Richard D. Scrabeck, 86, died unexpectedly December 8, 2020, at Decorah Winneshiek Urgent Care. He was born July 2, 1934, in Preston Minn., the son of Carl Scrabeck and Margaret (Maggie) Scrabeck nee Dauman.
Richard grew up on the family farm and went to country school in Willow Creek. In ninth grade he entered high school in Harmony where he graduated with the Class of 1952. Following graduation, he served with the U.S. Army for 21 years, beginning August 1954. On October 16, 1955, he married his beloved wife Betty Knudslien, and they traveled the world together with their children for 21 years. They celebrated 65 years of marriage in October.
Overseas he served in Korea, Germany, two tours in Vietnam, and two months temporary duty in Lisbon, Portugal. Stateside he served at Ft. Ord, Calif., Ft. Holabird, Md., Ft. Bragg, N. C., Ft. Huachuca, Ariz., and Duluth, Minn., Airbase. He retired in 1975 with the rank of CW4. After retiring he moved the family to Harmony, Minn., for five years. In 1980 the family moved to California where Richard worked as a cabinet maker and later as a collection manager for Credit Bureau of Tulare County, retiring from there in 2001 when he and Betty moved back to Harmony, Minn.
Returning to Harmony he was quickly called upon to be head usher at Greenfield Lutheran Church. His Christian faith was the most important aspect of his life and he shared his faith with all who know him through his kind actions and generosity. He could never say no! He was also a favored tour guide for Amish Tours and made many Amish friends.
Richard was a loyal member of the American Legion Post 81 of Harmony and was a member of the Lions, where he was also the proud “Tail Twister” and known as the “Candy Man” by local Harmony businesses. He also enjoyed contributing to the community and working with the Historical Society.
Dad enjoyed golfing, bowling, and feeding his birds. He had a smile and laugh so contagious that it was impossible to be in his presence without feeling pure joy. He was generous to a fault and a true patriot. Richard loved his country, his God, but most of all his family. His entire family looked up to him and he was incredibly loved by all of them. He will be deeply, deeply missed.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Bob (Hellen) and Warden; daughter Joyce Ellen, and great-grandson William Snyder. Surviving in addition to his wife Betty (Knudslien) Scrabeck, are his children Lonnie (Randy) Weaver, Barb (Todd) Eiken, and James (Amanda) Scrabeck; five grandchildren: Jeremy (Crystal) Scrabeck, Matthew Todd Bowen, Beth (Michael) Snyder, Nicole Eiken (Jared Speltz), and Nathan Munsen; and five great-grandchildren: Yasmin Scrabeck (Jose Ramirez), Ann Marie Scrabeck, Kiah Tweten, John Scrabeck and Abel Snyder.
A private service will be held at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, Minn. Committal service with full military honors will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn. Those who wish to remember Richard in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Tunnels to Towers, Shriners Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warriors or Saint Jude’s.
Service will be available for viewing at the Greenfield Lutheran Church YouTube site following the funeral.
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