Richard "Dick" Neitzel, 86, of Dodge Center, MN, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center, where he had resided for the last two years.
Richard Clarence Neitzel was born on November 7, 1937, in Owatonna, to Clarence and Ruth (Barker) Neitzel. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1951. He married Grace Gillard, they had 3 children and later divorced. On November 15, 1980, he married Arvella Viker and was married to her until she passed away on April 28, 2018.
Dick served in the United States Navy for 3 years, serving on the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier. Dick worked for IBM in Rochester for 38 years. After retiring, he got his CDL and worked for McNeilus in Dodge Center, delivering trucks. He also worked for a local farmer driving tractors until his later 70’s.
Dick loved fishing, gambling, pretty much anything to do with motor sports, especially sprint cars and Nascar. He was part owner of a stock car and worked in the pits. He drove in numerous demolition derbies and was beside himself when his grandson, Nick drove and won many derbies.
Dick was an avid hunter, mostly “wabbits” under the deck as they were eating the tulips. Every person who met Dick loved him. He had a wicked sense of humor. He got sober in the 70’s and helped many others in their journey of recovery.
Dick is survived by his children, Barb Hayes of Post Falls, ID, Sherrie (Scott) Franko of Dodge Center, Richard "Rick" (Lisa) Neitzel of Jordan, MN; step children, Terry (Robin) Viker of Dodge Center, and Todd Viker of West Concord, MN; his grandchildren, Melissa (Ron) Henrichs of Northfield, MN, Bobbi Jo (Chris) Powers of St. Charles, MN, Mindy Hayes of Spokane, WA, Brandon (Katie) Neitzel of Lawton, OK, Nick (LeAnne) Viker of Dodge Center, MN, Ashley (Jake) Lentz of Chaska, MN, Garrett (Fiancé Jessi) Franko of Hot Springs, AR, and Shelby Franko of Dodge Center, MN. He is further survived by his 9 great grandchildren, with number 10 due in May 2024.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; 2 sisters; and his wife, Arvella in 2018.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.
A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE in Kasson, MN. Pastor Roger Langworthy officiated. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment was in Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center, MN with military honors provided by the Dodge Center American Legion Post 384.
To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South St SW Dodge Center, MN 55927 (507)374-2155. Blessed be his memory.
