HANSKA–Richard “Dick” Blomquist, age 92 formerly of Hanska, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Hillcrest Care Center in Mankato.

A memorial service will be at 11am on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH chapel in New Ulm with Pastor Kathleen Ulland-Klinkner officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at the funeral home and will continue from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, at the funeral home, prior to the service. A private burial will be held at Lake Hanska Lutheran Cemetery in rural Hanska. To leave an online condolence or sign the guest book go to www.mvfh.org

Richard is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Yvonne Blomquist of New Ulm; son, Kent (Gail) Blomquist of New Ulm; daughter, Yvette (Paul) Mosenden of Hanska; grandchildren, Brady (Pia) Mosenden, Briana Blomquist, and Shannon (Peter) Mosenden; great-grandchildren, Nadia, Anja, and one on the way; brother, Warren (Yvonne) Blomquist; sister-in-law, Alice Blomquist; many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Algot Sr. and Evelyn Blomquist; siblings, Arline (Virgil) Schmiesing, Muriel (Lee) Frederickson, Rose Marie (Hilmer) Hanson, Becky (Allen) Johnson, Algot Jr. (Bonita) Blomquist, Dennis Blomquist, and Keith “Skeeter” Blomquist.

Richard Eugene Blomquist (“Dicky” as he was referred to by his siblings and close friends) was born February 11, 1933 in Hanska to Algot Sr. and Evelyn (Ouren) Blomquist. He graduated from Hanska High School in 1951. Dick served in the US Army from 1954-1956 as a company clerk, stationed in Germany. After his time in the service, Dick went on to attend Minnesota State University in Mankato, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1960 and later received his Master’s degree in Elementary Education in 1971. Dick taught 5th grade Math and Science in New Ulm, retiring from New Ulm Public Schools in 1992.

Richard married Yvonne Torgrimson on July 7, 1956 at Lake Hanska Lutheran Church in rural Hanska. Their marriage was blessed with a son and daughter, whom together they raised in rural Hanska. Dick enjoyed spending time in nature, fishing, and playing baseball, softball, and basketball. He was fortunate to play in the 1958 Minnesota State Amateur baseball tournament. After playing baseball for many years, Dick began coaching elementary students in various sports. During the summers, Dick, along with his brother, Denny, owned and ran Golden Pine and Whitecaps resorts for 25 years. One of his greatest legacies is passing on the resort to other family members, which continues to be a treasured place for future generations. Whether it was at Pelican Lake, or at their home in rural Hanska, Dick always enjoyed relaxing on the porch and writing for the Hanska Herald and Centennial Book, which was a special hobby of his. He treasured his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enriched them with many stories and time spent on the farm, playing ball, having bonfires, and swinging on the rope in the hay barn. Dick and Yvonne always enjoyed the Hanska Syttende Mai celebrations and were head ushers for the programs for many years. Dick was a member of Lake Hanska Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway, Lake Hanska Lake Association, many education committees, Brown County Historical Society, and the Hanska Centennial and Steering committee, and later in life, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

We are forever grateful for the love, laughter, and strength he shared with us. His life was a gift and his legacy will always live on in those who loved him.

Blessed be his memory.

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