Richard Richie Gemar

Richard "Richie" Wayne Gemar graced this earth on October 10, 1955, in Oakes, ND, and lived there for most of his life. Dad took his last breath on February 18, 2022, in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines. He was baptized and confirmed at Oakes Missouri Synod Lutheran Church and graduated high school from Oakes High School in 1974. He was active in both wrestling and football. In 1989, he married my mother, Maria Clark, when I was just 18 months old and later divorced in 1992. Despite their divorce, dad remained in my life. In 2009, he began living part-time in the Philippines after an introduction to Filipino culture by his late friend, Steve Dahl. Dad later had a son, Richard Charles Gemar, in 2011 with Myrna De Luna and inherited nine stepchildren. While he will be deeply missed, what lives on are his spirit and several cherished memories from family and friends both near and far.
For his entire life, dad was a truck driver. He enjoyed it. In solidarity, just him and the open road, often for weeks at a time. I have the fondest memories of road trips with dad in the summertime. I truly relished this time. While on the road, we would belt out verses from Peter, Paul, and Mary, the Beatles, and more. I cannot remember a time when I felt more carefree. "If I had a hammer" was our favorite. If you know this song, it is a rallying call for justice and equality. Quite poetic, as dad was very much a lover of all people. We also loved to cook and watch old movies together. Homemade chili, pizza, and pot roast were in regular rotation. I will never again eat these dishes without thinking of my sweet father.
Dad was friendly and humble. His optimism was unabated. He was quick-witted and guileless with his humor. As I write this, I can hear his goofy laugh ringing in my ear. He lived to "shoot the shit" and never declined an opportunity to visit with anyone about anything. I have rather enjoyed hearing memories from others about dad. They all share a similar theme - loving kindness. Dad's greatest achievements in life were undoubtedly his children. He was not one to boast or brag but the beaming pride he demonstrated when speaking about us could light up an entire room. The one piece of advice he always shared was simple but direct, "You know right from wrong, Suri." After 33 years, I am still learning but have vigorously taken heed to this advice.
I do not have enough time or space to share how giving a man dad was. I could say he would "give the shirt off his back," but that does not fully capture his spirit of generosity. Heaven has gained one of the kindest, purest, most loving souls. I very much look forward to the day we are reunited.
Richie is survived by his children Suri Clark, Richard Charles Gemar, nine stepchildren, grandson Jameson Clark Frazier, his brother Daryl Gemar, sister in-law Kathryn Reali, nieces Ali (Gemar) Jung and Amanda (Gemar) Rogers, sister Char (Gemar) Molstad and brother in-law Gary Molstad. He is now joined by his younger brother LeWayne Gemar, sister Jane Gemar, mother Florence (Schock) Gemar, and father Kenneth Gemar.
His memorial service will be at the Dahlstrom Funeral home in Oakes, ND, on May 20th, 2022 at 3 PM CT located at 603 Hickory Ave, Oakes, ND 58474. His service will be live streamed on his obituary page. To share a memory of Richie or send a condolence to his family, please visit Dahlstrom Funeral Home.