RICHARD “DICK” PARKS SCHLEICHER
March 21, 1934 ~ July 11, 2012

Richard “Dick” Parks Schleicher, age 78 of Park Rapids, MN passed away on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Dick was born on March 21, 1934 in Pingree, North Dakota to Harry and Freda (Parks) Schleicher. He attended Frazee High School and graduated from Crookston Agricultural College. He joined the Air force in the fall of 1951. He met the love of his life Hazel (Suvanto) at a dance in Wolf Lake, where he winked at her to get her attention. They were united in marriage on June 7, l953 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake, MN. Their marriage was blessed with five children: Paula, Richard Jr., Brian, Rhonda and Eric. After they were married Dick and Hazel moved to the Bryan Air Force Base in Texas. He served his country for 22 years. In the United States Air Force he was a Mechanic on the B52 bombers and was promoted to 1st Sergeant where he served one year in Vietnam, before retiring. He was honorably discharged in 1973. After retiring from the Air Force he started the Schleicher’s Steak House in Nevis, MN where many long lasting friendships were started. Dick and Hazel enjoyed serving family and friends with their good cooking and warm hospitality. They were always willing to display their self sacrificing spirit to their customers by opening the Steak House at any time when called upon. Dick’s love for grilling extended to the cabin as well as at home. He loved playing games: such as dice and cards and entertained many with his never ending flow of jokes, even most recently with the nurses who took care of him. He loved watching the variety of Minnesota native birds that came to eat out of his birdfeeders. The majority of his time was spent volunteering for the VFW in Wolf Lake, the Eagles Club and American Legion in Park Rapids. He was famous for his annual St. Patrick’s Day corn beef and cabbage meal.
He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his Wife Hazel; children: Rick (Annie),
Brian (Patsy), Rhonda (Jim) and Eric; son-in-law, Chuck; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Mary Lou; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his daughter Paula, his parents, 3 brothers and 1 sister.
Visitation will be held from 6PM to 8 PM Friday, July 13th at the Jones Pearson Funeral Home, Park Rapids. Funeral Service 7:30 P.M.Saturday, July 14th at Calvary Lutheran Church in Parks Rapids, with visitation ½ an hour prior to service. Pastor Stephen Norby will be officiating. Interment at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, Wolf Lake, MN.