Richard Schweisthal

Richard "Dick" Schweisthal, age 77, of Faribault, MN, passed away December 16, 2016, peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with cancer.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault at a later date.

Memorial visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory in Faribault on Tuesday from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday for one hour prior to the services at the church.

Richard was born on April 23, 1939 in Rice County to Robert and Dorothy (Parkos) Schweisthal. Richard attended Faribault Senior High School, and graduated with the class of 1957. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and continued his service for four years in the Army Reserves. Richard worked at McQuays in Faribault for 41 years.

On October 7, 1961, he was joined in marriage to Karen Kispert. Together they raised three daughters. Our "Poppy" was a man that enjoyed the simple things in life. He enjoyed bird watching, gardening, hunting, fishing, and always liked grocery shopping and finding a good deal. Above all else, he enjoyed time with his family. Whether showing pictures or sharing stories, he always wanted people to know how proud he was of his kids, grandkids, and great-grandson.

Poppy had great love and pride for his family. It was simple... he loved us, and we loved him.
His 55-year marriage to Karen was nothing short of special. She spoiled him, and he took care of her.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Karen (Kispert) Schweisthal; his daughters, Annette (Bill) Schwartz of Apple Valley, and Lynn (Scott) Erickson of Lakeville; brothers, Dave (Janice) Schweisthal of Faribault, and Mark (Vickie) Schweisthal of Nerstrand; grandchildren, Ashley (Matt) Beckius of Elko, Emily Fischler of Lakeville, and Will, Lily, and Evan Schwartz of Apple Valley; great grandson, Grady Beckius; grand dogs, Leo and Frankie; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy (Parkos) Schweisthal; mother and father-in-law, Harleigh and Grace Kispert; sister, Bev Haberman; and daughter, Brenda Schweisthal Valentyn Fischler.