August 3, 1945 - August 17, 2021
Richard Alvin Vohs
1945-2021
Richard “Dick” Alvin Vohs, age 76, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. He was born on August 3, 1945 in St. Paul to Freida Anna (Zimmerman) and Alfred Wilhelm Vohs. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Brigitte (Lange); his parents; brothers Gerald and Eugene Vohs; and sister Shirley Johnson. Dick is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Ruth Ann (Houle); daughter Kimberly (Joshua) Butikofer; granddaughter Lucy Jane Butikofer, who brought such light and joy to Dick; brothers Donald (Elizabeth) and James (Pamela) Vohs; and many nieces, nephews, dear friends and family.
Richard spent his early years in Minneapolis and attended Minnehaha Elementary School before the family moved to a farm in Kenyon. The family moved again, this time to Richfield, where Dick graduated from Richfield High School. Throughout high school, Richard worked at the family bowling alley, Luxury Lanes. In 1965, Richard graduated from the University of Minnesota with an Associate of Arts degree. He then proudly served in the U.S. Army. He utilized his skills as an engineer at NorthWestern Bell/U.S. West/Century Link until he retired in 2001.
Dick was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed ballroom dancing, scuba diving, traveling, and spending time in his happy place - Florida. He was a MacGyver who could fix anything and loved to help others.
Richard will be remembered as a dedicated servant and man of faith. He was deeply committed to his faith, church, and family. As a life-long member of Berea Lutheran Church, he served as an elder, chairperson/president, board member, and Eucharistic minister.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Orlando Health, MHealth, Park Nicollet Hospice, and NC Little Hospice for their compassionate care of Dick. So many family members and friends also accompanied Dick on his journey, both in Florida and in Minnesota, after his diagnosis of Stage 4 non-small cell adenocarcinoma lung cancer. Their overwhelming generosity and support were truly astounding.
A private interment service will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
“Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10)
*Memorial service will also be livestreamed on the Berea Lutheran Church Facebook page*
In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute donation to Berea Lutheran Church or to the Hospice program in care of Park Nicollet Foundation (6500 Excelsior Boulevard, St. Louis Park, MN 55426).
Memorial Service
Friday, August 27, 2021
11:00 AM
Visitation 1 hour prior
Berea Lutheran Church
7538 Emerson Avenue
Richfield, MN 55423
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dick. You were a kind, caring couple & you loved to
dance. May you cherish those special memories. Ruth Ann, take care of yourself & let
God guide you through this next journey. We will be praying for you & your family.
Earl & Trudy Wiseman
Dear Ruth Ann, Kimberly, Lucy & Josh,
We’re Sad yet relieved for Brother Richard and the many days of Pain and suffering he endured during the past months yet Happy for Him to leave our World for A Much better Place where there is no more Sickness or Pain. God’s Speed Dear Brother and may our Departed Family members be waiting to greet you.!!
I am in awe of the strength, courage, and faith displayed by Uncle Dick, Kim, Josh, and you, Aunt Ruth Ann. Your loving care of Dick will remain seared in my mind. I remain confident that Jesus, Uncle Dick, Uncle Joe and other loved ones will be there waiting for all of us to welcome us into our true home when the time comes for us. Love NEVER fails. I love you all immensely. I pray that you will navigate the grief of this loss and will be reminded of all of the people who love you all. You are accepted just as you are and you have many who will be glad to reminisce with you about Dick- reliving and being reminded of the blessing of his presence during his time on this earth.
Dear RuthAnn, Kim and Josh and Lucy,
We are all very saddened by the passing of Dick and we share in your grief. It has been a long endurance of care, viewing his discomfort and pain and paperwork, doctors, and change.
Now as you prepare for his funeral, your final goodbyes will be said, and you as well as all friends, neighbors, family and all that knew Dick will also say good-bye, weep with you and have closure.
The promise that life on earth for us will continue and we will heal, is the good news of this story. Prayers will continue to come to you as the pain of loss and sadness you feel will lift. Dick will live in your heart with each sweet memory. As long as you have that sweet memory he is with you!
Take good care of each other, reach out to others when you feel alone. You are not alone! We are a phone call or message away.
We will all miss him greatly, for he touched our hearts, however slight from a brief encounter to years of family time with lots of events and happiness. Be blessed.
Joanie and John
Hi Ruth Ann, I am so sorry to see Dick’s obituary In today’s paper. I hope that your memories of the great life you both shared will help you get through this difficult time.
Take care,
Jan Johnson (former client)
Dear Ruth Ann and Family—Was saddened to read of Dick’s passing but realize he is at peace. May the love of family, friends, and God give you comfort. Sincerely, Carol Poor
Dear Ruth Ann, Kim, Josh and all of Dick’s loved ones,
I cannot imagine how difficult this has been for all of you and how you must be feeling now. I have been praying for you all, as it has been very heavy on my heart as well. Through the months leading to his passing, I have sought solace in the fact that we will all meet again one day. This loss, however painful, is but a fleeting moment in a much grander story. In the meantime, I will always remember how kind Uncle Dick was, and how he set an example of how to live life as a loving Christian man.
This quote encapsulates my ideas for Uncle Dick.
“Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.”
—Emily Dickinson
The love that he gave and was given is truly immortal, as his faith will take him home.
With love,
Isaac Rippelmeyer
Dear Aunt Ruth Ann, Kimberly, Joshua & Lucy,
Richard touched our lives in so very many ways and will continue to do so, even after his passing. His faith, love of family, strength, humility, gentle spirit, and compassion has helped us become closer to God and each other.
May God continue to bless you and your special family during this time of sorrow.
With love and gratitude,
Jacqueline & Brian Krech
Dear Ruth Ann, Kim & Josh & baby Lucy,
Our hearts reach out to you & your family, we are very saddened by his passing. I feel blessed to have spent time with you & Dick, before his ‘walk to heaven” Dick was so fun to be around. -He showed great strength & courage through the pain. We know he will watch over you.
Dear Dick on the road to Heaven, I know as you walk toward the light, your now free of the pain, your burden is lifted & your walk is light.
To Dick on the road to Heaven, when you walk to the light, and see the ones that went before you please send our love, and know they are missed,
Dear Dick on the road to heaven , send many shining stars that we might look at through the darkened night, and know your the one twinkling for your beloved Wife Ruth Ann & daughter -Kim, Josh & Lucy.
Dear Dick on the road to Heaven, Look for the candles that will be lite for you. And the tears from the loss, will slowly turn to treasured memories of wonderful fun loving times.
Dear Dick on the Road to Heaven – I know you can see, how deeply you are loved!
Ruth Ann, I am only a heartbeat away, if you need anything. Love & hugs