including Vera’s 6 children: Keith (Debbie Knudson) Damhof, Kenten (Joyce) Damhof, Kyle (Linda) Damhof, Kristi (Bryan) Caspers, Konnie (Willem) DeKlerk, & Korine (Rick) Sommers. When they retired, they enjoyed many winters in Arizona. Dick & Vera built many friendships everywhere they traveled. Dick would tell many great stories of Winona, Fountain City, small town and farm life. Dick was quite the handy man and had ‘a lot’ of tools for which he helped many with decks, remodel projects and whatever else someone needed a helping hand and a power tool. Dick was the pitcher on the softball team, and quite proud of the many strikeouts he had. Dick really enjoyed people and being active. He always had a smile and a joke or story to tell. He got a kick out of his Colonel Sanders look alike, loved helping people, and driving beet truck.
Dick passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 25, 2017 while wintering in Arizona at the age of 80 years. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gladys, his parents, and sisters and brothers-in-law; Toni & Dick Pozanc, Nancy Rusin, Jim Watkowski, Glen Gappa & Ken Krull, and sister-in-law Lyla Porter.
Dick is survived by his wife, Vera, of 25 years, his 4 children and 6 step children, 22 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, his brothers and sisters Patricia Watkowski, Ruth Gappa, Jerry (Mary), Ron (Sheryl Miller), Jim (Diane), Roger (Linda Swenson), and Diane Krull; In-laws, Esther (Clarence) Beckmann & Dale (Diane) Koenen, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family & friends.