Richard "Dick" Buczynski

Richard "Dick" John Buczynski, age 87 of Cloquet, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord with his family by his side on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota. He was born to Louis and Gladys (Pepski) Buczynski on March 6, 1938, in Cloquet. Richard graduated from Cloquet High School in 1956. After graduation, Dick served our country in the U.S. Air Force Air Guard as a flightline mechanic. He worked at Northwest Paper Company as a vacation replacement. Dick learned the trade of upholstery from his dad when he worked alongside him in the family business, Louie's Upholstery. He ultimately took over the business and expanded it to include selling and installing home interior products like carpet, tile, and draperies. Once he and his wife expanded their business, they changed the name to Decorators' Choice. After years of running the upholstery and interior shop, Dick scaled back to just upholstery again and focused on classic car interior restoration until he retired. Dick was a true entrepreneur and invented several things and owned a couple of other businesses, ArtDick Imports and Backhome Furniture.
In 1964, Dick married his wife of 57 years, Janet Brander. Dick and Janet truly loved traveling together, whether it was a fishing trip in Canada or other travels abroad or in the U.S. One of his favorite places was his lake home, where he loved to watch the wildlife and feed the fish. Dick also enjoyed hunting. As he got older, the best thing he loved about it was the family time together and being chief hunting shack cook. Dick learned how to play the accordion as a child. He continued to love to play and listen to polka music throughout his life. Another passion of Dick's was cars, especially classic cars. But, Dick will most be remembered for his quick wit and his huge heart. Anyone who knew Dick knew that his love and devotion for his family was what he valued more than anything else.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife; parents; father-in-law, Charles Brander; mother-in-law, Bertha Brander; brother-in-law, Arnold Jerde; and nephew, Timothy Peterson. Richard is survived by his children, Richelle Peterson (Brian Witte) and Troy (Jean) Buczynski; grandchildren, Alexander Buczynski, Brock Peterson, and Autumn Peterson (Mason Calhoun); sister, Geraldine Jerde; cousin/sister-in-law, Patricia Peterson; nephew, Darrien Thorstad; nieces, Theresa (Chad) Vermeersch and Gaynell (Jeff) Pierce; Remi the granddog; and several great nieces and nephews. Dick will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support that have been graciously given.
Visitation will be on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. followed by the 5:00 p.m. service at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Military honors will be presented by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. A meal will follow the service in the Fellowship Room. Burial will be later in the week at Maple Grove Cemetery.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of
Richard "Dick" Buczynski, please click here to visit our sympathy store.