The evening of Monday, November 9, 2015, Dick Walsh, age 86 of Prior Lake, was reunite with his beloved wife, Bunny in heaven, as his beloved sons and their family surround his bed at Community Assisted Living of Apple Valley.
The family will greet guests on Thursday, November 12 from 4-7 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and also one hour prior to Mass at church. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, November 13 at 11 am, at the Church of St. Michael 16311 Duluth Street SE, Prior Lake, MN. Dick will be laid to rest at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Prior Lake VFW Post 6208 Honor Guard.
Born on July 11, 1929 in Belle Plaine, MN, Richard Matthew was the second child of seven to parents, Morris and Kathleen (Lynch) Walsh. After graduating from Belle Plaine High School in 1947, he went to work in the print shop for Donaldson’s department store. Dick proudly served in the United States Army for the next two years. He was stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC, where he was a cook and a member of the Cadre. The Army whetted his appetite for fine dining and upon his discharge Dick studied to be a chef.
In September 1954, Dick decided to attend the University of Minnesota and in 1956, he graduated with a degree in Mortuary Science. He started his 50 year career as a funeral director first with McDivitt-Hauge. In 1970, Dick bought a share of McDivitt-Hauge and 13 years later sold the business, but continued employment until retiring in November 1987. Loving the passion of the funeral service, he spent another 17 years with Ballard-Sunder Funeral Homes.
Dick had a strong passion for supporting his community. He was a preceptor of the U of M, an instructor for students studying Mortuary Science and gave lectures on grief in schools. Dick’s biggest desire was being involved in the Lions Club. Since June of 1964, he has held numerous office in the club, such as 100% president and twice earned the 100% secretary award. Dick served on 5 Cabinets and was also elected as District Governor from 1988-1989.
His community dedication expanded serving as a scout master for 14 years. Managing the Christmas Tree Lot for 18 years, Dick also attended summer camp for 14 years. A member of the Knights of Columbus in Minneapolis, he also belonged to the American Legion, South Town Exchange Club and the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. We can’t forget about being a past Grand Marshall for the Belle Plaine St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
When Dick was not working, he found time to enjoy golfing, boating, refinishing furniture, all manner of cooking (particular Oriental) and attending and watching football.
Dick’s great accomplishments was being a dad, grandpa and a husband to Mary Ellen “Bunny” Robel. They married on May 7, 1955 and enjoyed over 60 years of wedding bliss. They were blessed with three sons, Kevin, Jim and Chis. In 1966, Dick and Bunny relocated their family to Prior Lake, from Minneapolis, where the loved living on the lake and spending time at home with the family, especially with the grandchildren. In their free time, Dick and Bunny enjoyed traveling, attending district Lion’s Club meetings and the most memorable trip to Ireland, exploring his Irish heritage.
Dick’s legacy is left to be carried on by his loving sons, Kevin (Lisa Swanson) Walsh, James (Lynette) Walsh, and Christopher (Paige) Walsh; grandchildren, Dan (Shannon) Walsh, Tom (Melissa) Walsh, Britney (Josh) Harris, Stephen Walsh, Shannon Walsh and William “Willy” Walsh; two great-grandchildren, Megan Harris, Adalyn Walsh; sister, Eileen (Stan) Effertz; brothers, Jack (Mary Ann) Walsh, Bob Walsh and Tom (LaVonne) Walsh; other loving relatives and many dear friends.
There to greet Dick home in heaven is his wife, Bunny; grandson, Tyler Walsh; beloved parents; sister, Rose (Joe) Morrisette; and sister-in-law, Jeanette Walsh.
