Richard “Dick” Daniel Olender, age 86 of Woodbury, entered eternal life on December 22, 2018.
Richard was born on February 2, 1932, the son of Kasimir and Laura (Stryblinski) Olender. After graduation, Richard proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951 – 1955. He was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska; serving as a cartographer. While there, Richard met the love of his life, Madeleine Martineau and on May 7, 1955, he was united in marriage and together they were blessed with five children.
Richard’s perspective was one of an ultimate optimist. He always saw through obstacles to the path on the other side. He was a successful entrepreneur and shared his business with his children. Richard had a pure talent for starting a conversation with anyone and making a new friend. He was an avid storyteller and loved to stroll down memory lane. Richard enjoyed entertaining friends and family on the St. Croix River on his cherished boat, Dreamer. He appreciated knowledge and had a voracious appetite for learning new things. This allowed him to travel the world and soak up the riches it had to offer him. Richard had a lifelong pursuit of learning about God. He studied the scriptures with great delight and carried a strong faith throughout his life. Richard was very proud of his close family and treasured every moment spent with them.
Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Madeleine; children, Michelle (David) Meis, Dave Olender, Greg Olender, Camille Wickstrom, and Louise (Ross) Rislove; grandchildren, Nicole Meis, Brittany (James) Wygocki, Jon Meis, Will Meis, Eleanor Wickstrom, Jack Wickstrom, Samantha Rislove, Jessica Rislove, and Carter Rislove; sister, Sister Mary Victoria (Janice); brother, Robert (Mary Ann) Olender; as well as other dear relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6PM on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Christ Church, 12925 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4-6PM on Thursday, January 3 at Christ Church. Richard will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI.