Richard Daniel Lease

Dick died on Good Friday at the age of 80. Born in Cumberland Maryland, he was the only child of Richard and Mary Lease. By age 8, he and his family had moved to St. Paul. He attended Catholic grade school. After the family moved to Roseville, he attended high school there and graduated in 1961. He married Linda Tester in 1966 and they went from being "city" people to farmers, after buying a dairy farm in Northern Minnesota in partnership with his dad. They had 2 children while living on the farm: Dawn Marie and Richard Albert. By the early 1970s, dairy in Minnesota was in big financial trouble. To prevent bankruptcy (which was happening all over) - they made the painful decision to sell their beloved farm. This meant another move back to St Paul. Higher education was now the goal. Linda became a registered nurse and Dick an ophthalmic tech. After continuing education in Cheyenne, Wyoming for 2 years - the family moved back to St. Paul. Settling into careers in hospitals & clinics plus working with his dad on the farm, retirement followed. Now with children grown, the goal in life turned to travel. From Canadian east & west maritimes, to Scotland, Ireland, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, Linda and Dick saw and enjoyed many places. Dick's only regret was not seeing Alaska or Egypt.

Preceded in death by parents Richard Anthony and Mary Francis.

Survived by wife Linda, children Dawn (Rich) Alter and Rick (Rebecca) Lease; plus grandson Myles and Dominic Alteri.

Though raised Catholic, Dick was never a "church goer" and per his wishes, there will be no official ceremonies or memorials. What he would wish for all his friends and family is to travel if you can, share a good meal together and be kind. His ashes will be interred at Elmhurst Cemetery in St. Paul.

Donations to St Jude's Children Hospital and the Minnesota VFW in Dick's name would be greatly appreciated.

The family wants to thank the amazing staff of doctors and nurses at United Hospital, Station 3920 ICU for all their care and compassion for Dick in his final hours. And special thanks to his wonderful primary team from United Family Physicians.

One important connection in Dick's life was his brotherhood of bikers. No plans at this time but they will probably have some type of gathering remembering Dick later this summer. Posting will be on their Facebook website.