Richard “Dick” Vennes Alexander was born in Milwaukee on July 18, 1929, to Louise and Victor Alexander. Louise brought Dick to live in Menomonie, Wis. after Victor’s death. Two stepfathers were positive influences at different stages for Dick: Frank Torrey and Arthur Cantrell. He graduated from Menomonie High School in 1947, then earned a degree in Agricultural Education at Wisconsin State College at River Falls. Both schools benefitted from his football skills. In Chicago, Dick served in the Army during the Korean War period.
Dick married Joan Cook of Menomonie on Leap Day 1952. They were wed for 70 years. Daughter Torrey Louise was born in 1953, daughter Carol Ann in 1956 and daughter Paula Joan in 1958. Dick often declared that “Every day is ladies’ day for me!”
The Alexander family moved to Chippewa Falls and Barron in Wisconsin while Dick worked for the Federal Land Bank. River Falls became home and eventually Dick was hired by David Smith at the First National Bank. He became a well-respected Vice President and lending officer from 1965—1984.
Dick had many interests and friends. He planned family camping trips out West and more widespread trips with Joan. South Texas beckoned for winter sun and fishing. Deer hunting was a must with a special group for many years. Packers and Badgers were always cheered on. Bridge clubs were social and competitive. Raising and even racing horses was a thrill.
Later years were spent living on the Mississippi River by Alma, Wis. Then Dick and Joan moved back to River Falls in 2021. Masonic Lodge and First Congregational Churches in River Falls and Alma got Dick’s special attention.
Richard is preceded in death by wife Joan and daughter Paula Joan. He was the last surviving Vennes cousin on his mother’s side.
He is survived by daughters Torrey (Rod) Ostrem of Onalaska, Wis. and Carol Plumb of Laguna Vista, Texas. The grandsons are Alexander (Amanda) Heuer of Madison, Wis, and Paul Heuer of Minneapolis, Minn. Oliver and Vivienne Heuer of Madison are his great-grandchildren.
Oh, how he will be missed!
A memorial gathering will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024 with a service to follow at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church: 110 N. Third St., River Falls, WI 54022.
Richard had many old-time expressions which came to be called “Dickisms” to family and friends:
“You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”
“Life ain’t in holding a good hand, but playing a poor hand well”
“I can stand a lot of suggestions, but darn little criticism”
“You can’t work like a horse and eat like a chicken”
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions”
Special thanks to the Wellhaven employees, St. Croix Hospice and O’Connell’s Family Funeral Homes.
Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls, www.oconnellfuenralhomes.com, 715-425-5644
