Richard “Dick” Lawrence Tougas was born on March 9, 1945, in Crookston, Minn., to Aurel “AJ” and Aurora Tougas. He joined our Heavenly Father on September 21, 2025, in the comfort of his home in New York Mills, surrounded by his beloved family. Funeral Mass was held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bluffton. Dick was laid to rest at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Bluffton.

Dick grew up in the great white north in Warroad, Minn., and was the oldest of nine children. He could often be found in the woods building forts or on the pond playing hockey. When his family moved to Paynesville in 1963, he elected to stay in Warroad in order to finish out his senior year.

Following his high school graduation, he packed up his bags, and moved to South Milwaukee. After working in South Milwaukee for a year, Dick decided to move to Paynesville, Minn., to be closer to his immediate family.

Dick’s adult life can be best defined using one simple word: dedication. His first dedication was to his beloved wife, Kay. The pair first met in Paynesville, where Kay had moved with her family from Iowa. Dicks charm and sense of humor, traits that he kept even in his last days on earth, soon won her over. Dick and Kay married in 1966, and never looked back.

Dicks second dedication was to his country. He was proud to enlist in the United States Air Force as an airplane bodywork specialist during the Vietnam War, and he served for a total of four years (1965-1969). He was stationed in Oscoda, Michigan, and was then deployed to Okinawa in his final year in the service. He was discharged from the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant, and came home to begin his third dedication, which was his family.

Dick and Kay welcomed their first child, Tom, in 1967. Several years later, in the place they would call home for more than 50 years, the couple welcomed their daughter Cindy; and finally, their youngest son Steve. Together, Dick and Kay raised their three children in a humble home, in a community that welcomed them warmly. Their kids reminisce about the lessons that their dad taught them about respecting “their mother,” as he would say. Making sure they were ready to help at a moment’s notice with carrying in groceries, and making sure her coffee cup was always refreshed, telling her not to get up.

When asked about the most memorable times with their father, Dick’s kids recalled trips to the deer shack in Zerkel, where he shot the infamous “Leroy,” whose head hangs on the wall in Dick’s basement to this day. Though the land in Zerkel was purchased for hunting; to Dick and his family, it became so much more. The endless miles of snowmobiling, countless rounds of liars dice and poker, and the hours of visiting and laughter bring fond memories to those closest to him.

  Throughout his life, Dick also dedicated much time and effort to his career. He spent 25 years working as a rural mail carrier, in addition to volunteering as a firefighter. When there was an opportunity to volunteer, he took it. His family recalls him helping put together the “sheep pasture” at Legrids golf course, where he spent countless hours breaking in his clubs. He was also a proud member of VFW Post 3289, where he famously would put $20 into pull tabs and tell the family “If I win, I’ll pay for dinner.”

One of Dicks greatest devotions came when he was blessed with seven grandchildren. They reminisce about trips to Canada, fascination with his artistic ability in painting, drawing, and woodworking, hunting trips to Zerkel, followed by a detour to Becida. He even showed off his skating skills at the Smith Park rink, where he skated circles around his grandchildren, who watched their Grandpa Dick in awe.

Although Dick’s spirit has moved on, we will always feel comforted by his presence in his favorite places; Zerkel, Warroad, Einer’s, Canada and with the people who meant the most to him.

Dick is survived by his wife; Kay, Children; Tom (Debbie), Cindy, Steve (Debi), Grandchildren; Shannan (Alec), Andrea (Trevor), Carson (Devven), Elliot (Alexa), Joe (Zaidie), and Michael. His siblings; Claudia Dammann (Dennis), Mike Tougas (Joyce), Laurel Liestman (John), June Schumacher, Carol Tougas, Danny Tougas, Sandy Olsen (Jay), and Todd Tougas. Along with many nieces and nephews.

Dick is preceded in death by parents; AJ and Aurora Tougas, his in-laws; Joe and Caroline Klein, and his grandson; Broc Tougas.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Dick’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.