Richard Donald Sistek, age 78, of Walker, Minn., died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2005, after complications of nocardia.

Dick was born on July 29, 1927, in Freeborn County in southern Minnesota to Fred and Anna (Kycek) Sistek. He was raised in rural Oakland and on Aug. 28, 1948, he married Phyllis Holmquist in Austin. They farmed and continued to live in Freeborn County until 1979, when they relocated to Walker where they owned and operated Resort and Home Furnishings. Winters were spent in Mesa, Arizona.

Dick enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing cribbage, and pitching horseshoes. He was a gentle man who loved his family and endured his illness over many years without losing his zest for life. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, a former member of Trondhjem Lutheran Church, and was active in Oakland Township government.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son, Richard (Laurie) Sistek of Gordonsville; daughters: Gayle (Pete) Schneider of Lake Elmo, Minn., Sandy (Mike) Pence of Walker, and Gloria (Mike) Kozel of Excelsior, Minn.; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters: Mildred (Leroy) Koester of Kiester, and Mary Ann Sistek of Myrtle; and sister-in-law, Doris (John) Draayer of Austin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his brother, Freddie Sistek.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20,

at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker. Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Thomas-Dennis Funeral Home in Walker, and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.