Richard "Dick" Arthur Huckle

1931 - 2018

Huckle, Richard A.

Richard Arthur Huckle (“Dick”) passed away on November 8, 2018, at the age of 87.  He was born on June 24, 1931, to Arthur R. Huckle and Thora M. (Sorte) Huckle, and lived in Willmar and Appleton, MN during his childhood.  Dick was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, and graduated from Appleton High School in 1949.  After high school he attended Mankato State College prior to joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1953.  In 1955 he earned his Wings of Gold as a Naval Aviator, and joined VMF 223 as a Marine fighter pilot.  He married the love of his life, Beverly June Huckle, at Zion Lutheran Church on April 30, 1955.  They were blessed with 63 wonderful years of love, marriage, and adventure, along with the birth of three children:  Richard A. (Lori K.) Huckle, Jr.; Bradley G. Huckle, and Lyn M. (Gregory F.) Deuel.  He was the proud grandfather of Richard A. Huckle, III; Gretchen M. Deuel; Brian G. Deuel; Stephen A. Huckle; and Keith R. Huckle. 

During his years in the Marines he flew both fixed-wing jets and UH-1 (Huey) helicopters.  He graduated from Chapman University with a B.A. in 1968. Dick was a combat veteran with two tours of duty in Vietnam.  He was quietly proud of his service as a Marine and was awarded the Bronze Star with V (for valor); Purple Heart; Air Medal (21); Combat Action Ribbon; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal (3); Presidential Unit Citation; and National Defense Service Medal (1); among others.  Dick was also the first Commanding Officer of Marine Air Support Squadron 3.  He retired (as Major) from the Marine Corps in August 1971, and moved his family to Appleton, MN, where he owned and operated Huckle & Doring Chevrolet until 1978.  He also farmed and owned an Oliver farm implement business, and worked for the USPS until 1994.

He was mechanically talented and loved to work on challenging projects including restoration of old tractors and machinery, completing most of the electrical, plumbing, duct, and finishing work on the house that he and Beverly built on their farmstead in 1974.  Dick loved to travel and they spent many years camping all over the country, and traveled to England, France, Germany, and Norway in 2000.  He was a man of faith, a Scoutmaster, and a member of the VFW, Western Prairie Farm Collectors, Zion Lutheran Church Council, and Zion Lutheran Church.

Instead of flowers the family requests donations be made to any charities supporting our Veterans.  His funeral will be held at the Ft. Snelling Chapel on Friday, November 16, 2018, at noon.  Visitation will start at 11 am - with luncheon served immediately after the funeral at the Lost Spur Golf Club.  Burial will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on Monday, November 19th.