Richard Verlyn "Dick" Hyland

Richard Verlyn "Dick" Hyland, 95, of Hayfield, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, at Fieldcrest Care Center. His life was a rich tapestry of music, craftsmanship, family, and quiet adventure-a life lived with purpose, humor, and heart. Born on a farm in Vernon Township to Obert and Alma (Jensen) Hyland, Dick was the seventh of nine children and the last surviving sibling of his family. On July 16, 1950, he married Donna May Koster in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Together, they raised two daughters, Debra and Roxanne, and built a life grounded in love, laughter, and shared purpose. Dick's musical journey began in high school and continued for more than 60 years. He played in numerous bands, most notably as the drummer for the Turkey River All Stars. The "Turkeys" strutted their stuff all the way to the World's Fair in New Orleans in 1985, proudly representing Minnesota-a highlight in a career filled with rhythm and camaraderie. When he retired, his drum set was donated to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a man whose beat never faltered. He was also a skilled finish carpenter, known for his custom furniture and remodeling work. As a self-taught civil engineer for Dodge County, Dick built roads and bridges with nothing more than a slide rule and a sharp mind. Later, he served the Hayfield School District as a custodian for over 17 years, always ready to lend a hand and quietly keep things running. Dick had a deep love for travel, especially to islands where the breeze was warm and the pace was slow. One of his most cherished adventures was flying to Hawaii for his granddaughter's wedding. There, he celebrated love and family, fulling a lifelong dream by visiting Pearl Harbor- That experience left a lasting impression on him, blending personal joy with historical reflection. He was known for saying "Hakuna Matata"-Swahili for "no worries"-with a grin and a wink. The irony wasn't lost on those who knew him well, as Dick was lovingly regarded as one of the world's biggest worriers. Whether it was a squeaky floorboard or a grandchild running five minutes late, he cared deeply and worried often-but always from a place of love. Dick carried a deep pride in his Norwegian roots, a heritage that shaped his values of hard work, humility, and devotion to family. Whether it was his love of lefse, his fondness for a good story told with dry wit, or the quiet strength he brought to every endeavor, his Scandinavian spirit was ever-present. That legacy lives on in the generations he nurtured. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Donna; his son-in-law, Larry Weinmann; his parents; and all eight of his siblings: Ordean Hyland, Elna Senjem, Opal Evjen, Sherman Hyland, Stan Hyland, Lorraine Hart, Robert Hyland, and Charlotte Higgins. Dick is survived by his daughters, Debra (John) O'Connor and Roxanne Weinmann; grandchildren Jeremy (Analia) Mott, Amber (Jeremy) Bolles, Haley (Dave) Mork, Colin (Sara) O'Connor, and Garret (Hannah) O'Connor; and great-grandchildren Landen and Mason Bolles, Ellie, Anna and Berit Mork, Joy, Liliana, and Sophia O'Connor. His legacy lives on in each of them-in their laughter, their kindness, and their love of family. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield, MN, with Pastor Kristen Anderson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in at Fairview Cemetery before his service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Fieldcrest Nursing Home or Trinity Lutheran Church. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com. Dick lived with heart, humility, and a quiet sense of adventure. May his memory continue to inspire us to live fully, love deeply, and always keep a little rhythm in our step-and maybe say "Hakuna Matata," even if we don't quite believe it.