(1940–2026)
Richard William Oitzman, age 85, passed away on March 3, 2026. He was born on June 6, 1940, to Alvin and Norma (Beneke) Oitzman at his family home in Winnebago Valley, Houston County, Minn.
A 1958 graduate of New Albin High School, Richard joined the United States Army that same year, beginning a lifetime of service and hard work. Shortly after his service, he met LaVonne Horn at a dance; they were married on June 16, 1962, and shared a beautiful 63 years of marriage.
A Life of Hard Work
Richard’s early career took him from Riehms Farm in New Albin to the construction of the 3rd Ave. Bridge in Cedar Rapids. He eventually returned to Eitzen to haul milk for the Eitzen Creamery and worked part-time for Deters Implement. In 1968, Richard and LaVonne purchased a 100-acre farm near Eitzen, where they resided for 57 years.
After 18 years of milking cows and raising calves, Richard transitioned to a career as an over-the-road semi-driver for Bud Meyer, later joining Kruckow Rock Products in Caledonia. He dedicated 17 years to Kruckow before retiring in 2008. Even in his “off” hours, Richard stayed busy, assisting LaVonne with her concession trailer for 33 years and processing deer together for 25 years.
Community & Leisure
Richard was a dedicated member of Saint Luke’s Church, serving as president of the church council for two years. He was also a charter member of the Eitzen Lions Club, receiving the Lion of the Year award and the prestigious Melvin Jones Award. In his leisure time, Richard loved to bowl, fish, play cards, visit casinos, camp and travel.
Family & Legacy
Richard is survived by his beloved wife LaVonne, his four children: Eric (Stacey) of Williamsburg, Va.; Pam (Dan) Thesing of La Crescent, Minn.; Darryl (Karla) of Dakota, Minn.; and Cory (Jennifer) of Spirit Lake, Iowa. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Chris, Alycia, Heather, Kayla, John, Amanda, Tyler and Alexandria; and 10 great-grandchildren: Dawson, Kai, Oakley, Delainey, Braylynn, Adelynn, Oliver, Zach, Nick and Zoey. His surviving siblings include Sharon (Verne) Geotzinger and Marilyn (Wendell) Wild; and in-laws Janice (Arlen) Doely, Wayne (Cathy) Horn, and Carol Horn.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Norma Oitzman, his parents-in-law Elmer and Bernice Horn, sisters Joanne Mittendorf and Viola (Lyle) Horseman, and in-laws Wilmer (Cel) Horn, Geraldine (Norman) Oseth, Dale Horn, Beverly (Raymond) Snell, and Lorraine (Bob) Melandy.
The family wishes to thank the staff of La Crescent Health Services and St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care.
Service Information
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Saint Luke’s Church, 23995 MN 76, Eitzen, Minn. Pastor Michael McCann will officiate.
Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. A meal will be provided immediately following the service. Graveside services will be held at Saint Luke’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association in Richard’s memory.
Frederickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, is assisting the family.
“Richard’s legacy of hard work and love for his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.”
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