Richard "Dick" West
d. October 13, 2023
Richard West, age 76, passed away Friday, October 13, 2023, at Avera Hospital in Granite Falls. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 6th from 4 to 7 pm at the Wing-Bain Funeral Home in Granite Falls.
Richard David West was born on August 1, 1947, to Woodrow & Evelyn West. He was baptized & confirmed at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Granite Falls, MN. He attended school in Granite Falls, MN & joined the National Guard during his senior year of Highschool, which he served 6 years.
On April 8, 1969, Richard became a father to his first child, his son, Todd Rikke.
Richard was united in marriage to Robin (Wasmund) in January of 1973 in Clear Lake, SD. His career in the railroad spanned nearly 40 years as a Track Maintenance Engineer and Section Foreman with The Milwaukee Road Railroad, Soo Line & CP Rail.
Richard and Robin welcomed 3 children into the world. Hilka was born May 1, 1973, Ben was born May 14, 1974, and their youngest, Mandy was born September 6, 1980.
Richard's early years were dedicated to working on his family's farm, where he learned the value of hard work. At the same time, he had a passion for fast cars and never missed an opportunity for a little mischief. However, Richard's true happiness lay in fishing and hunting, where he could explore the wilderness and the natural beauty of his surroundings. Throughout his life, he participated in numerous fishing tournaments, and his collection of "big fish" stories was unparalleled. He also enjoyed tinkering with fishing reels, rods, lures, and anything else he could get his hands on.
Not only was he an avid collector, but Richard also loved to share his treasures with friends and family, earning himself the nickname of a real-life Santa Claus all year round. His enthusiasm extended to auctions, sales, and shopping, which he saw as exciting treasure hunts.
Richard was a man of many talents and roles: an artist at heart, an engineer, inventor, outdoorsman, dreamer, storyteller, loving husband, devoted father, grandpa, and so much more.
Richard is survived by his wife Robin, children: Hilka (Rigdon) Irvin, Benjamin West, Mandy West & Todd Rikke. Siblings: Butch (Nancy) West, Mary (Fred) Hamacher, Susan Ryan and Cheryl West. Grandchildren: Jerrika Longueville, Kristian Meyer, Alex Christensen, Emma West, Jasmyne Jacobsen, Abby Gremmels, Justin Rikke, Samantha Rikke, Logan Rikke, Conner Rikke & (grandchild by choice) Alex Heggestad, 7 great grandchildren (with one on the way), several nieces, nephews, cousins; and dear, longtime friends, Joe & Deb Riley
Richard is preceded in death by his father, Woodrow West; mother, Evelyn West; sister, Margo Grahams; brother, Ronnie West; granddaughter, Ariel Malone.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are respectfully requested to the following organizations: Living at Home/Block Nurse Program of Granite Falls, Granite Falls Fire Department and Women’s Rural Advocacy Program of Yellow Medicine County.
Richard David West was born on August 1, 1947, to Woodrow & Evelyn West. He was baptized & confirmed at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Granite Falls, MN. He attended school in Granite Falls, MN & joined the National Guard during his senior year of Highschool, which he served 6 years.
On April 8, 1969, Richard became a father to his first child, his son, Todd Rikke.
Richard was united in marriage to Robin (Wasmund) in January of 1973 in Clear Lake, SD. His career in the railroad spanned nearly 40 years as a Track Maintenance Engineer and Section Foreman with The Milwaukee Road Railroad, Soo Line & CP Rail.
Richard and Robin welcomed 3 children into the world. Hilka was born May 1, 1973, Ben was born May 14, 1974, and their youngest, Mandy was born September 6, 1980.
Richard's early years were dedicated to working on his family's farm, where he learned the value of hard work. At the same time, he had a passion for fast cars and never missed an opportunity for a little mischief. However, Richard's true happiness lay in fishing and hunting, where he could explore the wilderness and the natural beauty of his surroundings. Throughout his life, he participated in numerous fishing tournaments, and his collection of "big fish" stories was unparalleled. He also enjoyed tinkering with fishing reels, rods, lures, and anything else he could get his hands on.
Not only was he an avid collector, but Richard also loved to share his treasures with friends and family, earning himself the nickname of a real-life Santa Claus all year round. His enthusiasm extended to auctions, sales, and shopping, which he saw as exciting treasure hunts.
Richard was a man of many talents and roles: an artist at heart, an engineer, inventor, outdoorsman, dreamer, storyteller, loving husband, devoted father, grandpa, and so much more.
Richard is survived by his wife Robin, children: Hilka (Rigdon) Irvin, Benjamin West, Mandy West & Todd Rikke. Siblings: Butch (Nancy) West, Mary (Fred) Hamacher, Susan Ryan and Cheryl West. Grandchildren: Jerrika Longueville, Kristian Meyer, Alex Christensen, Emma West, Jasmyne Jacobsen, Abby Gremmels, Justin Rikke, Samantha Rikke, Logan Rikke, Conner Rikke & (grandchild by choice) Alex Heggestad, 7 great grandchildren (with one on the way), several nieces, nephews, cousins; and dear, longtime friends, Joe & Deb Riley
Richard is preceded in death by his father, Woodrow West; mother, Evelyn West; sister, Margo Grahams; brother, Ronnie West; granddaughter, Ariel Malone.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are respectfully requested to the following organizations: Living at Home/Block Nurse Program of Granite Falls, Granite Falls Fire Department and Women’s Rural Advocacy Program of Yellow Medicine County.
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