Dick DeSmedt  
Richard 'Dick' Desmedt, 58, died on Dec. 5, 2002, at his home in Grand Junction, Colo. He was born in Duluth, to Robert J. and Evelyn O. (Staubs) DeSmedt. He graduated from Denfeld High School in Duluth in 1963, and received a degree in business from the Duluth Business University in 1965. He served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, as an Electrican's Mate, and was Honorably Discharged in 1966. Dick and his older brother, John, together purchased the Western Tavern and the Western Hotel from their father, Robert in 1966. He married his wife of 31 years, Linda S. Thompson in 1971. In 1970, Dick sold his half of the bar and hotel to his brother, and became a liquor store owner. He retired from the Mount Royal Bottle Shoppe in Duluth after a quarter-century as a liquor store proprietor. Dick was always happiest hunting, fishing, and especially shot gunning with his many cherished friends, and always enjoyed meeting new people. He also very much enjoyed being a husband and father. Dick was preceded in death by his parents. Dick is survived by his brother, John, of Duluth; wife, Linda, of Grand Junction; daughter Melaine of Grand Junction; future son-in-law, Timothy Krause of Grand Junction; and his faithful hunting companion, JoJo. SERVICE:1 p.m., Dec. 12, 2002, at the New Elmwood Cemetery, 1175 Road 17¼, in Fruita, Colo. Carl Krause officiating. Memorials contributions may be made to the Skeet Club, care of the Grand Junction Trap Club, 116 Road 32, Grand Junction, 81503.
Published in the Duluth News Tribune on 12/10/2002.  

Posted By: Administrator - 04-23-2003
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