Richard “Dick” Hebeisen

Obituary

The Hebeisen family honors the life of Richard (Dick) Jacob Hebeisen: a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

Born on May 29, 1938, in Green Isle, Minnesota, to Fred and Lydia Hebeisen, Dick's life began with a strong foundation of family and faith. He was baptized on June 12, 1938, by Pastor R.H. Rottmann and confirmed on April 27, 1952, by Reverend Reinholt Arndt. As the youngest of twelve children, Dick cherished his memories of growing up above the family meat market and butcher shop in Green Isle with his parents and eleven older siblings. He often recalled a little girl named Noreen Freter who would visit their meat market with her father when they were kids – a memory that would later turn into a lifelong love story.

Dick attended elementary school in Green Isle and graduated from Arlington High School in 1956. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army and then returned home to work as a butcher at his brother’s grocery store in Gaylord. On November 8, 1958, Dick and Noreen Freter were married, beginning a beautiful life that would be blessed with three sons: Jeffrey, Jon and Steven. They raised their family in Gaylord and enjoyed hunting and fishing trips throughout the state. Dick’s hobbies also included dancing, golfing, cooking and staying connected with his large extended family. Dick and Noreen enjoyed traveling around the world with highlights including visiting other Hebeisens in Bern, Switzerland and walking where Jesus walked during a trip to the Holy Land. He was always interested in politics and current events happening locally and globally.

Dick grew his career in the insurance business in Gaylord, eventually purchasing his own agency called Hebeisen Insurance and Real Estate. Even after selling the business in 2004, his passion for his work and the people he served kept him going for many more years. He was a dedicated public servant, proudly serving as a Sibley County Commissioner for 20 years and contributing his time and talents to various local and regional boards. His faith was also a cornerstone of his life as he served as president and secretary of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord and taught a junior Bible class for several years.

Many people knew Dick by his nickname “Lippy” because he always had something smart to say. His witty personality was a trait he maintained until his final days.

In 2007, Dick suffered from an aortic aneurysm, a hereditary condition that claimed the lives of others in his family. While Dick’s health was never the same after this event, he was blessed with 18 more years of life – a gift that allowed him to see his grandchildren graduate from high school and college, celebrate two of their weddings, and even meet and enjoy his two great-grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Dick's faith remained unwavering. Even when facing numerous health challenges in his later years, he remained strong and peaceful, comforted by knowing his final home would be with Jesus. His family finds peace in knowing he is now home with the Lord, reunited with his parents and all eleven of his siblings.

Dick is survived by his:
Wife of more than 66 years, Noreen Hebeisen of Gaylord, MN;
Children, Jeffrey Hebeisen and his wife, Jean,
Jon Hebeisen and his wife, Mary Beth, and
Steven Hebeisen and his wife, Jill;
Grandchildren, Katie (Nick) Louden, Samuel (Maya) Hebeisen, Daniel Hebeisen, Joshua Hebeisen and Noah Hebeisen;
Great-grandchildren, Caleb Louden and Carsyn Louden;
Step-grandchildren, Travis (Heather) Bauer and Timothy (Sandy) Bauer;
Step-great-grandchildren, Allison (Joe) Aguilera, Audrey Bauer, Taylor Bauer, Marcus Bauer and Marissa Bauer;
Sisters-in-law, Clara Hebeisen and Mavis Stockman;
Many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lydia Hebeisen; siblings, Chester (Myrtle) Hebeisen, Violet (Paul) Luecke, Marvin (Ione) Hebeisen, Fredric (Violet) Hebeisen, Valeria (Kenneth) Craven, Myra (Paul) Johnson, Alloyd (Elaine) Hebeisen, Floyd (Marie) Hebeisen, Earl Hebeisen, Marion (Jim) Mundt, Dorothy (John) Barten; father-in-law, Ewald Freter; mother-in-law, Myrtle Freter; brother-in-law, Howard Stockman.