Richard Edward “Dick” Grass, 80

Richard “Dick” Edward Grass December 29, 1943 – October 17, 2024

Dick passed away peacefully at home, with family near him, on October 17, 2024 at the age of 80. A celebration of life funeral will be held on Friday November 08, at 10:00 A.M. at Bethany Bible Church in LeRoy, MN with Pastor Mike Kroeker and Jake Grass, Executive Director Mesabi Range Youth for Christ, will officiate the celebration Visitation will be held 5-8 P.M Thursday November 7, 2024 at Bethany Bible Church in LeRoy. You are welcome to wear your favorite team colors and/or your hunting attire.

Dick was born to John and Marion Grass in Owatonna, MN. He attended LeRoy public school, where he participated in football, basketball, baseball, FFA, and 4-H, graduating in 1961. He enjoyed traveling with fast-pitch and softball teams.

He began farming after graduating from high school in 1961 and was drafted into the US Army in 1965. After Basic Training, he was stationed in Germany, where he served two years. Upon his return from Germany, he resumed farming. In 1971, he met his love, Bonnie (Myers) Nelson, and her three young sons, Clarke, Craig, and Chris Nelson. They were married in September 1971 and celebrate 53 years of marriage. To this marriage, they added two daughters, Suzanne and Shelley, and a son, Scott. The family attended Bethany Bible Church, where Dick served on the board many years.

Dick was an avid fan of all sports! He sponsored and managed the Grass-Nelson Spots & Holsteins softball team for the town league, cheered on all Minnesota Pro teams, as well as the L-O Cardinal teams. As farming allowed, he attended his kids’ & grandkids’ games, and he could be heard from the stands quite often. He also enjoyed hunting around Le Roy, as well as the annual hunting and fishing trips “Up North” to Echo Lake with family and friends. Many enjoyed his pancakes and syrup.

While growing up on a Registered Holstein and Spotted Poland China hog farm, 4-H and FFA became an important part of his formative years. He developed a responsible work ethic and went on to serve as an advisory leader and officer in 4-H, where he built lasting friendships. He also served the agriculture community by sitting on several dairy boards, was a Mower County Fair president and director for 21 years, was an FFA Alumni and Charter Booster, and was inducted into the Mower County Livestock Hall of Fame. He also donated over 100+ units of blood.

After 50+ years of farming, he was (somewhat) ready to retire, and spend more time with family, grandkids, hunting and fishing, travel, and wintering in the Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas. He continued to work part-time for various farmers in the area, so, as soon as the temps hit triple digits and he could “smell the black dirt of Minnesota,” it was time to head north to Le Roy.

At the age of 9, Dick accepted salvation through Jesus Christ (John 3:16) and dedicated his life to living for Jesus. If Dick could leave one last thought with you, it would be that you don’t have to be worried about dying. You can live forever! All you have to worry about is the eternal location. He would want to make sure you knew the saving power of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord and Savior.

Dick is preceded in death by a baby in heaven; his parents; his father- and mother-in-law, as well as Bonnie’s sisters and husbands and two nephews. He is survived by 6 children, 15 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren: Clarke (Kelly) Nelson and children: Eric Nelson; Heather (Adam) Wilder and their children, Graysen, Tyten, and Rowyn; Kirk (Alysha) Nelson. Craig Nelson and children, Julianna, Meghan, and Owen. Chris (Holli) Nelson and children: Taylor (Kiel) Nelson; Nolan; and Garrett. Suzanne (Grass) and Scott Ellinghuysen and children: Alyssa Ellinghuysen and Tim Pasiuk; Alexa, and Samantha. Shelley (Grass) Kendall Kamphuis and children: Jackson and Hudson. Scott (Amy) Grass and their son, Grady. His brother, John (Sharon) Grass, many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice caring team and all of our family, friends, and church groups for the prayer support and care given through this journey.

Condolences may be left at www.Hindtfuneralhomes.com