"My deepest sympathies to Phyllis and the rest of the Hegle family. I just heard of Dick's passing by way of on-line info from the Clarissa newspaper. Though we have not been in contact for nearly 45yrs, I still have great memories of Dick. He demonstrated real class at that time, and am pleased to hear from the prior comments, that he retained those qualities throughout his life. God Bless"
In loving memory of
Richard Lee Hegle
January 2, 1943 - March 20, 2006
Winona,
Richard L. "Dick" Hegle, 63, of Winona died Monday March 20, 2006 at his home.
Dick was born January 2, 1943 in Waterloo, Iowa to Glenn and Margaret (Einerwold) Hegle. He moved with his family to Clarissa, MN where he went to school before graduating from St. Cloud State College. Dick and Phyllis Gjerstad were married on April 4, 1964 in Clarissa. They later moved to Owatonna and raised their family there before moving to Winona in 1995. In Winona Dick worked for Watlow, Inc. as a Training Manager. He later worked for St. Mary's University until his retirement.
He was a member of Central Lutheran Church and sang in the church choir. Dick had a great love of singing and also sang with The Winona Hims. He also belonged to Rotary, River City Four Wheelers and had served as president of the Izaak Walton League. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed antique cars, currently he was customizing a 1948 Plymouth.
Survivors include his wife Phyllis, three daughters, Carma (Mark) Feigal of Longmont, CO; Gina (Dale) Nawrocki of Fridley and Jill Hegle of St. Louis Park, four grandchildren, Raymond and Luke Feigal, and Sonja and William Nawrocki, his mother Margaret Hegle and a sister Glenna Reierson both of Pine City, MN. He was preceded in death by his father and an infant daughter. Memorial Services will be 11AM Friday at Central Lutheran Church, 259 West Wabasha in Winona, with the Rev .Scott Olson officiating. Friends may call from 5-8 PM Thursday at Hoff & Hansen Funeral and Cremation Center at 3480 Service Drive in Goodview. Friends may also call one hour before services at the church.
Please share a memory of Dick at his on-line guest-book at www.hofffuneral.com.
Memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society and Central Lutheran Church.
Tributes
"We so enjoyed singing with Dick in the Roger Tenney Chorale. He was so full of energy and enthusiasm. May God wrap His arms around your family and give you peace and strength."
"Phyllis and Family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dick. It has been a long time since we have seen each other but you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all."
"Phyllis, Carma, Gina, Jill and Families. Sorry to hear about the passing of Dick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. John and Lori Connor Jim and Jean Gleason"
"We, too, are shocked and sad to hear about Dick. We always enjoyed his singing, especially in Nova. Now he is singing in heaven."
"We have nothing but the very fondest memories of Dick! We are saddened to learn of his passing but proud to have known him, however so briefly!"
"Dear Hegle Family, My deepest sympathy's and prayers as you grieve the loss of Dick."
"I knew Dick only in the last year of his life and was impressed with his dedication and deep caring for the people and the place that he lived. I am so sorry to hear of his passing,he will be remembered well and often by those whose lives he touched."
"Even though I knew Dick for too short a time, it was time enough for me to develop a real admiration for him. We worked together on the same product line at Wenger Corporation in Owatonna MN. He exuded confidence and grace and had a good sense of humor...I looked up to him even though he was slightly my junior. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. The world lost a good man."
"Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Hegle Family at this time of loss. Gary and I grew up with the Hegle girls. Mr. Hegle handle the parade of boys lining up to visit the girls with kindness. His legacy is a wonderful family and a lifetime of people who loved and respected him."
"We worked together at Wengers, sang together in the Roger Tenney Chorale, and enjoyed Dick's friendship, enthusiasm, and his courage has been an inspiration. We wrote a longer letter in the CaringBridge website, but wanted to say a word here too. God bless you all!"
"Dear Phyllis and family: We are very sad to hear of Dick's passing from his earthly life to eternal life with Our Lord. Willow Creek Drive's mayoral duties have never been taken over by anyone else since Dick and Phyllis moved to Winona. No one else could ever fill his shoes. We have very fond and humorous memories of Dick; especially with deer hunting. God's peace be with you all at this difficult time in your lives. Sincerely, John, Mary, and family"
"Dick's most recognizable trait that comes to mind as I recall past years was always a ready smile and pleasant greeting. I didn't work closely with him, but times of interchange were always positive. My regret is that I didn't have the opportunity to be in touch with him after we left Wenger. I'm sure Dick will be missed by all who knew him. We pray God's blessings for all the Hegle family. With sincere sympathy, Hank Stange (Wenger '73-91)"
"Spending my younger year's dating Dick's daughter Carma, I had a special feeling for Dick as a great friend. Even though he was older than me we had a great time together and I respected him greatly. Time has moved on and all these years later, I have never let the Hegle's memories and kindness leave me. I think of them often. God bless!"
"We remember the good times of Jaycees and Mrs. Jaycees from Owatonna. Dick signed me up to the organization and Cherry joined after we were married. I remember fondly the times we competed in the Speak-Up Competition and the other events at meetings. His outreach changed our lives - as it did the lives of many in Owatonna. We will remember him."
"We remember the good times of Jaycees and Mrs. Jaycees from Owatonna. Dick signed me up to the organization and Cherry joined after we were married. I remember fondly the times we competed in the Speak-Up Competition and the other events at meetings. His outreach changed our lives - as it did the lives of many in Owatonna. We will remember him."
"Dear Hegle family, What a joy Dick was! I can't remember a single time that I did not see him with a smile on his face. I have many Chorale and Nova memories of good times and beautiful music. God's angel choir has a wonderful new member!! Lois"
"Often a visitor at the Hegle house during my senior year in high school to see my Jill, I got to know Dick. He was always interested in my activities and plans for the future. After college Dick worked to help me find a job and encouraged me in my pursuit of a degree in physical therapy. He is part of my success, his confidence and support are things you can not forget....Thank you. I often drive by Willow Creek Drive and am rewarded with warm memories. Jill, Gina and family I am thinking of you. Greg"
"We weren't neighbors for very long but, I will miss seeing his smiling face and getting a friendly wave as we passed on the street near our homes. My heartfelt sympathy & prayer go out to the family."