Richard J. "Dick" Elsperger, 67, of Cando, ND, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at the Altru Medical Center in Grand Forks, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cando, with Rev. Daniel Musgrave and Rev. Lawrence Haas concelebrating the Mass. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Cando. Visitation will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Saturday will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Music will be provided by Tom Freund, Eliza Freund, Gladys Fluge and the Sacred Heart Choir. Casket bearers will be Chuck Hartl, Dick Lybeck, Travis Elsperger, Johnny Elsperger, Gary Shock and Don Shock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando, ND: 304 3rd Avenue Cando, ND 58324.

Richard J. "Dick" Elsperger was born to Roman and Viola (Fenske) Elsperger on October 26, 1951. Dick grew up on a farm east of Maza, ND, where he attended school through the fourth grade. He continued his education in Cando, graduating in 1969.

Dick married the love of his life, Connie Haas, on June 13, 1981. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Tony and Katy.

Dick worked in agriculture his entire life. He worked for several farmers and businesses in the area, performing such jobs as filling anhydrous tanks, applying chemicals, spraying weeds, spreading fertilizer, and delivering fuel and propane. His favorite work place was Farmers Union Oil Company in York, ND from which he retired in 2016.

Dick enjoyed working in his yard and garden, hunting, reading Westerns, watching football, riding his bike, visiting with friends, and being at the lake. He was involved in bowling, Cub Scouts, and the Sacred Heart Parish Council. His faith was very important to him. Recently he became a Eucharistic Minister at Sacred Heart Church.

Dick was a caring, friendly, outgoing man. He was known for his infectious smile and unique laugh. He loved spending time with his family, especially his children, and beloved granddaughter Emilia.

Dick is survived by his loving wife Connie, son Tony (Alisha) and granddaughter Emilia of Mandan, ND, daughter Katy (fiancé Ryan Solseth) of Colorado Springs, CO, and his favorite dog Bo. He is also survived by his siblings Janet (Harold) Knoll of Sun City West, AZ, Karen (Bob) Blixt of Amenia, ND, Dave Elsperger of Casselton, and Barb (Jim) Christensen of Fargo, ND. Other surviving members are his mother and father-in-law Bob and ArDeen Haas of Lidgerwood, ND, in-laws Michael (Kathleen) Haas of Sunnyvale, CA, Vicky (Bud) Floor of Kirkwood, MO, Roberta (Cliff) Davis of Valencia, CA, Joe Haas of Lidgerwood, ND, and Tony (Wendi) Haas of Sartell, MN, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Roman & Viola Elsperger, his grandparents, and numerous aunts and uncles.