NEW ULM–Richard “Dick” Gleisner, age 87, of New Ulm passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025 at his home in New Ulm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11am Monday, July 21, 2025 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. Father Mark Steffl will celebrate the Mass. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday, July 20, 2025 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes – North Chapel in New Ulm. Visitation will continue from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2025 at the North Chapel. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.

Dick is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Joan Gleisner; daughter, Julie Luotto; sons, Steve (Tina) Gleisner, Scott (Kristin) Gleisner; six grandchildren, Kristina, Katie, and Elizabeth Luotto, McKenna (Josh) Lodatto, Griffin Gleisner, Grace Gleisner; two great-granddaughters, Mayla and Maura Lodatto; brother, Tom (Darlene) Gleisner; sister-in-law, Sharon Gleisner; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Gordon and Ruth Palmer, Joanne Palmer Wolf; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marlin Gleisner; parents-in-law, Harvey and Helen Palmer; brother-in-law, Donald Palmer; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Marion Palmer.

Richard ‘Dick’ Gleisner was born on November 19, 1937 in New Ulm to Erwin & Viola (Altmann) Gleisner. He was raised on the family farm north of St George where he first learned the value of hard work and a job well done. He attended St George country school and graduated from Cathedral H.S. in 1955. After graduating, he helped his dad on the farm and in March of 1959 enlisted in the US National Guard where he served for 6 years. On November 12, 1959, he married Joan Palmer at St George Catholic Church and the two were united in marriage for 65 years. They were blessed with 3 children who they raised in New Ulm.

Dick worked for 3M for 35 years and was very proud of the awards he received for his perfect attendance over the years. After retiring from 3M in 1996, he enjoyed his part-time work for Del Monte, RGIS inventory and as a driver for Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories. Member of the New Ulm American Legion. Devoted to his faith, he was a dedicated member of NU Cathedral Catholic Church.

Dick and Joan valued education and are very proud that his children and grandchildren all graduated from college, with his youngest granddaughter currently attending the U of M. He loved hearing about his grandchildren’s accomplishments and updates about what was happening in their lives. Even with his strong work ethic, he told his grandkids in recent years to work hard, but to retire as soon as they can!

He cared for his home and yard on Hilltop Street where he and Joan have lived since 1968.

Dick gave many hours of volunteer service to youth sports programs in New Ulm as his kids were growing up, especially to the hockey and baseball associations. He was one of the first members of the NU hockey association and in 2011, he and Joan received the Tom Macho Lifetime Achievement Award for their hours of service.

He enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota sports teams and had the Twins games on television through his final days at home. His favorite team growing up was the Brooklyn Dodgers. He holds many memories of his dad giving him Saturday afternoons off on the farm to listen to the Dodgers games on the radio.

His family, and especially his grandkids, will remember their trips to the Dairy Queen and his love for polka music, especially his favorite Wendinger Band. He will be remembered for his quiet smile, his sweet tooth and his generous heart. He loved, and was loved by many.

Heartfelt gratitude to Dr Scott Rysdahl and Allina Hospice, NU for guiding him through his final days.

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]