Richard Loewel

Richard Dean Loewel was born July 8, 1940 in Blue Earth, MN, the son of Herbert Price Loewel and Evon Mary Whalen. Richard grew up in Newell, SD where he later graduated in 1959, but not before being named All State during his junior and senior year, and leading the Newell High football team to a state title as a star running back. On September 24, 1961 Richard was united in marriage to Margaret Andersen. The couple was blessed with two children, Duane and Cindy. While living in Deadwood, SD Richard began working at the Lead Deadwood Regional Hospital where he took on-the-job training in radiology. After just two years, he was licensed as an X-ray Technician. In 1975 Richard moved to Phoenix, AZ where a friend connected him with an orthopedic clinic in Glendale, AZ. While working there he met Ruth Wabeke. The couple was joined in marriage on May 24, 1980, and Richard added three more children to his family, Arie, Monica, and Amy. In 1981 Richard brought his family back to Spearfish where he spent two more years working at Lead Deadwood Regional Hospital, and another eight years at Lookout Memorial Hospital. In 1990, Richard and his family moved to Alexandria, MN where he began working in the radiology department at Douglas County Hospital. After fifteen years of service Richard retired in 2005. The last few years of Richard?s life was devoted to caring for his wife, Ruth, who was battling breast cancer. Richard enjoyed golf and football, and was an avid Vikings fan. He loved spending time outdoors feeding the birds and squirrels, especially his two favorite mallards Daisy and Donald. He liked to fish and take his children into the Black Hills to explore the old ghost towns and collect firewood. He was a humorous man, who had a sharp wit, and a warm sense of humor. He especially enjoyed working in pediatric radiology. Richard had a way of putting the children at ease with imitations of comedian Paul Lynde, and several cartoon characters. In addition, he also loved to cook, and spent years trying to perfect a bowl of chili. While his children often suffered from having to taste test his concoctions, he was able to earn at least one blue ribbon in a chili cook off. Richard was extremely proud of his children, and loved spending time with them. He also looked forward to entertaining his grandchildren. On Sunday, June 27, 2010 Richard Loewel died at the age of sixty-nine. His wife Ruth Loewel, his parents and one sister, Darlene Hancock proceeded him in death. Richard is survived by his sons, Duane Loewel, and wife Dianne, of Hammond, WI and Arie Wabeke of Cottonwood, AZ; daughters, Monica Hinds, and husband Kenneth of Cincinnati, OH, Cindy Folsand, and husband David of Oldham, SD, and Amy Wright, and husband Reagon of River Falls, WI; ten grandchildren, Brandon and Anne Loewel, Anthony and Aidan Hinds, Reagon, Dalton, Austyn, and Kennedy Wright, Jim and Catey Vandergon; and one great grandson Hunter Scherr. A funeral service was held Thursday, July 1, 2010 at the Livings Waters Church in Alexandria, MN. Services were officiated by Rev. James Resa. Interment will take place 2 PM, Friday, July 2, 2010 at Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls, WI. Casket bearers include Leo Cassidy, Royce Cassidy, David Godding, Jeff Crosby, Jim Felch, and Gary Weisemann. Honorary casket bearers include his beloved dog Bandit, Daisy & Donald, and all of Richards?s friends and co-workers from Douglas County Hospital. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.