­Richard “Dick” Stassen, age 86 died Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Franklin Restorative Care Center. Services will be held at a later date.  Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Richard Joseph Stassen was born October 26, 1936 in Grandview Township, one mile south of Ghent, Minnesota, to Joseph John and Clara Marie (Wambeke) Stassen. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent, MN. He attended St. Eloi School through the eighth grade. Richard served in the National Guard from 1954 to 1962. He worked on the family farm and also did custom work until 1960 when he was employed by Direckx Hardware in Ghent. A few years later, he started a farm tiling business which he operated until his retirement. Richard entered Prairie View Senior Living in August 2012 where he resided until he was moved to Franklin Restorative Care Center in the fall of 2022. He was never married and had no children, but he loved being around children, especially his nieces and nephews. Richard was very active and enjoyed roller skating, water skiing, golfing, and camping with them.

He is survived by his siblings: Francis (Betty) Stassen of Tracy, Kathleen Bogatzki of Bertha, MN, Suzanne (Donald) Decrock of Minneota, MN, and Marianne (Richard) McDonnel of Mesa, AZ; and 14 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, three infant siblings, and brother-in-law Ervin Bogatzki.

Lord support us all the day long of this troubled life.
Until the shadows lengthen and evening comes
and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over.
Then of Thy great mercy, grant us a safe journey, holy rest and peace at the last. Amen.

Those we hold most dear
never truly leave us…
They live on in the kindnesses they showed,
The comfort they shared
And the love they brought into our lives.
-Isabel Norton

Blossoms are scattered by the wind
and the wind cares nothing
but the blossoms of the heart
no wind can touch.
-Yoshida Kenko