Richard Lee “Dick” Kogel, 82, of Albert Lea passed away Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018.

He was born Aug. 24, 1936, in Huron, South Dakota, to Paul and Jean Kogel.

A service of remembrance will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea with a celebration of his life to follow.

Dick graduated Cathedral High School in Sioux Falls in 1954. Following service in the United States Marine Corps, Dick attended Sioux Falls College.

Dick and Joyce were wed in 1959. Dick worked in sales for Murphy Motor Freight in Marshall before they settled in Albert Lea in 1963. Dick for many years owned and operated Kogel Transfer Inc. He subsequently worked for Enderes Tool, Bill Olson Chevrolet, Edwards Manufacturing and in his later years he enjoyed transporting vehicles for Dave Syverson Ford.

Dick was very involved in the community, active with Jobs Inc., the Chamber of Commerce, the Elks Club, American Legion, the board of Lea College and the Sparky Charity Golf Tournament, among others.

Dick rarely missed an opportunity to hear or tell a joke, as anyone who knew him can attest. He often said one of his greatest joys in life was making people laugh. Dick showed his joy of being on stage through his numerous performances in Albert Lea Community Theatre productions. Another joy was travel, which he proudly claimed took him to every state but Alaska.

Dick loved life and always tried to get the most out of it. He enjoyed golfing and time spent with friends and family at Albert Lea Country Club. There really weren’t many life experiences Dick didn’t try to participate in. He enjoyed fishing trips, boating/water-skiing, biking, snowmobiling, tennis, bowling, family vacations, golfing, playing gin rummy and wintering in Palm Desert, California. Last, but not least, he loved playing with his grandchildren, and they adored their fun-loving grandpa.

Dick — husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend — lived with gusto and is already greatly missed by those who knew him.

Dick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce; sons Ryan (Gena) Kogel and Randy Kogel of Albert Lea; daughters Stephanie Tafoya of Dana Point, California, and Denise (Mike) Gilbert of Ladera Ranch, California; brother, Robert (Laura) Kogel; and sisters Jane Kogel and Kathy Christensen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Debbie Stoltmann of Portland. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Sabra Kogel, Ashton Kogel, Nicole (Keith) Barrett, Amanda (Spencer) Caldwell, Blake (Danielle) Tafoya, Spencer Gilbert and Madison Gilbert. 

Dick was preceded in passing by his parents and his brother, Paul.