Richard Toensing

Richard John Toensing

Born on May 26th, 1920 in St. Paul, MN. Oldest son of German parents Louis and Anna, Dick was devoted to his 5 sisters and 2 brothers and their families. He attended Zion Lutheran church and school, which laid a firm foundation of faith for his life.

Dick attended Washington High School and St. Paul Vocational school, where he excelled in woodworking and metals craftsmanship. He then served his country for three years during WWII in the US Army, stationed in Mississippi and the Philippines, where he surveyed for mines and the building of the Manila airstrip as a member of the 1542nd Engineer Survey Company. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1946, Dick began his working career with Western Electric Company. Over a 42 year career he traveled the country installing and removing equipment in telephone offices, establishing many lifelong friendships along the way.

A sports enthusiast, he loved ice skating, playing softball, horseshoes, golf and especially bowling. He found satisfaction in hard work and a job well done. He appreciated the beauty of a tree and the stillness of the lake while fishing and spending time at his cabin in Aitkin, MN.

Dick married Shirley Ann Hedlund in 1962 and was a loving and devoted husband for 55 years. Together they raised three children, Joan, Karen and Jeffrey, and built a home of stability, encouragement, opportunity and fun grounded in their faith in Jesus. They welcomed and loved their sons and daughter in law: Phil Evans, Warren Wicklund and Marcy Kittelson. Later in life they were blessed with eight loving grandchildren: Alec, Anna, Emily, Lauren, Nicholas, Zachary, Bethany, and Katherine. Dick's children and grandchildren were his motivation to live a long and active life, and through his faith in Jesus and the hope of eternal life he eagerly anticipated his heavenly home.