Richard Rannestad

Richard E. Rannestad, age 81, of Spicer, died Sunday afternoon, February 23, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, at Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer. Interment will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, at the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to the service at the church. www.petersonbrothers.com

Richard "Dick" Emory Rannestad was born on August 11, 1932, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Emory and Marion (Greenfield) Rannestad. He grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School. Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and served as a gunner aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Monson. On December 31, 1956, Richard was united in marriage to Georgie Ruth Rasmuson and they made their home in Spicer. Richard became a partner with Ranny Johnson and Jerry Wallin in the Ranny's Mens Center in downtown Willmar. He later owned and operated the Phillips 66 service station in Spicer. During the 1990's, Richard was employed as a salesman at Wallace's in the Kandi Mall. In 1997, he began working as an electrician for Willmar Electric Service and retired in 2000. Richard was a member of the American Legion Post in Spicer and the V.F.W. Post in Willmar.

He was an avid sailor and enjoyed the lakes of Minnesota. He loved to fish and hunt. In addition to his outdoor activities, he could often be found in the kitchen baking things to share with his family and friends. If you ever wanted to know the place with the best price of gas or farmers market in the county, you could count on Richard's input. He loved delivering donuts to friends all over town. He is well known for his famous Rannestad "taco dip" which he made for the Fourth of July picnic at the Carver's. He is survived by his loving wife, Georgie of Spicer; three children, Richard "Dean" Rannestad of Spring Park, David Rannestad (and special friend, Juanita Saterbak) of Benson and Diane Rannestad (and Jon Kennedy) of Spicer; five grandchildren, Trishia Rannestad, Justin Rannestad, Jessica Haugen, Megan Kennedy and David Kennedy and two great grandchildren, Svea Haugen and Brynn Hooper. Also surviving is one sister, Delores Saxton of St. Louis Park, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant children and one sister, Joanne Martin.

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