Richard “Dick” Sawvel

   Richard “Dick” Sawvel, age 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, after a bout with duodenal cancer on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Dick was born on May 13, 1932, in Tomah, Wisconsin, the son of Floyd and Pauline Sawvel. 

   After graduating from Mora High School in 1950, Dick joined the Air Force, where he was an airplane mechanic. On October 11, 1953, he married Joyce Engblom, and together they had 5 children. After many adventures and work experiences, retirement loomed so they bought a motorcycle and traveled extensively to 49 of the 50 states. When he wasn’t on the bike, Dick enjoyed woodworking, hunting, reading, and leatherworking. 

   Dick is survived by his children, John (Marla) Sawvel, Jeanne Sawvel, Peggy (Michael) Chalich, James Sawvel, and Rita (Kenneth) Sepin; sister, Betty Reckinger; brother, David Sawvel; 19 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

   Dick is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, 2 grandsons, a great-grandson, and a brother. 

The family is planning a Celebration of Dick’s Life for Summer 2023. 

   Dick’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com