Richard F Slabey
Richard F. Slabey
Richard Francis Slabey passed away in the early morning of September 27, 2012 at the Chippewa Valley Hospital in Durand, WI after a courageous battle with cancer.
Richard was born in Minneapolis, MN on December 8, 1925 to Sylvester Francis and Harriet Foss Slabey. He graduated from Southwest High School, served in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946, and earned his Bachellor’s degree from the University of Minnesota School of Business in 1949. On August 31st of that year, he married Elvera Ann Fautch.
After college, Richard worked for the S.S. Kresge Co, then became a Zone Manager with Butler Brothers Inc. until 1957 when he moved to Durand and purchased the Ben Franklin store. He also opened the Card Barn in Mondovi in 1969 and, with son Paul, purchased the Ben Franklin store in Menomonie in 1983. He retired in 1989.
Richard and Vera were charter members of Faith Lutheran Church in Durand, helped start Community Arts in Durand and were founding members of the Pepin County Historical Society to preserve the last remaining wood framed courthouse in Wisconsin. He was a charter member and past President of the Durand Lions club, Chairman of the Pepin County Republican Party, and served on the Board of the Chippewa Valley Symphony. He also served on The University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Area Committee, Chancellor’s Advisory Council, was past Chairman of the President’s club and a member of the UW-EC Foundation.
Richard enjoyed traveling with his family, painting, gardening, boating on the Mississippi river, flying, antique cars, reading, history, music, golf, fishing and was an avid fan of the Gophers and Vikings - and Chocolate. He always placed his strong faith and family first and generously gave back to his community at every opportunity.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Elvera, daughters Jonette of Las Vegas, NV, and Kristin (Christopher) Fish of Mequon, WI, sons Steve (Maggie) of Chippewa Falls and Paul (Jan) of Menomonie and grandchildren Tyler Slabey, Genna and Alex Fish and Rachel and Matthew Slabey.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012 at Faith Lutheran Church in Durand. Rev. John Hosmann will officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Durand. Visitation will be at Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand on Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, and one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to donor’s favorite charity.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.
Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.