Richard A. Weicht

Richard Albert Weicht, 85, died peacefully at home on April 19, 2017, with Linda his loving wife of 63 years at his side. He was born in Nisland, South Dakota to William Fred Weicht and Alice Mary Weicht (Taylor). His early years were spent on the dry plains of South Dakota where he enjoyed riding his pony “Sneak.” He and some of his 10 siblings attended a one room schoolhouse also used as the church. He moved with his family to southern Minnesota and later to their final home in Elk River, Minnesota where he graduated from High School in 1949.

He joined the Navy in 1951 during the Korean War. After basic training, he met and fell in love with Linda Adolfson. Though he was based in San Diego as a photographer on the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge he made every effort to spend time with Linda. Once, he even hitchhiked back to Minnesota to see her. They married May 15, 1953. In their life together, he demonstrated his love, respect, and affection for her daily. He looked forward to coming home from work and they enjoyed spending time together. In many ways, they were best friends.

In 1955, the young couple settled in Minnesota where he began a distinguished 42 year career with Adolfson & Peterson Construction. He started as a Carpenter Apprentice and worked his way up through the corporation as Carpenter, Foreman, Superintendent, Regional Manager, and finally retired as Senior Vice President in 1997.

They were living in Hastings, MN with their three young sons (Scott, Kent, and Todd) when the flood of 1965 destroyed their home. In 1966, they built a new home in Anoka, MN and welcomed their fourth son (Grant) into the family. In 1974, they moved to a 100 acre farm near Elk River, MN, a place where the boys could experience the life he had known. They loved the farm with its large garden and many different animals. This was where they planned to retire. However, in 1981, AP needed his skills to guide expansion in Denver. He agreed to go and was instrumental in developing AP Mountain States region.

Retired life with Linda was rich with family, service and travel. He dedicated himself to his wife, sons, and his growing cadre of grandchildren whom he adored and treated with gentleness, love and respect. They in return deeply loved their “Far Far”, looking forward to mountain hikes, boating, exploring ghost towns, river rafting, and playing board games at his Colorado mountain home on Lake Dillon, in Phoenix, AZ and on family trips he and Linda hosted.

He and Linda travelled the world in the best of company: each other. They especially enjoyed winters in Mexico on the Pacific coast, where they often generously hosted their immediate and extended family.

He had a deep faith in God, and set an example in service and giving generously to those in need, with humility and thankfulness for what he had been given.

Richard is survived by his wife Linda, four sons and their spouses, Scott (Marty), Kent (Victoria), Todd(Sandy) and Grant (Beth), and twelve grandchildren: Anna, Eric, Patty, Esther, Linnea, Tait, Katya, Maddie, Brett, Hyugo, Anneka and Magnus. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and John, sister Gloria Manos and brother-in-law Henry Hiller. He is survived by siblings Arthur, Virgina Roberts, Mabel Zimmer, Doris Hiller, Elaine Donais, Don and Ken.

The family is very grateful for his caregivers with Hospice of the Valley whose support let Richard finish his amazing life journey at home in peace and dignity.

Richard’s quiet wisdom, positive outlook on life and welcoming voice will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A private funeral service will be held in May. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Richard A Weicht Memorial Fund at Fairhaven Ministries (fairhavenministries.net) 2198 Ripshin Mountain Road, Roan Mountain, TN 37687.