Dick Huempfner, age 79 of Isanti, died at his home on September 19, 2020 after a brief fight with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Judi. A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 1, 2020 At Strike Life Tributes in Isanti.
Richard Austin Huempfner was born September 2, 1941 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Austin and Marvel (Dworshak) Huempfner. Dick graduated from Two Rivers High School in 1959. He married the love of his life Judi (Luchterhand) in August 1966. He graduated University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1967 with a BS in Wildlife Management/Biology. Together they moved to Fridley, MN to attend graduate school at the University of Minnesota where he earned his Masters in Wildlife Biology. Dick started as an intern at Cedar Creek Natural History Area in Bethel, MN and continued his research involving Winter Habitat of Ruffed Grouse using Radio Telemetry. In 1981, Dick and friends started Advanced Telemetry Systems in Isanti, MN where he remained and flourished until retirement in 2010. Dick enjoyed his retirement hunting, fishing, traveling and woodworking.
Dick passed away peacefully at home on September 19, 2020 at the age of 79 on one of his favorite days of the year, opening hunting season on Ruffed Grouse. He succumbed after a short battle with liver cancer. He is survived by his wife, Judi of 54 years of Isanti, MN and two brothers, Gary and Tom of Manitowac, WI. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Austin and Marvel. A special thank you to the wonderful hospice nursing staff.
There will be a memorial at Cedar Creek Natural History Area Spring 2021.
Oh Judi I feel so bad. I delivered ups to Dick at cedar creek and advanced telemetry and lastly you your home. He was a great man and lived by many.
I’ll never forget the first time I met you two at DJ’s Grill House back in 2006 and then again at hunting banquets. I loved watching Dick and Bob race to answer the trivia questions at the V. Dick was an outgoing and generous man with a fantastic smile; there is no one else like him. We have many of his fantastic woodworking items throughout our home to remember him by. He will be missed. Hugs to you Judi. Love, Jess and Bob
So sorry to hear. I always enjoyed talking with Dick out in the field and at the RGS and PF events. You always could count on learning something. All of our best from our family.
Dear Judi,
Dick was an amazing human, and the two of you had a special chemistry. I loved how you always had fun together.
He had such a generous heart and always wanted you honored above all.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, as learning to live without him will be challenging.
Lots of Love,
Susan Morris
Dear Judi
It’s hard for me to know what to say at this moment, but I do know that I remember all the great times I was able to spend with the both of you. He was generous of spirit, in all things.
I have always admired the warmth and camaraderie of your relationship. I know you will miss him, and so will I.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Mark
Dear Judi,
Woody and I are very sorry to hear of Dick’s passing away. He will be missed at the Cousin’s Reunion in Manitowoc. Woody and I will be reminded of Dick when we see the beautifully crafted wooden ducks that dot our home. Also the lovely layered wood boxes that he gave to all the cousins at our summer get togethers. He was a generous soul and will be missed.
Love,
Diane and Woody
So sorry to hear. I will miss Dick. I really enjoyed his tour of his wood shop and his visit to Cedar Creek.
Judi, my Richard & I wish we could be with you at this time. But know we are with You in heart & spirit.
Oh the great times we had with “Cousin Parties”, visits, campfires, chicken at Grandy’s. Our memories will always keep Dick in our heart
How high’s the water Mama?
Love always, cousin Betty & Dick
I am so very sorry for your loss Judi. I have no words. I loved getting to see you again when I was working at Coborns. I will be praying for you.
All of us at Cedar Creek will miss Dick. Personally, I am grateful for the many opportunities we had to connect in recent years, and for Dick’s many scientific contributions throughout his career, which have greatly increased understanding of birds and other wildlife.
Sending thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to you Judi. We wish we would be with you during this difficult time. Dick, we love you and will miss you. We will find comfort in all the wonderful memories we have of you.
Love,
Alan, Darlene, Craig, Cheri, Chris and Devin
A JOURNEY REMEMEBERED
As some people journey through life they leave footprints wherever they go -footprints of kindness and love – courage and compassion-humor and inspiration-joy and faith. Even when they’re gone we can still look back and clearly see the trail they left behind a trail bright with hope that invites us to follow.
Judi, I’m so sorry for you loss. You guys were a big part of my life growing up. Dick was another father to me. He taught me how to hunt, fish, drive a boat, spilt wood building that road to the the future cabin, And many other things. He had a big part in molding me into the person I am today. As time went on our families went on to their own agendas but I for one never forgot the Bond My Dad and Dick had. They were one heck of a team in the woods against them Grouse and Woodcock. They are now together once again chasing grouse together. I’m sure also trying to invent a way to hunt snipe in Carlos Avery as well. Dick was a very smart talented man, especially with his wood shop. He will be greatly lost. Unfortunately I am not able to be there Thursday. Please inform me when the Cedar Creek Memorial will be. Love you!!
Hello Judi,
Over the last fifteen years I’ve had fun working with, and knowing Dick, through ATS. Although, I am sure you had more fun with him than I did! I am sorry for your loss, and wish you the best. I hope to run into you again soon at the grocery store to compare baskets, like we have over these many years, and I am sorry I was not able to make it to the memorial.
Wishing you happier days,
Joe Allen
Judi,
I am so very sorry for your loss. May your memories remain until you are together again.
Lifting you up in prayer.
Beth Erickson (Hannah LaRowe’s mom)