Richard "Dick" Edward Gilsdorf

RICHARD “DICK” EDWARD GILSDORF, age 88 of Elysian, died on the morning of Saturday, March 7, 2020 at his home.

Born on February 4, 1932 in West Albany Township, near Wabasha, MN, Dick was the son of Ray and Hazel (Sommers) Gilsdorf. He attended country schools near Millville as a boy. After finishing his schooling he began helping on his family’s farm and working as a truck driver. Dick served in the United States Navy from 1952 until his discharge in 1960. During his time in the service he married Mary Ann Beaham on June 26, 1954. Over the years their family lived in Cottage Grove and Wanamingo. Most of Dick’s working years were spent with Garelick Manufacturing in St. Paul Park. Upon his retirement in 1991 he and Mary moved to Elysian and have made their home there ever since. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Elysian as well as the Elysian American Legion. He enjoyed camping, fishing, quilting, exercise class, and entertaining the residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities with his accordion.

Dick is survived by his wife, Mary of Elysian; four children, Donna (Ken) Lorch of Leesburg, FL, Debra (Ron) Sommers of Sleepy Hollow, IL, John Gilsdorf of New Richland, and Gerald (Stacy) Gilsdorf of Oakdale; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Mark (Dorothy) Gilsdorf of St. Charles, IL; three sisters, Margie (Ed) Heppelmann of Belchester, Marlene Tolzman of St. Paul, and Linda (Gerald) Wolf of Kellog; and two sisters-in-law, Carol Gilsdorf of St. Paul and Iris Gilsdorf of Pensacola, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Donald, Lloyd, Leo, and James Gilsdorf; and one son, Richard “Rick” Gilsdorf, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30AM on Friday, March 13, 2020 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Elysian, with Rev. Michael Ince officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Interment will follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.