Dick Cylkowski

Richard Vincent Cylkowski was born on May 24, 1941 to Anthony and Veronica (Marshall) Cylkowski in St. Paul, Minnesota. He attended Harding High School in St. Paul, graduating in 1960. He then attended St. Paul Vo-Tech. In 1961, he met his future wife and on October 27, 1962 he married Diane Dressen in St. Paul, Minnesota. The couple resided in St. Paul until 1992 when they moved to Vermillion, Minnesota. In 2009 they moved to Kanaranzi, Minnesota. Dick was employed with 7 Up/Pepsi Cola (PepsiCo) from 1969 to 1975 and Rihm Motor Company as a Kenworth salesman from 1983 to 2002, at which time he retired. He greatly enjoyed his job as a salesman; he became friends with his customers which allowed him to love his job each day. He was jokingly referred to as "The Polish Prince" by some at Rihm Motor Company. Dick's health continued to decline and recently over 40 family and friends gathered at their home in Florida and enjoyed a few beers, some songs, and some very treasured time together. About a week prior to his passing, with the help of their son, Nate, Dick traveled home so that he could, very simply, die at home in Kanaranzi. Many came through the revolving door of Scott and Amy's home to visit him in his last week of life. He was so happy to see all who came. He passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the age of 84. The last words he spoke amidst a day that had, for him, been silent were "Diane, Diane, is she OK?" His desire in life was to be sure that his wife was well cared for, even in his last moments.

Dick was always a hard worker, a good provider, generous with his time and assets, and an all-around handyman. Dick became accomplished at remodeling houses as he never lived in one that didn't need gutting. The farmhouse built by his great-grandfather near Vermillion was his greatest challenge. Dick became a good golfer, winning the Luverne Senior Golf Tournament in 2015. He also enjoyed fishing and was an avid fisherman. Dick especially enjoyed wintering in Florida and naturally became a handyman in Mariner's Cove. He will be remembered for his generally quiet, always honest, and bluntly funny nature.

Dick will lovingly be remembered by his wife of 63 years, Diane; his daughter, Amy (Scott) Christenson of Kanaranzi; his son, Nathan (Amanda) Cylkowski of Ellsworth, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Kate (Sam) Thurn, Sierra Christenson, Kyle Christenson, Harley Cylkowski and Gemma Cylkowski; and his sister, Elizabeth (Ken) Swartz of Hackensack, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Cylkowski; his parents; and three brothers, Ronald, Dale, and James Cylkowski.