Richard "Dick" Wille

Richard "Dick" Wille

1939 - 2025

Richard "Dick" Wille passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at the age of 86, in Duluth, with his devoted wife, Sandra, by his side. Born on July 17, 1939, in Bemidji, MN, to Richard and Edith (Tell) Wille, Dick grew up on his parent's farm along the Mississippi River. He graduated from Bemidji High School, laying a foundation for a life of hard work and achievement.

From 1956 to 1964, Dick served in the Minnesota Army National Guard. Following his military service, he began his trucking career hauling grain. He married Virginia Olson, and they started a family in Bemidji, MN before moving to Deer River, MN in 1971 where they raised their three daughters, Shelly, Shawna, and Sheila. Dick adored his beautiful daughters and was proud of their accomplishments. He proudly displayed "Shelly, Shawna and Sheila" on his trucks.

In 1972, Dick founded Wille Transport, establishing a successful trucking company. He was honored that his company was selected to transport The National Christmas Tree from nearby Chippewa National Forest to Washington DC in 1992. Dick was an entrepreneur at heart and owned several businesses in addition to Wille Transport, including Tree Farmer and RC Rentals, Inc. He enjoyed working well into his 70s.

Dick married Sandra Bail on August 29, 1998. Together, they enjoyed 27 years of marriage, creating a beautiful home, traveling, spending winters at their place in Arizona, and getting outdoors at their properties in Bemidji, where Dick loved making trails, planting trees, and cutting firewood for his kids.

Dick was an active member in the North Central Farm & Antique Association and took pride in being a member of the American Truck Historical Society for over 25 years. He enjoyed working on machinery, especially his ASVs, and restoring vintage tractors. His passion extended to collecting toy tractors.

Dick loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending class reunion luncheons, and welcoming visitors to his home for coffee and Sandra's baked goods. He also enjoyed BS-ing with the guys at the local coffee shop, sharing jokes and stories. Dick found joy in reading, especially his tractor and trucking magazines, keeping up with the latest news, and watching sports.

He leaves behind his wife Sandra, daughters Rochelle (Greg) Maki, Shawna (Mike) Wager, son-in-law Tim Lund, and his bonus daughters, Zane Bail and Zandra Bail (Rick) LaLonde. He will be remembered fondly by his eight grandchildren: Jenny (Paul) Ramseth, Kenzie Wager, Rielly (Gina) Lund, Ginger Lund, Caitlin (Joe) Pariseau, Tyler Maki, Zorin LaLonde, and Zev LaLonde, along with his four great-grandchildren, Ellis and Lila Ramseth, and Marais and Johnny Pariseau. Dick is also survived by his sisters June Fankhanel, Helen (Elden) Winge, Wilda (Lorentz) Hegstad; sisters-in-law Debbie Wille, Pat (Dan) Fox, Kathy Cooper, Barbara (Tom) Anderson, Lorraine (Ron) Vincent, Jan (Darryl) Erickson, Pam (Rick) Ross; special brother-in-law Arnie (Penny) Olson; as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, and an abundance of good friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved daughter Sheila Lund, grandson Jacob, brother Donald Wille, brother-in-law Walt Fankhanel, son-in-law Don Dass and his daughters' mother Virginia Wille.

During the last few years, Dick faced a number of health issues. He received excellent care from Sandra and maintained a positive outlook throughout it all. He always had something kind to say, which uplifted those around him. His determination, resilience, and warm demeanor made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Dick's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jared Lund, Solvay Hospice staff, Benedictine staff, and Dr. Laura Holt.

Dick's willingness to lend a hand, generosity, quick wit, and infectious smile will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the North Central Farm & Antique Association in Blackberry, MN, with visitation from 10-11 AM and a service at 11 AM with a luncheon to follow. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Olivet Cemetery in Deer River, MN at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, Dick requested donations to the North Central Farm & Antique Association where he had been a lifetime member.

Arrangements are with Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River, Minnesota