Richard Ochs

Richard "Dick" Ochs passed away on February 19, 2025, in Albert Lea. A Celebration of Life will be held at Bonnerup in Albert Lea on April 26, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior.

Richard, known as "Dick", was born to George and Beatha Ochs in Glenville, MN on April 14, 1936. He married Barbara Ackland on August 25, 1956, and they had three daughters, Robin, Julie, and Patty. Throughout his life, he had a successful career as a mechanical engineer and truck driver.

Dick enjoyed many things, like riding his motorcycle, snowmobile trips to Wisconsin and the North Shore, plowing snow in his bobcat, tinkering in his shop, and taking an afternoon nap in his recliner. He also loved baseball, playing in his younger years and never missing a Twins game. Most of all, he enjoyed being a grandfather. He attended every game, concert, or milestone he could and would drop almost anything to spend a day around the "farm" to ride horses, catch kittens in the barn, pick apples, and find mischief to get into to ruffle Grandma's feathers. In 2002 he was promoted to Papa Dick by his great-grandchildren, once again enjoying every moment, especially during their yearly trips to visit the fair and getting into the same mischievous antics once again.

He was passionate about riding and caring for horses, passing this love to his daughters and grandchildren. His experience and knowledge inspired him to train and judge horse shows. He held horse judging cards for many breeds in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin 4-H, and held his WSCA card for 49 years. He was known for his "Gift of Gab" and sense of humor; both helping him bring a smile to those he met and creating long-lasting memories for his family and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his daughter, Patty Ochs in 1965; parents George and Beatha; father and mother-in-law Neil and Laila Ackland; Peggy Ackland, Robert Ackland; and siblings Clayton, Norma, Marion, Crystal, and Tommy.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years Barbara Ochs; daughters Robin (Greg) Ochs-Beall and Julie (Brian) Walk; grandchildren Andrea (DJ) DeBoer, Wade (Carmon) Hoffer, and Colby (Rachel) Strilaef; great-grandchildren Tanner DeBoer, Taylor DeBoer, Talon DeBoer, Wesley Hoffer, Eli Hoffer, and Mia Hoffer; siblings David (Joy) Ochs and Gayle Olson; brother-in-law Richard Ackland; many nieces and nephews; and his cat Twix.

Memorials can be made to the Freeborn Co. Humane Society and Youth for Christ.