Richard Mozzetti

Richard E. Mozzetti, 78, passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital on June 17th, 2018 after a long illness. Dick was born on November 6th, 1939 and was raised in Virginia, MN. He graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in Elementary Education. He moved to Silver Bay, MN to teach elementary school and lived there for the remainder of his life, teaching 5thgrade until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merico and Jane Mozzetti, stepson David Irvine, and step-granddaughter Stephanie Irvine.

Dick is survived by his wife Gayle, sister Carol Veits (Imants) and children Cathy Gustafson (Tom), Kim Allar (Brian), Dan Mozzetti (Michele), Sue Evans (Dan Johnson), stepsons Greg Irvine (Mary), Brad Irvine, and stepdaughter-in-law Lori Irvine. Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren will miss their Grandpa Dick greatly. He was always proud to tell others of the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Dick taught 5thgrade for 34 years and was known for his creative science classes. Many students have unforgettable memories of animals, dissections, bones, and other creative approaches to teaching science. Dick loved children, whether they were his family, friends, or students.

He also guided for many years on Lake Superior as captain of Fugitive Charters. He was well known for catching lots of fish, only returning empty-handed once or twice in decades of fishing.

Dick was a gifted athlete and outdoorsman. He played college basketball for the University of North Dakota and excelled in many other sports. He hunted, fished, and trapped since childhood and was known as the consummate outdoorsman. Always the teacher, Dick willingly shared his expertise with anyone who cared to learn.

Dick and Gayle enjoyed traveling and spent winters in Port Aransas, TX. She worked on the charter boat with Dick for many years. Anyone who knew Dick enjoyed his storytelling. From decades of experience in the wild, he had a tale for every lake, road, gravel pit, creek, and trail in the woods on the North Shore. He could make his experiences come alive with his animated recollections of a life well-lived.

Dick will be missed greatly by his family and friends. A memorial service will be held at the United Protestant Church in Silver Bay on Sunday, June 24th at 3:00pm with visitation starting at 2:00pm.