Richard (Dick) Stueckle, 77, a long-time farmer in Dusty, Washington, passed away peacefully early Saturday, August 20th in Colfax after a long battle with melanoma. A graveside service will be held at 4:00 pm Friday, August 26, at the Dusty Cemetery. The memorial service will follow at 6:00 pm at the Nazarene Church in Colfax with dessert provided. Viewing will be from 9 to 5 on Wednesday and Thursday at Bruning Funeral Home. Dick was born Jan. 20, 1934, at the family farm near Dusty, to Edward & Mary (Weber) Stueckle. He grew up helping in all aspects of the family farm, and even as a kid, he loved farming. As his father's right hand man, he soon developed the skills of bailing hay, feeding cattle, building fence, harvesting and driving tractor, skills that would be used for the rest of his life, and which he would pass on to his children. 4-H was an important part of Dick's growing-up years. He once rode the train to Portland with one of the Bennetts from Winona, taking steers to the Portland Stock Show. Through 4-H he also traveled to Chicago in 1951 with about forty other 4-H'ers. The group from Washington brought cases of apples to share with other kids from all over the United States: the apples were a big hit with all. Dick graduated from LaCrosse High School in 1952. He played basketball and co-captained the team his senior year. It was in high school that he met his future wife, Greta Herman, and they married in 1954. They had 3 children: Jody, Kirt and Shane. Dick loved working, and that love took him in many directions eventually managing the farming operation along with starting a cow/calf program of registered Angus. He took numerous cattle trips, hauling bulls to Filer, ID, traveling to the Denver Stock Show with Cliff Countryman and participating in bull sales at the Whitman County Fair Grounds with Fritz Steiger and Sam Vogler. Later in life, Dick also spent several winters working for the state highway department. An Active member of his community, Dick volunteered at church, local 4-H, fair board, and the blood center. He was a member of the American Angus Assoc., the Cattlemen's Association and the Wheat and Barley Commission. He also ran in the Bloomsday race for many years. Even in retirement, he could be seen every day, walking on Main Street in Colfax, wearing one of his logo caps, carrying his walking stick and stopping for coffee and conversation. Throughout his battle with melanoma, there were innumerable blessings. Dick lived 2 years longer than most with this illness. During that time, the family had multiple opportunities to share their hearts with him, he continued to impact this community, he was pain-free and he was able to continue his routine until the last few weeks. What an answer to prayer. The family deeply appreciated Dick's caregivers, especially Dr. Singh, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Anthony. Dick loved and served the Lord his whole life and is now in heaven with those who have gone before him. He is survived by his wife, Greta, his three children, Jody O'Brien, Kirt Stueckle and Shane Stueckle, and six granddaughters. An on-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com. The family asks that you please feel free to leave a special memory or a favorite story of Dick on this web-site for them to enjoy. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Union Gospel Mission, LaCrosse Dollars for Scholars or a charity of your choice.