Richard A. DeJarlais, Sr. 91, Marshfield, passed away with family at his side on Monday, January 3, 2022.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Marshfield, with Rev. James Weighner officiating. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery and grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday at Rembs Funeral Home and from 9:30 am until service time on Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Church. An Elks Lodge of Sorrow will be conducted at 6:30 pm on Friday at the funeral home.
Richard was born on April 5, 1930 in Minneapolis, MN, to Floyd H. and Arvilla E. (Asp) DeJarlais. He was a 1948 graduate of Marshfield Senior High School and attended Gale Institute in Minneapolis. He then was employed as an operator telegrapher for the Milwaukee Railroad for 14 years. He married Colleen M. Dumas on April 14, 1951 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Marshfield and they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last April 14.
While in Minnesota he served in the Army National Guard. In the early 1960’s he returned to Marshfield where they owned and operated DeJarlais’ Bar. After selling the tavern he worked for Mercury Vending and Craft’s Trading Center as a salesman until retirement.
Dick was a member of the Marshfield Elks Lodge #665, the Fraternal Order of Eagles #624, and the Knights of Columbus John Eisen Council #1799. He had served as president of the Wood County Tavern League and the board of directors for the State Tavern League. He also was instrumental in the formation of the Opportunity Development Center in Marshfield and served on its board of directors. He was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church serving on the Catholic cemetery board as past president and treasurer. He was a leader for the annual St. John’s picnic. He enjoyed fishing Lake Superior and Isle Royale and boating with his children and grandchildren. He had a love for woodworking and in early retirement he and Colleen wintered in Arizona.
Dick is survived by his wife, Colleen, and their children, David DeJarlais and Danny DeJarlais, both of Marshfield, Richard (Dorene) DeJarlais, Jr. of Park Falls, Tim (Alicia) DeJarlais of Boseman, MT, Paul (Tracy) DeJarlais of Mukwonago, and Carla (Bill) Scherr of Marshfield. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Eric DeJarlais, Erin (Kevin) Junemann, Kim DeJarlais, Krista DeJarlais, Lee (Danielle) DeJarlais, Bryan (Lindsay) DeJarlais, Adam (Jessica) DeJarlais, Ryan DeJarlais, Graig (Jessica) Scherr, Heidi (Jason) Van Nurden, Jake (Erin) DeJarlais, and Tyler (Kaleigh) DeJarlais and 15 great grandchildren. He is further survived by sisters, Bonnie (Richard) Braem and Sandy Eckes, both of Marshfield, and Cheryl (Dan) Mueller of The Villages in Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter, Danielle DeJarlais, and a great grandson, Mason DeJarlais.
The family wishes to thank Patty and the staff at Wells Nature View at 2711 S. Apple Avenue for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated in Dick’s name to Children’s Miracle Network or Marshfield Special Olympics.
Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com.
