Richard Plemel

RICHARD “DICK” PLEMEL, 72 of rural Starkweather, ND died early Sunday morning, March 22, 2009 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. Mass of Christian Burial for Dick will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption of Mary Catholic Church, Starkweather, ND. Fr. Tony Hession will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in the Assumption of Mary Cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Dick will be Ryan Gaard, Devin Gaard, Ethan Plemel, Vernon Bertsch, Gene Braaten and Gordon Sather. Reading the Sciptures will be Todd Plemel and Tim Plemel. Gift Bearers will be Hannah Plemel, Keely Plemel, Micaela Rud and Madison Rud. Altar Servers will be Dilyn Plemel and Mykle Rud. Music will be provided by Maureen Bertsch, soloist and Audrey Myklebust, organist. Richard William, the son of Raymond and Dorothius (Hartman) Plemel was born on October 23, 1936 at Devils Lake, ND. He grew up on the family farm north of Starkweather, attending Starkweather Public School, graduating in the class of 1954. After graduation, he and some friends headed to Seattle and worked for Boeing for several years. He returned to North Dakota to the oil fields, working the oil rigs in the Tioga area. On October 11, 1958, Dick was united in marriage to Gwen Myklebust at the Assumption of Mary Catholic Church in Starkweather. Dick and Gwen established their home on the family farm and still called it home even after retiring from active farming in 1996. They worked the land side by side and raised their family. Dick was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church, serving for a time on the Parish Council, Cemetery Board and also served as an Extraordinary Minister. He also served on the Klingstrup Township Board for many years. He was a member of the Devils Lake Knights of Columbus and former member of the Devils Lake Eagles and Elks Lodges. After retiring, Dick occupied those extra hours putting together jigsaw puzzles, taking great pride in his yard and gardening. He loved the water which included some fishing and pontooning with family and friends. And when ever there was a game of “Smear” being played in the town of Starkweather, Dick was usually one of the players. This man, with a true faith in God, love, pride and joy for family and dedication to his friends and his community will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is forever loved and forever in our hearts. Dick is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gwen; His Children: Denise Gaard and her husband, Todd of Detroit Lakes, MN; Tim Plemel and his wife, Linda of Oakes, ND; Todd Plemel and his wife, Sara of Devils Lake and Melissa Rud and her husband, Mike of Garrison, ND; Grandchildren: Ryan (Jessica Workman) Gaard, Devin (Tory) Gaard and Chelsea (Jason) Jahner; Ethan and Hannah Plemel; Dilyn and Keely Plemel; Mykle, Micaela and Madison Rud; Great Grandchildren: Jackson Gaard and Quentin Hegg Brothers: Jim Plemel and his wife, Delores of Minneapolis; Tom Plemel of Minot, ND Sister: Joan Madler of New England, ND; Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents;