Service Information
Richard “Dick” D. Waage, age 76, husband of Nancie, rural Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Art’s Place in Hutchinson, with private interment at a later date in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Memorials preferred to Wounded Warriors, DAV in Hutchinson, Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter, Allina Hospice Hutchinson, or to donor’s choice.
Obituary
Richard “Dick” Duane Waage was born on August 13, 1948, in Mankato, Minnesota. He was the son of Robert and Anna “Louise” (Stiel) Waage. Dick was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith. He was a graduate of the Mankato West High School Class of 1966. Dick continued his education at Mankato State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. He furthered his education with an appointment to the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Dick entered active military service in the United States Navy on August 9, 1966. He served his country during the Vietnam War, at the Kingsville Naval Air Station in Texas and aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Ranger. He received an Honorable Discharge on June 6, 1969, and had achieved the rank of Aviation Structural Mechanic (Hydraulic) Petty Officer 3rd Class.
On May 27, 1978, Dick was married to Nancie Pittman at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Matthew and Michael. They shared 46 years of marriage.
Dick was a member of the Hutchinson Police Department for 26 years, beginning in 1972, as Juvenile Officer. He retired in 1998 as a Detective Lieutenant.
Over the years Dick owned 2 local businesses; Gander Ridge Guns and North Country Sales. He was a member of the VFW Post 906 and Pheasants Forever.
Dick enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially walleye fishing, most enjoyably with Matt.
His grandchildren became his ultimate pride and joy.
Dick passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 76 years, from glioblastoma brain cancer.
Blessed be his memory.
Dick is survived by his:
Wife, Nancie Waage;
Son, Matthew Waage and his wife, Samantha;
Grandchildren, Erik and Freya Waage;
Brother, Jim Waage;
Brother-in-law, Jeff Pittman;
Nephews, Joshua (Tanya) Pittman & John (Lauren) Waage
Nieces, Kimberly (Scott) Debilzen, Katherine Pittman (Cody Kowalczyk), Amanda Pittman
Many other Beloved Cousins, relatives and very dear friends.
Dick is preceded in death by his Parents, Robert and Anna “Louise” Waage; Son, Michael Waage in 1984; Father and Mother-in-law, Homer and LeOra Pittman.
LuAnn Drazkowski says
Nancy and family,
My sincere sympathies for the loss of Dick. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you face this difficult time. My God wrap you with comfort.
Bruce Dueffert says
I got to know Dick late in life when Moe and Kevin Sybrant and Cheryl and I vacationed in Florida. Previous to that he spent a couple of nights in our home in Northfield while he was working a gun show in Faribault. He was always full of stories from his law enforcement days and was always working on a gimmick or a sale of a firearm. He had his own way of doing things but wasn’t afraid to share his ideas to help others out. Cheryl, Moe are best of friends with Nancy and he will be missed by his family and friends. RIP Dick.
Jim Marka says
Nancie – I’m very sorry to read this.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy Felber says
Nancie- our deepest sympathy. You, Matt and family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat Buske says
Nancy and family.
I’m so sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. I’m sure he will be missed. I alway enjoyed running into him at Menards.
God’s peace and blessings to you in the days and years to come.
Paul Axelson says
I very much enjoyed my visits with Dick when Casper and I would frequent the dog park! Dick and I shared many parallels in the game of life! I’m thinking of you Nancie!
Mary Berger says
Nancie, we are very sorry for your loss. Dick was in and out of our life’s for many years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy Anderson says
Nancie and family,
I am very sorry to read this.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy Anderson
Ann Olson says
I’m so sorry Nancie for your loss. Dick will be missed for sure. He was a great man. R.I.P. Dick
Ann Olson (Nemec)
Donna (Ondracek) Engelen says
Nancie, my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Doug and Julie ( Benson) Fett says
Dick was with Hutch PD when I worked for Judge Yost and the probation officers in the mid-70’s. He was a professional but always friendly officer. Sympathies to his family and friends.
Julie (Benson) Fett
Sandy Steile says
Nancie, heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. May your memories comfort you. Hugs and prayers.
-Sandy
Penny Wachlarowicz says
I’m so sorry for you and your family. I am hoping the good memories will bring you peace and help you through this difficult time.
Connie K Mccallum says
Nancie,
I was so sad to hear that Dick passed away. I remember when you met Dick, dated and fell in love. What fun we had going to Hutch on the weekends.
Hang on to and cherish all of your great memories with Dick. I’ll pray for your strength as you move forward during this very difficult time.
Tony Curtis says
Rich and I went through high school together and shared a love of motorcycles. We both had American-made Cushman motor scooters before the Japanese motorcycles arrived at the dealerships in Mankato. We both went on to graduate to larger motorcycles; me to a 250cc BSA, and Rich to a 250cc Yamaha. The Yamaha was fast and always kept immaculately clean under Rich’s care. Rich and I did a bit of duck hunting, also, and I’ll always remember his wit and musings on life. The last time I saw Rich was upon my return from a Peace Corps stint in Africa. I could see then that he was doing well in his career and would go far. I regret not looking him up during my infrequent visits to Minnesota from the northern coast of California, where I reside. No doubt, I would have rekindled an old friendship and heard some intriguing tales. Rest well, Rich. You lived an eventful, full, prosperous life. Sincerely, Tony Curtis
Betsy Brown says
Nancie
I was do sorry to hear if your husband’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Howard O Ward says
Dick ( I knew him as Rich) and I were in the same confirmation class at Bethlehem Lutheran. Over the years we would cross paths at gun shows as we both had a love for target shooting and firearms. I had also worked in law enforcement and discussions would sometimes turn to that. We both enjoyed fishing and owned motorcycles. The world was a better place with Rich in it. My sympathy to all those who knew and loved him.
Tami Alsleben says
Nancie – so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. My thoughts are with you during this time