Richard E. "Rick" Dandurand

Richard E. Dandurand, 78, flew on the wings of an eagle to his heavenly Father on Friday, July 19, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family, at the home he built, in Salix, IA. His positivity, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and friends, carried him through many health issues that he bravely faced. Services will be held at the Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Visitation will be open to the public with the family present on Sunday, September 1, 2024, from 3:00-5:00 P.M. Service at 5 P.M. with reception following. Online condolences may be given at www.meyerbroschapels.com. 

 Richard was born August 6, 1945, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of the late Clarence and Gladys Dandurand. As a child, he had an exceptional aptitude for fixing, creating, and building. He loved to work on projects with his dad and his house on South Linn Street was known as the neighborhood bike shop. Childhood friends with a broken bike would show up at Richard’s house knowing that if Rick couldn’t fix it, no one could. During his youth, he enjoyed playing the violin, drums, and baseball. At the age of 11, he began working at the stockyards and in high school he worked for a construction company. In his free time, he enjoyed listening to his favorite records, hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, fixing cars, and getting ice cream at the Dairy Queen. His favorite class in high school was, of course, shop. He was naturally gifted when it came to fixing and creating with his hands. 

 After graduating from East High School in 1965, he went on to proudly serve his country during the Vietnam War in the Navy as a Seabee, the Naval construction force, bridging the gap from sea to shore with his ‘Can Do’ attitude and operating in the challenging environments of Kenitra, Morocco, North Africa. His specialty was refrigeration; he kept the big coolers going that housed the food for the Mediterranean fleet. While serving overseas, Richard joined the Seabee Naval archery team. After long hot days of doing mechanical work, he loved to unwind at the archery range. There he honed his archery skills and became an accomplished archer. 

 Following his dedicated service, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Clarence, and became a journeyman electrician. He married the love of his life, Diane C. Dandurand on April 19, 1969, at St. Joseph’s Church in Sioux City, Iowa. High school sweethearts, they met at Browns Lake, and would eventually build their dream home there in the summer of 1976; there they would raise their family over the course of their 50 year marriage. 

 He became a member of IBEW on February 1, 1976, and worked as an electrician for Rhymer and Casler Electric. His great skill and personality made him an indispensable part of his company as he was greatly enjoyed by both his customers and co-workers. He retired in 1996 due to health complications from diabetes. After becoming disabled, Richard’s love for learning and creating continued when he received a diploma in Architectural-Construction Drafting and graduated top of his class when he received an associate’s degree in Architectural-Construction Engineering Technology. He also received national honors for his drafting project taking second place in the nation. 

 He was a genius craftsman and not only built his own home, but also helped several of his children build their dream homes by drafting the architectural design and managing and assisting in the building process. He was also a master woodworker and loved to create gifts for his family. His grandchildren nicknamed him “Grandpa Workshop” because he would spend many hours with them in his workshop patiently teaching and guiding them, imparting his wealth of knowledge to the next generation, just like his dad did with him. His grandchildren today are using those skills and knowledge in their careers and everyday lives. In his retirement years, he continued making woodworking projects for his children and grandchildren. He created many fun ride-on toys for his grandchildren: rocking horses, airplanes, a bulldozer, a helicopter, Thomas the Tank Engine, and even a replica doll house of his granddaughter’s home in Moville, Iowa.

 Richard “Rick” was a great man, a rare, sweet soul, that radiated positivity, kindness, love, and gratitude that inspired everyone around him. He had a spunky sense of humor, and even in his darkest days of illness, he would smile with a twinkle in his eye and light up the room with his playful humor. Facing each setback with a positive attitude and a heart full of gratitude, he’d always smile and say, “It’s all just part of the game,” with a wink to let his family know he’d be okay. His grandkids were the sparkle of his life; Papa would light up like a firecracker whenever they were around, playfully calling them “chicken punk poodlaloos” as they laughed with delight. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandpa, always there for his family, protecting, supporting, listening, helping, loving, and guiding. A patient teacher, he loved to share his knowledge with his kids and grandkids. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster in his son’s and grandson’s Boy Scout Troop for 8 years where he was able to pass on many of his passions like archery, fishing, and camping. He especially loved to spend time with his best friend and beautiful wife, Diane. Together they enjoyed tending to the yard and garden, creating meals fit for a king in the kitchen, playing cards with family, watching the eagles fly high, and feeding the geese at the lake. His home and family were his greatest blessing, with his wife, Diane, by his side it was their “heaven on earth.” Richard leaves a legacy of love with his family and everyone who was touched by the light of his sweet spirit. 

 He will be profoundly missed by many, especially his family. He was most proud of his children: Robert, Daniel, Tammy, Fred, Kasie, and his ten grandchildren: Zach, Luke, Kelsey, Cole, Richard, Eddie, Brianna, Noah, and Emma and three great grandchildren: William, Majora, and Stevie. He is survived by his brother Ken and his wife Jeannette. He is preceded in death by his wife: Diane, parents: Clarence and Gladys, in-laws: Oscar and Helen, brother: Don, daughter-in-law: Cherie, and granddaughter: Grace.