Richard A. Gongoll

RICHARD A. “DICK” GONGOLL

Dick died Tuesday, June 20, unexpectedly at home of natural causes.  He was born July 3, 1929, on his Mother’s birthday.  He graduated from Becker High School in 1947, and from Hamline University in 1951.  After college, he worked with his Dad in Becker at Knutson & Gongoll Hardware & International Harvester dealership until 1957, when he partnered with Chuck Thompson at Elk River Auto Implement as an IH and Pontiac dealership.  This meant a move from Becker to Elk River where he lived for the rest of his life.  After selling the Pontiac dealership he began working at First National Bank of Elk River under the mentorship of Stan Wheaton.  He rose through the ranks in the bank to become President & CEO in 1983, where he served until 2001.  He then served as the Vice President of the bank Holding Company until 2006 and remained on the bank’s Board of Directors until his retirement in 2015.  Civic and community service was so important to Dick.  He was a volunteer fireman for 23 years, was its treasurer and did ambulance service for most of that time.  He served on the Elk River Planning Commission for many years and was instrumental in bringing many outstanding businesses to Elk River.  Dick was an active and willing participant on any committee or endeavor that meant the betterment of Elk River and the surrounding community including the establishment of Elk River’s first Industrial Park.  Dick was a member of Union Congregational Church for over 55 years, serving as Trustee, Treasurer and a member of several planning and building committees.

Dick met his wife Nancy, at Hamline.  They were married in 1952 and had 71 wonderful and eventful years together.  He was the proud father of sons, Jeff (Joan) and Grant (Shelley); Grampa to Julia (Eric) Horner, Jenny Gongoll, Shrei Crenshaw and Jenne (Erik) Stevenson, and Great-Grampa to LaRae Crenshaw, Savannah and Blaire Stevenson, Emerson and Langston Crenshaw, Roman and August Horner, and Logan Lopez.  He was preceded in death by parents, Alvin and Arvilla Gongoll and brother, Ward Gongoll.

We purchased a cabin on Devil Track Lake in Grand Marais in 1989, one of the best things we ever did.  We enjoyed many wonderful times there, summer, fall and winter, alone or with family and friends.  Dick’s greatest joy was knowing that the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids all love being there too.  Dick was a life-long Minnesota sports fan, especially the Vikings and Wild and suffered the anguish that goes along with being a Minnesota sports fan.

Dick was a man of strength, reliability, integrity, honesty and humility in his business and personal life.  He believed in hard work and was always willing and available to help family and friends - especially family.  Dick did not want praise or acclaim in his life and he certainly wouldn’t want it at his death.

We will have a gathering for family, friends and associates on Monday, July 10, 2023 from 4 - 7 p.m. at Dare’s Funeral Home 805 Main St. NW Elk River.  There will be a short eulogy delivered by business associate and dear family friend, John Houlton, at 6 p.m.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of gifts or flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to Guardian Angels of Elk River, First Bank of Elk River scholarship fund, or a charity of your choice. Arr. Dare’s Funeral Home 763-441-1212 www.daresfuneralservice.com

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