Dick Darst

Dick Alan Darst, of Byron, died on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family after courageously battling brain cancer since January 2017. Dick was born October 16, 1953, in Rochester, to Claude and Betty Darst. He graduated from Mayo High School in 1972 and received his Building Utilities Maintenance certification from Rochester Vocational School. Dick worked in maintenance at Holiday Inn Downtown and the Kahler Hotel until his retirement in 2017. Dick married his high school sweetheart and soulmate, Laurie Brandt, in 1974. Together they built a life in Byron and were loving parents to two sons. Dick was very active in the community, including serving 8 years on the Byron City Council, the Byron Star City Commission, and was a cub scout leader. He also spent numerous years actively working on community service projects in Byron as a member of the Byron Jaycees. Dick went on to promote community service throughout Minnesota as he assumed leadership roles with the Minnesota Jaycees. Dick was recognized for his leadership in the Jaycees by being awarded with the prestigious JCI Senatorship Award, along with a number of other state and national awards. Dick had a passion for the outdoors. He especially enjoyed spending time at Lake Winnibigoshish and looked forward to his annual fishing excursions to Canada. Dick and Laurie introduced their sons to camping and fishing at a young age. However, they later discovered their real passion was hiking in the Rocky Mountains. The beauty they discovered there subsequently prompted another new passion in the form of nature photography. Dick also enjoyed bonfires with family and friends on his deck, making wines, and cheering on the Vikings. Dick is survived by his wife, Laurie; two sons, Jeremy Darst of Rochester, and Joshua Darst (Leah) of Bloomington; three siblings, John (Peggy) Darst of Bloomington, Dennis (Marty) Darst of Winona, and Claudia Grassle (Paul) of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David. Dick and his family would like to acknowledge the excellent and compassionate care provided to him by both Mayo Clinic and the Mayo Hospice staff. A memorial service will be held at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2019. There will also be a visitation/celebration of Dick's life held at the Ranfranz and Vine Remembrance and Reception Centre on Thursday, April 4, 2019 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Dick wishes to have donations made in his memory to Friends of Oxbow Park (http://www.friendsofoxbow.org/support-us/donate) or to Brains Together for a Cure ( https://www.brainstogetherforacure.org/donate/) To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 507-289-3600