Richard “Dick” Atkins age 75 of Wabasso passed away Thursday, October 17, 2013 at the Golden Living Center in Wabasso with his wife by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 22 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wabasso.

Visitation is 4:00-8:00 p.m. Monday at the church with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.  Interment is in St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Richard “Dick” Martin Atkins was born on December 6, 1937 in Redwood Falls, MN to William and Thelma (Goche) Atkins.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Seaforth.  He grew up on the family farm near Seaforth and attended school there through the 8th grade.  Dick then worked on the farms of his parents, grandparents, and uncle, and in construction.  When he was 19 he joined the National Guard and continued working in construction until February 1965 when he purchased the Hotel Bar in Wabasso.  On July 24, 1965 Dick was united in marriage with Carol Jenniges at St. Mathias Church in Wanda.  In June 1966 they moved the bar across the street to the old Bertha Shottenbauer building and it became Dick’s Bar which he and Carol owned and operated for 32 years.  In 1997 he sold the bar and retired, choosing to spend more time at the lake.  Dick was a member of the Wabasso Commercial Club all of his years in business, served on the Wabasso Fire Department for 22 years, and was a charter member of the Wabasso Lions Club until his death.  In his younger years Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, and ice fishing.  He passed these hobbies on to his son making a hunter and fisherman out of him.  Dick enjoyed all of his years at Thor’s campground on Lake Villard with his dog Cody at his side, making many wonderful new friends, assisting with the upkeep of the campground, and working on numerous construction projects.  Over the past five years his greatest joy was spending time with and spoiling his grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol; son Ryan (Jessica) Atkins of Eagan, grandchildren: Avery and Isaac Atkins; siblings: Rosemary MacHolda of Redwood Falls, Donald (Marilyn) Atkins of Ingleside, TX, Clarence Atkins of Spicer, and Norman (Carolyn) Atkins of Bloomington; and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents William and Thelma Atkins, infant brother Ronald Atkins, parents-in-law Aloysius and Elizabeth Jenniges, sister-in-law Mary Ann Atkins, brothers-in-law Marvin Beranek, Donald MacHolda and Alvin Hirsch.  Dick will be dearly missed by his family and many friends in the Wabasso and Thor’s communities.  Blessed be his memory.