Richard (Dick) Kontz

Richard William “Dick” Kontz was born on June 25, 1933, in Colton, SD, to Clarence and Mildred (Achen) Kontz. As a child, he moved with his family to a farm near Hendricks where he went to school and graduated from high school. In 1954, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his tour, he served for 18 months in Okinawa, Japan. On April 28, 1957, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Maier in Canby. Dick managed the Larson-Voigt Furniture Store in Canby for five years. In 1962, he and his family moved to Marshall where Dick began his career with Prudential. He was recognized as a Life and Qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He and Marilyn enjoyed travelling throughout the world including trips to Monte Carlo, Germany, Hong Kong, and other interesting places. The couple also enjoyed wintering on Sanibel Island in Florida. Dick was active in the Marshall Community – he served 25 years on the Bremer Bank board, was a member of the SMSU Foundation Board, Lion’s Club, and Jaycees; and an officer in the Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying gardening and both Minnesota seasons: hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed his time at the Duck Shack with his friends, family and beloved dog, Mandy. He was also very active in ducks Unlimited and received the Minnesota Waterfowl Conservationist of the Year award. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of habitat and wetlands conservation. In 1995, Dick and Marilyn moved to Lake Carlos near Alexandria, and returned to Marshall in 2009. Above all other interests, Dick was most passionate about his family. In 2010, due to congestive heart failure, Dick had an LVAD (heart pump) implanted at the Mayo Clinic. This device extended his life, for which his family is very grateful. He died on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester due to other surgical complications. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of Marshall, children Cindy (and Randy) Brooks of Albuquerque, NM, Joni (and Alan) Greenwaldt of Ramsey, MN, Jim (and Jill) Kontz of Marshall, Steve (and Kelly) Kontz of Omaha, NE, nine grandchildren: Loren and Justin Brooks, Jasmine and Jewel Greenwaldt, Whitney, Hunter and Sam Kontz, Nick and Alex Kontz, siblings Ken (and Audrey) Kontz of Hutchinson, Joe (and Marlys) Kontz of Canby, Sharon (and Dave) Benson of Shakopee, Merle Kontz of Clear Lake, SD, sister-in-law Mary Kontz of Buffalo, Barbara (and Dale) Haack, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials preferred to the Mayo Clinic Cardiology Division or Living Word Lutheran church Foundation.