In the presence of his family and friends, Richard “Dick” Parks Schleicher, who was 78 years old and lived in Park Rapids, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at his residence. Pingree, North Dakota was the location of Dick Schleicher’s birth on March 21, 1934. His parents were Harry and Freda (Parks) Schleicher. Prior to graduating from Crookston Agricultural College, he received his high school diploma from Frazee High School. It was in the autumn of 1951 when he enlisted in the Air Force.
It was during a dance in Wolf Lake that he first met the woman who would become the love of his life, Hazel (Suvanto). He winked at her in exchange for her attention. At Bethany Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake, Minnesota, on June 7, 1993, they exchanged their vows and became husband and wife. Paula, Richard Jr., Brian, Rhonda, and Eric were the five children that were born to them together as a result of their marriage. Following their wedding,
Dick and Hazel relocated to Bryan Air Force Base, which is located in the state of Texas. He spent twenty-two years serving his country. During his time in the United States Air Force, he worked as a mechanic on B52 bombers. He eventually rose through the ranks to become a first sergeant and served in Vietnam for a year before retiring. He received a discharge with honour in the year 1973. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he established Schleicher’s Steak House in Nevis,
Minnesota, which was the beginning of a great number of connections that would last a lifetime. Dick and Hazel took great pleasure in providing their family and friends with delicious meals and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
By opening the Steak House whenever it was requested, they were always eager to demonstrate to their consumers that they were willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of business. It was not just at home that Dick enjoyed grilling, but he also enjoyed doing it at the cabin. Even most recently, he entertained the nurses who were caring for him with his never-ending stream of jokes.
He enjoyed playing games such as dice and cards, and he entertained many people with his never-ending flow of jokes. The many different kinds of native birds that came to eat from his birdfeeders in Minnesota were something that he enjoyed observing.
For the most part, he volunteered his time for organisations such as the American Legion and the Eagles Club in Park Rapids, as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Wolf Lake. He was well-known for the corn beef and cabbage supper that he prepared every year on St Patrick’s Day.
