Richard "Dick" Langlais

Richard (Dick) Joseph Langlais, 80, of Hastings, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2015 at his home, holding the loving hand of his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, Janet Marie (Jan). Dick was born in Minneapolis, MN on July 8, 1934. After graduating from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, he proudly served in the US Marines during the Korean War. While attending college at the University of Minnesota, he met and fell in love with Jan. They were united in marriage on May 25, 1957. After graduating from the U of M, Dick attended William Mitchell College of Law. He graduated in 1964, magna cum laude. Prior to entering private practice, Dick worked as a revenue agent for the Minnesota Department of Revenue, tax accountant for Arthur Anderson and tax attorney for 3M. Dick was known for his brilliant tax mind and creative negotiating and transaction structuring skills. Dick enjoyed a well-deserved reputation as one of the top tax and estate planning attorneys in Minnesota. Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and loyal friend. He had a strong faith in God and strived in work and life to model his life after his most admired saint, Sir Thomas Moore. He was enormously compassionate and generous with charity, with his time, talents and resources. He sought to give comfort and was a champion to those in need, particularly to those seeking help in addiction recovery. Both his personal and professional counsel were routinely sought out by clients, family and friends alike. His prolific words of wisdom seemed always to encourage, inspire and comfort. Dicks pride and joy were his family first and the practice of law. His passions were many, including family vacations, the theatre, football and playing poker with his dear friends. He embraced life with humor and a charismatic enthusiasm. He loved to study and engage in lively conversations about religion, law, politics and history. Dick was an exceptional man who lit up every room he entered. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Dick is survived by his wife Jan and his children Jean Langlais, MaryLynn (Dan) Saande, Catherine (Abdollah) Rahimi, Sue (Dave) Steveken, grandchildren Cassondra Saande, Matthew, Sarah and Joey Rahimi, Tommy and Johnny Steveken; his brother John Langlais; brother and sister-in-law Sharon and Jim Kadlec; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son Joseph Langlais, his grandchildren Aleeza Saande and Mary Rahimi; his siblings, Tom Langlais and Joannie Shutts; and his parents, Joe and Bea Langlais. Dick celebrated life's joys and softened life's sorrows with flowers. He also embodied a generous giving spirit and never forgot his favorite charities. Memorials may be given to one of his favorite charities, The Retreat, Wayzata, MN (www.theretreat.org), a center for addiction recovery, or to your favorite charity. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 12 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 West Fifteenth St., Hastings, officiated by Fr. David Hennen. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 201 East Seventh St., Hastings and one hour prior to mass at church. Interment, with Military Honors provided by the Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post # 1210 will be held in the parish cemetery.