Richard E. "Dick" Walsh

Dick E. Walsh, 89 of Lake Elmo, MN died September 13, 2024.

Preceded in death by parents, Edward B. Walsh and Cecilia (nee Wolkerstorfer) Walsh, and sister, Joan M. Walsh.

He was a proud grandson of immigrants George Julius Wolkerstorfer, a tinsmith by trade and Barbara M. Jung Wolkerstorfer, who arrived in the U.S from Hungary and Austria. Dick described his grandmother as “a force to be reckoned with”. Anna and Edward B. Walsh immigrated from Kerry, Ireland, where Edward was a St. Paul Fire Chief at number 10 Engine House on Randolph Ave. As a child, Dick, Joan and his mom and dad lived with Grandma and Grandpa Walsh. Dick remembered his grandfather leaving the house to walk across the fields to get to the firehall.

Dick started his career in construction while in high school when he worked for his Uncle Leo Odegaarden. Dick was always grateful to Uncle Leo for giving him a job. After graduation, Dick served in the Army for two years and following his honorable discharge from the military, he worked as a Union Carpenter and construction project manager until retirement. He loved construction and continued to stay current with technical advancement in the industry throughout his life.

He enjoyed reading, listening to his classical music, riding his bike around the lakes, playing poker, fishing and taking people out on his boat on the St. Croix River. During retirement he took up fly fishing and bird watching. As with anything he did, he learned it thoroughly. Dick was very giving to family and the less fortunate, donating to St Jude’s Hospital and the Shriners Hospital. Dick was also a member of the American Legion. 

He is survived by his godchildren and many cousins.