NEW ULM­–Richard “Dick” Wilbrecht, age 84, of New Ulm passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at his home in New Ulm.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Pastor David Nissen will officiate. Burial will be in the New Ulm City Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – South Chapel in New Ulm. Visitation will continue from 10-11 a.m. Thursday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.

Dick is survived by his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Wilbrecht; children, Lisa Marie (Tony) Montoya, Steven Richard Wilbrecht, Beth Ann Johnson, Renee Collette (Keith) Lipinski; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Jimmy Joe Johnson; and grandson, Ty Montoya.

Richard Willard Wilbrecht was born January 30, 1940 to Edward and Clara (Willinger) Wilbrecht in New Ulm. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1959 and began working at Neubauer Clothing. Dick furthered his career when he started working at 3M in New Ulm as a quality control inspector. During that time, he was able to take night classes at MSU in Mankato and get licensed as an EMT. Dick then worked in 3M’s emergency squad, as well as an instructor for the Red Cross and American Heart Association. Outside of working, Dick was a renowned drummer and musician.

His drumming career started with the school percussion band. It extended beyond school and led him to playing in multiple bands such as Guy De Leo’s, the Melodeer’s, San Carda’s band, and was the principal drummer for the Concord Singers for 44 years. In addition to his drumming, he earned the Eagle Scout Award in his youth, served on the board of directors for Heritage Fest, volunteered with the Salvation Army, assisted with funerals at Schumucker Funeral Home, and was a Schell’s Tour Guide. Most important of all, Dick was a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

On June 16, 1986, Dick was united in marriage to Rebecca “Becky” Collins in Duluth. The couple resided in New Ulm together for their over 38 years of marriage. Dick then became a father of four children, and later became a grandfather of eight and great grandfather of five, all of whom he cared for deeply.

Although Dick is no longer with us, countless memories will live on with all those that knew him. Blessed be his memory.

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