Richard G. Fleck
Richard G. Fleck
Richard G. Fleck, 81, Minot, ND, died Monday, August 8, 2011, in a Minot nursing home.
Richard G. “Dick” Fleck was born August 6, 1930, the seventh child of Fred and Edith (Obert) Fleck in Selz, ND. He was raised and educated in Rugby, where he was active in all types of school activities and athletics. He received a sports scholarship and attended the Fargo Agricultural College (NDSU).
Dick then enlisted in the United States Navy on August 29, 1950. He proudly served his country aboard the U.S.S. Rodman (DMS 21), positioned in the Mediterranean Sea. He earned the rank of Electrician Mate, 3rd Class and was honorably discharged in 1954. Dick continued to be active in the Navy by attending numerous ship reunions throughout the country.
Dick was united in marriage to Irene Bickler on June 7, 1955, in Rugby, ND, where he worked as a printer for the Pierce County Tribune. To this union three children were born. In 1963, the family moved to Minot, where Dick began working for the Minot Daily News as a journeyman printer. Irene passed away August 22, 1985.
Dick then married LouAnn (Lorenz) Simon on June 23, 1990. Dick’s family grew to include LouAnn’s two children. Dick retired from the Minot Daily News in 1991, allowing them to enjoy the 2009 winter in Texas.
Hunting, fishing and camping were lifelong enjoyments. He was always ready with a story of the latest catch. In addition, he belonged to numerous organizations over his lifetime including the Minot Gun Club, Eagles, Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. Dick was a participating member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church and Little Flower Catholic Church as an usher, member of the choir and lay minister.
Dick’s interest in athletics carried into his adult years, where he served as a basketball referee. In all his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments, he was always in attendance and their biggest supporter. Most recently, Dick and his cowboy hat could be found at his grandchildren’s rodeos all over North Dakota, including National Finals in Gallup, New Mexico.
His loving family includes: wife, LouAnn, Minot; children, Cynthia and Jeffrey Thomas, Hazen, ND, and their children, Erin, Michael, and Megan; Debbie and Rob Paschal, St. Charles, IL, and their son, Alex; Thomas and Carole Fleck, Woodbury, MN, and their sons, Christopher and Benjamin; Scott Simon, Minneapolis, MN; Shelly (Simon) and Jerry Peterson, Minot, ND, and their children, Seth and Brooke; sisters, Alice Streitz, Mt. Vernon, WA, Lorraine McQuade, Tacoma, WA; sister-in-law, Marliss Fleck, Minot, ND; brother-in-law, George Meacham, Seattle, WA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Dicks extended family includes special friends, Jerry “Doc” and Sandi Taft, and his many hunting and fishing buddies.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Irene; siblings, Fern, Glenn, Jeanette, Russell, Dewey, William.
Funeral services were held Friday, August 12, 2011, at Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot.
Interment was in Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.
Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).
Arrangements by Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.