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University of St. Thomas

FUNERAL HOME

O'Halloran & Murphy Funeral and Cremation Services - St. Paul

575 South Snelling Avenue

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Richard FLESHER Obituary

Age 81 Of Roseville On the eve of his passing, Thursday, June 6, Dick asked the staff at St. Therese at St. Odilia, to dress him nicely as he was going to see Loretta. Shortly after he was dressed, he passed away peacefully, reuniting with his wife of 56 years, Loretta Harrington. Born in St. Paul, MN. Graduated from St. Thomas Academy in 1949 and from the College of St. Thomas in 1953. A loving husband and father to 3 children. An avid sports fan, especially those that his children and grandchildren played. He had a fulfilling career as a social worker with Merrick and Catholic Charities where he was instrumental in developing the program for Meals on Wheels and curb cuts for the handicapped in St. Paul. Nominated by his son ,Greg, Dick was the recipient of the 1991 Humanitarian of the Year Award at the University of St. Thomas. He retired in 1995 from Catholic Charities. In retirement he enjoyed golf, fishing and gardening. Survived by 3 children Greg- deceased (Anita), Jane (Rudy) Dixon and Jim (Jackie); 9 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, June 11, at 10:30 AM @ St. Odilia Catholic Church (3495 Victoria Ave, Shoreview, MN). Visitation Monday, June 10 from 4 to 8 PM at Roseville Memorial Chapel (2245 N. Hamline Ave, Roseville 651/631-2727) and for 1 hour prior to services at church on Tuesday. Interment at Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Catholic Charities or St. Odilia.

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Published by Pioneer Press on Jun. 9, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard FLESHER

16 Entries

Paul J. Nikolai

October 6, 2013

"In paradisum deducant te Angeli: in tuo adventu suscipiant te Martyres, et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem."

Robert Bertel Flesher III

September 19, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

June 17, 2013

I was so sorry to hear of Dick's passing while I was on vacation. I feel so bad that I missed his funeral and the opportunity to say good by along with the many other friends and family who loved him! Dick was such a blessing to me and so many others. While I technically had many jobs and bosses during my many working years, I always referred to him as "my only real boss" because he taught me so much. What a great man! Rest in peace, dear friend and boss. And may you find much joy with your beloved wife, Loretta, and dear son, Greg! Well done, good and faithful servant.

David Peterson

June 11, 2013

My condolences to you all! So sorry to read of Dick's (and your mom's) passing.

You're in my thoughts and prayers.

David Peterson
Formerly of 2814 Huron

June 10, 2013

Mr. Flesher coached countless kids in our community how to play the game. Whether it be Hockey, Football or Baseball, he was always there for the children. It didn't come down to skill, it was the about the rules and the fun. The world lost a really good man.

The Leopolds

Mike Harrington

June 9, 2013

Uncle Dick - I was lucky enough to have you and Loretta as my godparents. You were always great role models and welcoming to everyone. We love you and will always cherish the special memories we have had together.

Amanda Dixon

June 9, 2013

Thank you for everything, Grandpa. I miss you...and I wish I could have said good bye.

Kathy Dunleavy

June 9, 2013

Dear Family,
Dick is a wonderful example of a life well lived and loved. He was a kind, loving man and took interest in those around him. He had a knack for remembering something personal going on in peoples lives. One thing was certain, the love he had for his family and friends. As Dick reunites with the love of his life(Loretta), may you all feel the love of the Lord as well as the love of those around you. May God grant you peace as you mourn the loss of Dick and celebrate his life and the contributions he made to this world.
God Bless you,
Kathy and Family

June 9, 2013

It was with a heavy heart that I heard the sad news of the wonderful Dick Flesher going to see his beloved, always laughing Loretta. Dick and I had many good laughs as we both started out in Social Work at "The Christ Child." I fondly remember an exemplay Catholic man, who contributed much to the welfare of many in St. Paul, not as blessed as he was. May his soul rest in peace, and Eternal Light shine upon him.

Therese More
Alpine, CA

Mary Ellen Lynch

June 9, 2013

My parents and siblings will miss Dick. I always found him to be such a warm and friendly man. We are thinking and praying for his family.

Dick Hogan HM-82

June 9, 2013

Jim and family, I'm sorry to see the passing of your father. He was quite an inspirational and insightful man. May his soul rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers will be you and your family. God's blessings to you all.

Patricia Juaire

June 9, 2013

I have good memories of your sense of humor and what a great role model you were for so many young people. Thanks for encouraging me to become a social worker.

Paul A. Joyce

June 9, 2013

Looks like we got the right guy for
Class President, STMA, 1949.
What an exemplary life style!

Diane Jaeger

June 9, 2013

Thanks for dancing with me at your home. Thanks, for grilling amazing fare on your grill. I will always remember the happy family times on Huron.

rudy dixon

June 9, 2013

Remembering your great love story today and always.

David Shearon

June 9, 2013

Dick was the Greatest Generation personified, an all-timer many times over. His loyalty and love to family and community is the stuff of legend. Loyalty to family, especially his beloved Loretta for 54 years was unparalleled. His loyalty to community was a special bond; from St.Andrew's to St.Odilia the parish he helped create. From his beloved St. Thomas (Academy and College) he never grew weary of cheering them to victory. From St. Paul to Roseville, where he coached and mentored half of their youth through hockey and scouting. Dick sat on rooftops in St. Paul in search of enemy aircraft during WWII. In my youth Dick coached me in hockey, looking beyond my obvious dearth of talent and focused on the fun and effort. He loved our black unis, convinced they instilled fear in our opponents. Snow on outdoor rinks were opportunities to improve our skating behind heavy metal shovels. Dick personally sharpened my skates with his homemade skate sharpener in his basement. When my dad had extended business trips, Dick kept building our deck he started the weekend prior until it was done. Dick introduced me to golf, neatly displaying his extra clubs for me to choose from to get started, one had a wooden shaft. Dick took long walks to keep his heart healthy, collecting garbage each day as he went. Dick's hairstyle was nothing if not consistent. The only conversation it generated was the relative distance between it and the actual fashion of the day. When Dick met someone new, he would ask usually three questions before making a connection and helping his new friend realize that he either knew you already, or knew someone close to you. In 1961 Dick walked down the block and invited my parents to St. Odilia. They've been there 50+ years and counting, and I 46 and counting. I saw Dick the week he died at his beloved St. Odilia (St. Therese) and he seemed content, fingering the newspaper that was usually in front of him, though it wasn't his preferred Pioneer Press. If there is golf in heaven, and why wouldn't there be, I'm sure Dick is having a heck of a 'get to know you again' round with Loretta, Greg and Ed. My son recently described an older teacher at his school as "one of those legend guys". That too is Dick Flesher. Rest In Peace.

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