Richard Reinhold Rosenquist

Richard “Dick” R. Rosenquist, age 94, of Hastings, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Wednesday, April 17, 2025.

Dick was born on August 18, 1930, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Carl and Jennie (Jackson) Rosenquist. One of two boys, he grew up in St. Paul and graduated from Johnson High School in 1948. From a young age, he developed a lifelong passion for airplanes, both model and real, as well as a love for the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and later boating became treasured pastimes that he enjoyed throughout his life.

At the age of ten, Dick met Dolores (Dee) Hartley, the girl who would become the love of his life. After high school, he proudly joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Alaska at the Aleutian Islands as part of the Naval Air unit. He was an armorer and gunner, part of his role was to spot submarines from the air. During his time in service, he and Dee were married, beginning a life together that would span decades. After he got out of the war he started working for Sears and Roebuck. At the time Sears was doing trash collection and he had an accident where his right hand was crushed. Despite the accident, Dick was able to build an entire world around him constructing model airplanes. It was everything to him.

Together, Dick and Dee raised five children: Sandy, Ricki, Lori, Jim, and Tom. They lived in various places across Minnesota including Bemidji, Fergus Falls, the Twin Cities, and eventually Hastings. Dick worked hard to provide for his family and remained active in his interests, including his involvement with the Masons and Shriners. Dick was passionate about acquiring knowledge, he fulfilled this passion through reading and watching films. He also had deep respect for history, which was apparent in his intricate storytelling.

Dick will be remembered for his strong will, sharp wit, generous heart, and wonderful sense of humor. A true romantic, he was deeply devoted to his wife, his family, and his friends. He and Dee cherished the simple pleasures of life; camping, fishing, relaxing with a good TV show, and most of all, just being together. They cherished a good salad and enjoyed dining together at various places around town.

He will be deeply missed by his children, Sandra Carlton, Richel “Ricki” Jenkins, Lori (Kim) Duong, and Thomas Rosenquist; grandchildren, Philip Carlton, Jessica Jarnot, Justin Jenkins, Vienna Duong, Tiffany Duong, Edison Duong, and Chase Rosenquist; great grandchildren, Rose Jarnot and Lyla Duong; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Dolores; his brother, Robert Rosenquist; his son, Jim Rosenquist; and his son in law, Gordon Carlton.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 400 W 9th St, Hastings, MN. A visitation will take place at the church prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 a.m., with coffee and cookies served during that time. Following the service, the family will depart immediately to lay Richard to rest with full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. His family is at peace knowing that Dick will once again be with his beloved, Dee, and their son Jimmy.