He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Wilbur Gady of Sadorus, IL; his
sister, Linda Wallis Sauer of Nashville, TN; and his granddaughter, Chloe. He is survived by his
wife, Nancy Gady; his children, Jennifer Corrick (Bret), Steve Gady (Tracy), and Mike Gady
(Susan); his grandchildren Kelin, Lucie, Nora, and Sam; great grandson Kasstin; and sister Pam
Gady (Gary).
Dick retired with Nancy to Marco Island, FL, and Nisswa, MN, after 30 years at ConAgra. He
was Chief Economist and Vice President of Public Affairs with ConAgra. During his tenure as
Chief Economist, he served as a board member for Thrivent Financial, The National Chamber of
Commerce, and a European Economist Trade Group. Dick was a respected agricultural
economist who spoke with groups all over the world imparting his ag econ expertise.
Dick grew up on a farm in Sadorus, IL. He loved showing cattle and was involved in 4-H Club
from childhood through college. His farming roots led him to a degree in Ag Econ at the
University of Illinois, and go on to get his PhD in Ag Econ at Purdue University. He did take time
during those college years to get married to Nancy and have his first child, Jennifer.
One of Dick’s greatest passions was the outdoors. He grew up going on lake vacations in
Wisconsin on Lake Nicaboyne with his family, and continued the tradition of annual lake
vacations with his own family, spending 90% of his time fishing with his friend Ron Cekander.
Dick never met a fish he didn’t like. He also loved to hunt ducks and pheasants, play golf, bird
watch, boat, ski, and in his retired years, make wood bowls. Nature and conservation were
important to him, and he was involved with The Nature Conservancy.
His faith was also important to him. His Lutheran upbringing remained part of his identity
throughout his life and he served in many various capacities at his church from treasurer to vice
president of the church council.
After retiring, traveling the world with Nancy was a huge part of Dick’s life. Some of his favorite
trips were to Africa, Egypt, and Israel. He carefully kept documented photo albums of the
hundreds of pictures he took on his travels.
Most of all, Dick loved and was greatly loved by his family. As both a father and grandpa, Dick
was generous with his time and affection, and could often be found reading to his grandchildren,
taking them fishing, and teasing them mercilessly. We loved Dick for his sense of humor and
perfect comedic timing, his sharp intelligence, humility, generosity, and kind, loving nature.
A Memorial Service will be held at Marco Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 21, at 2:00 pm.
Please see address below.
Memorials may be sent to The Alzheimer’s Association, or Marco Lutheran Church, 525 N.
Collier Blvd., Marco Island, 34145.
DONS
The Alzheimer's Association
Marco Lutheran Church525 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, Florida 34145
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