Richard "Dick" Spaniol

Dick, 90, of Rochester, Minn., died peacefully Sunday, July 24 ^th 2011 at Madonna Towers Skilled Care Unit surrounded by his loving family.

Dick was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on October 17, 1920 to George and Mary Spaniol.  He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1938.  On June 29, 1942, Dick was drafted into the Army serving during WWII.  He married Margaret 'Babe' Skumautz on April 25 ^th , 1944 in St. Cloud prior to his deployment to Europe as a Technical Sergeant in the 358 ^th Field Artillery Battalion.

Dick attended Dunwoody Technical School in St. Paul, Minnesota.  He worked for IBM 37 years as an Electrical Engineer, starting in St. Paul and then moving to Rochester in 1957.  After retirement in 1984, Dick volunteered as a tax preparer and instructor for the AARP Tax-Aide Program for 26 years.

Dick was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, a 3 ^rd degree Knight and life member of the Knights of Columbus for 55 years.  He was a member of the Elks and American Legion.  On April 3 ^rd , 2010 he went on the Veteran's Honor Flight to observe the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Dick leaves behind a beautiful family legacy, including his wife Babe; a daughter, Toni Deters of Rochester; a son, Philip (Cathy) of Katy, Texas; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Spaniol of Eyota; eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.  He is survived by his two sisters, Geneva Boerger of St. Cloud, MN and "Bunny" (Clay) Hartman of Moose Lake, MN.  He was preceded in death by his son, Rick in 2005, two brothers and one sister.

Memorials are preferred to Madonna Towers Skilled Care Unit.

The Memorial Mass for Dick will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, July 28, 2011 at St. Pius X Catholic Church of Rochester, with the Rev. Paul Nelson officiating.  Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at a later date.  Military rights will be held by the American Legion Post 92 following the service at the church.  Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, July 27 ^th 2011 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Thursday at the church.

Macken Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com