Richard Donald Heger

Richard Donald Heger (“Dick”) passed away, surrounded by family on November 26th, 2025.  He was born April 9th, 1942 to Clayton and Eleanor (Lahr) Heger, in Richfield, MN.  Dick was one of four mischievous, fun-loving boys that learned to work hard and keep family close.  He attended school in NE Minneapolis and went on to vocational school to gain skills in machine shop.  He played football, was on swim team, ran track and kept active with multiple intramural leagues through adulthood as well.  In 1960, Dick met his future wife, Karen at a dance.  In 1963, the couple wed and soon became parents to their daughter, Shelly.  And a few years later, their son, Scott.  The family moved from North Minneapolis to Elk River in 1973.  The Heger family often road-tripped and spent time with extended family.  From time to time, he’d go hunting or partake in fishing events with his brothers. Dick was employed for 39 years at Honeywell as a tool & die maker.  He retired at the age of 58 and he had the ability to enjoy his hobbies with friends and family for decades.  He was always an avid Minnesota sports fan and would attend several games each year.  Although, he never was able to see the Vikes win a Super Bowl, he wore their colors proudly each game day.  Dick was like every great Minnesotan, waiting on that elusive dream, while never losing hope, as we all just continue to wait until “next season”.  One day, one day...  He loved attending his grandchildren’s sports and music events.  His grandkids would often spend more time at his home than their own.  He was “Gpa” to everyone that entered the home.  Dick always had a kind word or a light hearted joke to share.  His humor never diminished.  His smile & laugh were contagious & we all wanted to watch his tai chi moves, or capture a random dance session breakout.  Dick was always there to lend a hand.  He showed up for others.  Dick and Karen wintered for over twenty years in Florida, primarily in St. Augustine.  They vacationed in Maggie Valley, North Carolina each summer for several decades and took many roadtrips & cruised the ocean to spend time with family & friends from around the world. Dick lived a humble American dream.  Golf was his hobby of choice.  We all knew where to find him, if he was gone from the house, he was either putting or mowing the greens.  Elk River Golf Club was his place for friendly competition, work and enjoying the outdoors.  A hole in one is no easy feat, but he did it three times over.  He accomplished the title of “Club Champion” in 1998.  Dick also had a knack for art.  From painting to wood working, to wood carving, he was a creator.   Fishing up north, in Alaska, off the pier or on shore in St. Augustine, Dick was there to enjoy time with companions out on the water.  He was a patient teacher in all skills, a constant.  He was the best chauffeur, devoted husband, amazing dad, kid at heart, active Gpa, friend to all & above all, a good man.  We are honored to have had you.  You rallied dementia for years and fought so hard.  We “got you”, as all along, you got us.  It will never seem as though it was enough time, and that shows what a good man we had at our side.  Thank you.  Until we meet again.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents: Clayton & Eleanor Heger; brothers: Joe & Jim Heger; grandson: Matthew Hauge; including other loved ones.

He is survived by his wife: Karen (Larson) Heger; children: Shelly (Heger) Hauge & Scott (Kim) Heger;  grandchildren: Angela Hauge, Mitchell (Lindsey) Hauge, Alex (Jess) Heger, & Claire Heger; great grandchildren: Asher & Blakelee Hauge, and soon to arrive, baby Heger; brother: Nick Heger; along with many other friends and family members.

The visitation will take place at Central Lutheran Church in Elk River (School Street) at 10:00AM, followed by funeral service at 11:00AM on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025.  Luncheon to follow.  In lieu of flowers; if you feel so moved, please consider a memorial donation to the Elk River Golf Club.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dare’s Funeral Home of Elk River, MN. 763-441-1212. www.daresfuneralservice.com

***The Funeral will be live streamed and can be accessed by pressing the blue button below this obituary shortly before the start of the service.***