Ricardo John Defiel Sr., age 56, of Fergus Falls, died unexpectedly Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at his home.
Rick was born on November 8, 1959, to Leslie W. and Carol E. (Marty) Defiel, in St. Paul. He grew up in St. Paul and graduated from Harding High School in 1978. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and became a military policeman, stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX.
On June 27, 1986, Rick married Tamara Benson in Waconia. Over the years, he worked for Medallion Kitchens in Waconia and Fergus Falls, Mid-Am Dairy in Fergus Falls, and since 2000 Rick has been employed by the City of Fergus Falls.
Rick loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and family and enjoyed vacationing, fishing, hunting, church league softball, and following professional sports. For many years coached Tee-Ball and little league softball.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
Rick is survived by his wife of 29 years, Tammy Defiel of Fergus Falls; his children, Ricardo John (Katie) Defiel, Jr. of St. Paul, Dustin Defiel of Moorhead and Leslie (Steve Kalenberg) Defiel of Fergus Falls; his grandchildren, Ricardo Defiel III, Paisley and Ethan Kalenberg, and a “4th on the way”; his father, Leslie Walter Defiel of Chisago City; his mother, Carol (Terry) Christianson of Hudson, WI; his brothers, Leslie “Nick” Defiel of Baraboo, WI, Michael Defiel of Perham and Christopher Defiel of St. Paul; his mother-in-law, Sharon Benson of Fergus Falls; his father-in-law, Roger (Shirley) Benson of Grand Rapids; brothers-in-law, Michael (Debbie) Benson of Moorhead, Jeffrey Benson of Fergus Falls, Shannon Benson of Brainerd and Tim (Sue) Benson of Andover; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation: 5-7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, with a prayer service at 6:30 PM. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 9, 2016, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverends Duane Smith and Clay Mitchell
Military Participation: Fergus Falls American Legion Post #30 and VFW Post #612
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls, MN
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