Richard Alex Irlbeck, age 84 of Redwood Falls, entered eternal life at the St. Cloud Hospital on June 28th, 2019, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 3 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Burial is in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Seaforth. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Richard Alex Irlbeck was born February 28, 1935, to Charles and Grace (Lohaus) Irlbeck in rural Morgan. He was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith. He attended District #67 country school and St. Raphael’s grade school in Springfield. In 1954, he graduated from St. Anne’s High School in Wabasso. Richard was united in marriage to Collette Pistulka, his bride of over 62 years, on September 15, 1956 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Seaforth. The couple made their home on a farm in rural Wanda. In 1957, they purchased a farm in Vesta Township, where they raised their family. Richard was a dedicated, hardworking farmer who loved his land, planting and harvesting, and raising livestock. He retired in 1999. In past years, Richard served on the Redwood County ASC board and on the Vesta Elevator board. In 2008, the couple moved to Redwood Falls. Richard was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He considered his 27 grandchildren and 31+ great-grandchildren to be one of life’s greatest blessings. He was a man who listened with his heart and taught not by words, but by the way he lived his life; encouraging, influencing, and inspiring; always being there for family and friends with love and support. Visiting with his coffee buddies was an important part of Richard’s daily routine where they would share stories and solve all the world’s problems. Richard was an amazing example of what it means to be always ready to offer a hand or lend an ear. He was a man of wisdom and had a loving heart. Serving God and living his life with a purpose involved daily Mass, Rejoice Prayer Group, reading his Bible and praying the rosary. Richard was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Seaforth for over 50 years; and in retirement attended St. Catherine’s in Redwood Falls.
Richard is survived by his wife, Collette; children: Anita (William) Walter of Sleepy Eye, Joel (Joleen) Irlbeck of Vesta, Jan (Rick) Lothert of Brainerd, Gina (Michael) McKeown of Sleepy Eye, Lisa Balko of Redwood Falls, Kim (Ronald) Salfer of Sleepy Eye; grandchildren: Kaleb (Sara) Walter, Judd (Jen) Walter, Naomi (Bryan) Weiss, Raina (Nicholas) Klisch, Brandon (Clara) Irlbeck, Justin (Heather) Irlbeck, Megan Irlbeck, Shane Irlbeck, Alec (Rehana) Lothert, Erin (Zach) Lundbohm, Reed (Emily) Lothert, Paige Lothert, Tessa (Anthony) Parisek, Sr. Mary Elia McKeown, Jaye (Andrew) Turbes, Cole (Teresa) McKeown, Brynn McKeown, Kyle McKeown, Darik (Sarah) Mertens, Malori (Cale) Blare, Austin Mertens, Joel Balko, Zachary (Nikki) Salfer, Scott (Abby) Salfer, Mariah Salfer, Sean Salfer; 31+ great-grandchildren. Richard is also survived by his siblings: LeRoy (Jane) Irlbeck of Springfield, Eugene (Diane) Irlbeck of Wanda, Jerome (Susan) Irlbeck of Redwood Falls, Margaret (Jerome) Altermatt of Gaylord, Mary (George) Walter of Redwood Falls; in-laws: Felisa Rohlik of Tucson, AZ, Rose Pistulka of Glenrock, WY, Marlys Pistulka of Rosemount, Bernadine Pistulka of Vesta. He is preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Grace Irlbeck, siblings: Donald and Dorothy Irlbeck, in-laws: Stephen and Susan Pistulka, Rev. Celestine, Cleo, Cletus, Emery Pistulka, David Rohlik, son-in-law Ronald Mertens, grandson Abraham Lothert.
My sincere sympathy to you all in the passing of your husband Richard, father and grandfather. He was always such a kind man when ever we got to talk with him. Prayers go out to all of you in your great loss~ Dan and Deb Walden
There was no finer man than Dick. I will remember him always as a strong man with a kind and gentle heart who loved his family. He had such a great sense of humor. I was so sad to hear the news and I am so grateful that I got to know Dick and Colette these last few years. You will be in my prayers and thoughts.
Sending our thoughts and prayers.
I am very sorry for your loss. Dick was a great guy. I only have good things to say. I am glad to say he was my friend, It was always nice to see him always having a smile on his face. God Bless to your family.
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. God Bless you and will continue to Bless you as you journey through this hard time.
Sending you hugs and prayers!
Marilyn Bernu
Collette, Lisa, Kim and family, I was so sorry to read of your family’s loss. May you know the love of God our loving Father at this time. I have remembered all of you in my prayers.
Paula Dudgeon
So sorry for your loss. Dick was a good man and very good chairman of the board of directors.
Collette, Anita & Bill, Joel & Joleen and the rest of the crew.
Sorry to hear of Dick’s passing, certainly a great man with a great family.
Dick was a wonderful friend of my parents and our family. He was decent kind man who always lit up when our families got together. We always enjoyed our time together. He will be missed.
To the family of Dick Irlbeck,
I would lke to share my condolences on the passing of a wonderful man that I first met when I moved to Redwod Falls. We became instant friends, We shared many family, farming, religion, and philosophy stories over the years.May God rest his soul.
Gil Schmitz
I am saddened to hear of Dick’s passing.A very gracious man. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Heaven has just gotten a wonderful man.
To the Dick Irlbeck Families,
Just learned of Dick’s passing, sorry to hear of your loss.