Richard “Dick” Waby

Richard “Dick” Waby, age 85 of Crosby died on October 22, 2020 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. He was born in St. Charles on December 30, 1934 to Vernon and Jessie (Taylor) Waby. Dick graduated from St. Charles High School in St. Charles. He continued his education at the School for Journeymen Carpenters at the Rochester Technical College. Dick married Estella Wiskow on March 6, 1954 in St. Charles. He was owned and operated the Traveler’s Eat Shop in St. Charles. Dick moved to Long Prairie to work at Minnesota Power as a Sales Representative, transferring to Little Falls and then to Crosby in 1967. In 1978 he bought the Spalding House, which he operated for 10 years. Helping to promote Crosby, he became the President of the Crosby Chamber. He was an active member of the Cascade United Methodist Church in Deerwood, holding positions with the Trustees and Finance Committees; an active member of the Lions Club, serving as District Governor from 1983 to 1984. He received many awards for his services with the Lions, including the prestigious Melvin Jones Award and the Helen Keller Sight award. He was still giving in his passing by donating his eyes.

Dick is survived by his wife Stell; one son, Chuck (Lisa) Waby of Deerwood; two daughters, Sheila Valentino of Aitkin, Jody (Mark) Smith of Baxter; daughters-in-law, Sarah Waby of Panama City Beach, FL and Lori Waby of Brainerd; many grandchildren and many many great grandchildren.

Preceding Dick in death are his parents; two sons, Robert Waby and Tom Waby; one sister, Katherine “Tonder” Jongewaard and son-in-law, Rocky Valentino.

A Memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at the Cascade United Methodist Church in Deerwood. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Broad Band Radio (FM 88.1) will be broadcasting the service in the church parking lot. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.