Richard "Dick" Berry

Richard A. “Dick” Berry, 77 of La Crescent, Minn., died on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at Gundersen Health System of La Crosse. He was born in Muscatine, Iowa on December 27, 1939, to Cecil and Hattie (Alteneder) Berry.

Dick spent his youth in Muscatine where he graduated from high school in 1957. He moved to La Crosse in 1958. In 1959, Dick married Laraine (Candahl) Viner and they later divorced.

During the early La Crosse years, he worked for Manstad’s and Woolworth’s. While working for Woolworth’s he lived in several Midwest cities, but eventually returned to La Crosse. In 1965, he began his career with Trane Co. He held several positions with Trane and eventually became a manufacturing engineer. Dick retired from Trane in 2002.

Dick loved his Harley, his ATV, shooting prairie dogs, researching something on his computer and spending time with friends. He was always happiest when he found someone to listen to his stories and political views.

In 1984, Dick met Martha Grimes, his fiancé, and they have been together since.

Dick is survived by his children from his marriage; Christine Berry (Shayla Johnson) of Barneveld, Wis., Jeffrey Berry of La Crosse, Angela Jensen of La Crosse; and grandchildren Tyler Jensen, Justine Jensen and Caleb Abbott.   Dick is also survived by Martha and her children, Robin Grimes (Zach Hinton) Minegar, Todd (Elizabeth) Grimes, and Jami Grimes Loomis; and grandchildren, Travis (Laura) and Ryan (Kayla Sandvik) Minegar. He is further survived by one brother Mike (Chris) Berry of Muscatine, a niece and nephews, and his faithful dog, “Molly”. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Friday, October 13th at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 111 South Oak Street, La Crescent. Martha’s nephew, Pastor Tim Malek will officiate. A private family burial will follow in Prince of Peace Cemetery, rural La Crescent. Visitation for friends and family will be held from 10am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated in Dick’s memory. Online guestbook may be signed at www.schumacher-kish.com .