Uncle Ratch, ole' blue eyes, and Aunt Dottie filled many years of my life with happiness and joy--including a sense of wonder when I was a young man as they both imbued in me an honor for historical understanding and research and contributing to one's community. I had the pleasure of speaking to Uncle Ratch again in 2012 and was able to share with him about my graduation with a history degree and how much I wish Dottie could have been there to see it! It is now an honor to carry on their memory as both an historian and professional educator. They are both missed and he can now rest in peace with Aunt Dottie.  You will not be forgotten, and my wife, our daughter and I hope to meet you again someday! Thank you and miss you so much!

My sisters, Martha and Mary, have already written to describe how our family became connected to Dottie and Dick in Omaha in the early 1960s. I'll just add this: the wit and wisdom of Dick and Dottie Dustan shaped my political philosophy in deep and lasting ways. That means that these two extraordinary people have, in turn, influenced the politics of my children and grandchildren. It was my great honor to know them.

My mother and dad, Chuck and Dorothy Cramer were very good friends with Dick and Dottie Dustin. We met them when we lived in Omaha and dad worked with Dick at USF&G. They stayed good friends over the years even when our family moved to St. Louis. Dick and Dottie were like my Aunt and Uncle for when we were little, they would always send us presents at Christmas! I always loved to visit them because of their dry wit and their intense love for others. I remember hearing the wild, wonderful stories about the George Washington parties the Dustins would host at their house in Omaha yearly. They really partied it up! We could tell by the pictures taken to remember all the fun and fond memories they made with all their great friends.

I will always remember Dick reminded me of Tony Curtis with those striking BLUE eyes!!!! 
Mr. Dustin, I am so happy you are now with the love of your life, Dottie!
God Bless you both! Please tell mother I miss her. Now you three go have a party like the ones you used to have!
Love,
Martha Cramer Schiffman

Dick and my dad, Charles Cramer, worked together at USF&G in Omaha.  When we moved there, in the early 1960's, Dick and Dottie were among some of the first people we met and they made quite an impression.  We were a family of 4 kids, Christmas was a month away and I remember going to their house that Christmas and being given what seemed like the most extravagant gift I had ever seen - one of those big air hockey games that stood waist high.  We had never had anything like it.  That fun and giving spirit epitomizes my memories of them.  Both of them were unique and very special people. My sincere condolences to his family.

Uncle Ratch cared and took an interest in his extended family members as if they were his own children. I'll remember most the fishing trips, visiting him and Aunt Dottie in Omaha, Dottie and Ratch visiting our family in Sioux Falls (they always made sure to stay at a hotel with a pool, for our benefit), and the time he stopped by in Seattle while on a cross-country train trip. Even as the years passed and he became less mobile, he always kept in touch with a simple card signed from “Unc” during the holidays. He was more like a grandfather to me than a great uncle.

Richard is remembered with love by us.  He was so welcoming when we came to Omaha.  Zellah, my mother, and he had a wonderful time reminiscing….We honor his service and will miss his gentle humor greatly.

Dick was a treasured client when I worked as a travel specialist at Travel and Transport. I have very fond memories of him.

Thanks for your Military Service to Our Country.
Past Commander V.F.W.
Dorthy was a relative down the line.

OBITUARY

Richard Marion Dustin

June 25, 1922 – December 24, 2013

Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park

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