"Thoughts and prayers to the family. Dick was a great inspiration to me and the Jaycees family John Gibart"
In loving memory of
Dick Darst
October 16, 1953 - March 31, 2019
Dick Alan Darst, of Byron, died on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family after courageously battling brain cancer since January 2017.
Dick was born October 16, 1953, in Rochester, to Claude and Betty Darst. He graduated from Mayo High School in 1972 and received his Building Utilities Maintenance certification from Rochester Vocational School. Dick worked in maintenance at Holiday Inn Downtown and the Kahler Hotel until his retirement in 2017.
Dick married his high school sweetheart and soulmate, Laurie Brandt, in 1974. Together they built a life in Byron and were loving parents to two sons. Dick was very active in the community, including serving 8 years on the Byron City Council, the Byron Star City Commission, and was a cub scout leader. He also spent numerous years actively working on community service projects in Byron as a member of the Byron Jaycees. Dick went on to promote community service throughout Minnesota as he assumed leadership roles with the Minnesota Jaycees. Dick was recognized for his leadership in the Jaycees by being awarded with the prestigious JCI Senatorship Award, along with a number of other state and national awards.
Dick had a passion for the outdoors. He especially enjoyed spending time at Lake Winnibigoshish and looked forward to his annual fishing excursions to Canada. Dick and Laurie introduced their sons to camping and fishing at a young age. However, they later discovered their real passion was hiking in the Rocky Mountains. The beauty they discovered there subsequently prompted another new passion in the form of nature photography. Dick also enjoyed bonfires with family and friends on his deck, making wines, and cheering on the Vikings.
Dick is survived by his wife, Laurie; two sons, Jeremy Darst of Rochester, and Joshua Darst (Leah) of Bloomington; three siblings, John (Peggy) Darst of Bloomington, Dennis (Marty) Darst of Winona, and Claudia Grassle (Paul) of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David.
Dick and his family would like to acknowledge the excellent and compassionate care provided to him by both Mayo Clinic and the Mayo Hospice staff.
A memorial service will be held at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2019. There will also be a visitation/celebration of Dick's life held at the Ranfranz and Vine Remembrance and Reception Centre on Thursday, April 4, 2019 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Dick wishes to have donations made in his memory to Friends of Oxbow Park (http://www.friendsofoxbow.org/support-us/donate) or to Brains Together for a Cure ( https://www.brainstogetherforacure.org/donate/)
To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 507-289-3600
Tributes
"We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Dick. It's been a long time since we lived in Byron, but we have many great memories of being there with so many friends including Dick & Laurie and all the Jaycees. He will be greatly missed. Chuck & Bev Huntley"
"My condolences to the Darst family and friends and also to the community he gave so much time and service to. John Shonyo "
"Jeremy - So sorry to see your dad's obituary in the newspaper. Our thoughts and prayers go with your family at this time of loss. Hope the memories will make you smile/laugh as time passes. I just lost my mom the 2nd of March and as we cleaned out the attic this weekend - we did smile/laugh at finding things which reminded us of her. Take care. vicki/alyssia meredith us of her"
"I worked at the front desk for of Holiday Inn Downtown for several years and got to know Dick very well, I loved hearing about his vacations, he will be missed, my thoughts and prayers to the family"
"I went to elementary school with Dickie (as we called him back then) and in fourth grade he and I fell madly in love, as 9-year-olds do, and staged a "wedding" in the basement of my home. I remember I wore a grass skirt - must have been a leftover from Halloween or something - and he wore a beautiful pink shirt. He promised me 12 Arabian horses - what girl could resist that?!? I don't remember what, if anything, I promised him, but Dickie was a gentleman through and through and never made me feel bad about whatever it was, though it surely could not compare with the 12 Arabian horses! He moved into "the cool group" in high school, so we lost touch since I was not a member. He never did give me 12 Arabian horses, but my mother had the beautiful rose quartz he DID give me in her house for decades, and it now sits on my desk right by my computer. -Sunny Didier "
"Dear Laurie and family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this very difficult time. Your memorial to Dick was so heartwarming. His life was well lived with priorities of family, community and nature. He will forever be your guardian angel. With love from your cousins, Steve and Leanne Andreasen, Arizona "
"Dear Laurie and Family, we so sorry for your loss. As neighbors for years we have so many wonderful memories with your family. Dick and Bruce shared many projects together during their Jaycee years and beyond. We always had great fun as close friends and felt like family being transplants to Mn.
Dick was such a kind generous person, always thinking how he could make things better for others. He has left us too soon but the memories will last forever. Bruce and Karen Schramm"
"Dear Laurie and Family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I was a high school classmate of Laurie and a friend to both she and Dick. Dick was friends with my brother Bob and they tolerated me tagging along through our junior high years and functions held at the YMCA. Dick was always a stand-up guy and, more than once, I witnessed Dick go to bat for others, always taking the high road. I was delighted when Dick began dating Laurie and enjoyed being at their wedding ceremony and reception. Our lives parted way after high school but we would occasionally cross paths at reunions and I was always happy to reconnect. A few years ago my husband and I toured Crystal Caves in Spring Valley, MN. Our tour guide was a very impressive young man. Towards the end of tour I was delighted to find out that he was Dick and Laurie's son. Over the last few years we have reconnected on social media. I am sorry that Dick was taken from this earth too soon but know that he was loved over by Laurie and his family members. I know that he will live on in your hearts, in the stories you tell about him, and in the nature that surrounds you. "love leaves us memories that no one can steal" With sincere condolences, Pat Johnson Lenton "
"So Sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. You are in our prayers."
"Laurie and Family,
My heart goes out to you. It's been a long journey, a journey of many curves, up and downs both physically and emotionally. Dick will always be with you in every little thing you do."
"I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to your family at this time. It was a pleasure knowing Dick."
"Dear Laurie and Family, Our warmest condolences to you and to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sons and Dick's siblings. We pray that your heat and should will find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Charles Stellar "
"You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss. Tracy and Larry"
"Dear Laurie,
May the love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. Stay strong and know that you and your family are remembered in our thoughts and prayers. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Rick and Jean Narcisi, Homewood, IL"