Richard Wanzek – Saturday April 4, 2020

Richard was born November 7, 1934 in his home, the youngest of 11 children to Vincent and Agnes Wanzek of Windsor. His childhood was spent on the farm just southwest of Windsor. He attended school at St. John’s Academy, where he was the captain/quarterback of the football team and he said they never lost a game. He met his beautiful wife, Alice Wahl, while roller skating at the Spiritwood Pavillion. He married his best friend on September 24, 1955 in Windsor, ND. They were nearing their 65th wedding anniversary. He adored, loved and admired his wife like no other. Simon and Mary Wanzek, his grandparents, homesteaded near Windsor after the railroad was built. Richard and Alice built a home on the Vincent and Agnes Wanzek homestead and farmed along with his brother, Marvin for many years. He was a hardworking, dedicated dairy, beef and grain farmer who spent his entire life providing abundantly and teaching his family many valuable lessons. His Catholic faith helped him endure many challenges over the years. Richard was on the board of Bloom Oil and Windsor elevator. He was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, St Mathias Church (his family helped build, 1953) and St James Basilica. He also participated in and loved bowling, playing pool, hunting, fishing, dancing, playing cards and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. His heart mainly went out to help others by delivering Meals on Wheels, giving his rare blood for several years along with many other acts of kindness. Richard loved his family, was an inspiration to many, had a life well lived and never lost a game of cards because he was so lucky, as all grandpas are. He once bowled close to a 300. Richard was a humble, caring, loving, honorable and spiritual man who always took time to visit and help anyone he saw. He will be remembered by many with his sweet smile. Richard lived an absolutely full and amazing life. We know that he went to live with his heavenly father, joining his family who went before him.

Richard is survived by his wife, Alice; their seven children, Dwane (Joan) Wanzek, Windsor, Patty (Ralph) Wanner, Carbondale, CO, Mike Wanzek, Jamestown, Dennis (Mari) Moorhead, Dean Wanzek, Vallejo, CA, Lisa (Troy) Reich, Fargo and Kristi (Mike) Oscarson, Minneapolis. Richard is also survived by his 18 grandchildren, Joe, Jeremy, Stacy, Alicia, Crystal, Levi, Ashley, Michael, Matthew, Tawni, Riley, Simon, Mabel, Zac, Zeb, Ethan, Hannah and Abby; 21 great grandchildren; one brother, Marvin (Donna) Wanzek, Jamestown; and one sister, Dorothy Flynn, Moorhead, MN.

Richard was preceded in death by his infant daughter; parents, Vincent and Agnes Wanzek; brothers, Vincent, Jerome, Casimer, Leo, Ronald, Alfonsus; sisters, Isabel Maddock and Virginia Weckman. Richard’s strong Catholic faith has been a witness to many. He struggled with Alzheimer’s over the past few years. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the Alzheimer’s Association 2631 12th Ave South, Suite A Fargo, ND 58103

( alz.org/mnnd ) and/or Ave Maria Village 501 19th St NE, Jamestown, ND 58401

( avemariavillage.org/donate/ ) to help combat COVID-19. His strength, faith, courage and spirit during his illness, was an inspiration to many. Richard prayed daily for everyone in his family including the sick and those that have gone before him. Be at peace knowing that he is continuing to pray for all of us during this difficult time of COVID-19. A private viewing is being held this week for Alice, his children and grandchildren.