Richard "Dick" D. Ford

Richard "Dick" D. Ford, a lifelong resident of Superior, died peacefully at home on Monday, August 7, 2017, surrounded by his family. Born on February 8, 1942 to William and Mary (Keaough) Ford, Dick lived a life full of music, service to his community, and love for his family and friends.

Dick was an incredibly gifted musician. As a teenager, Dick was a member of the Superior East High marching band and sang in the school choir. He also played piano in the region's premier interracial doo-wop group, “The Dynamics.” He graduated from East High in 1960 and from Wisconsin State College (now UWS) in 1965. He returned to UWS and received his Master of Science in Education in 1992.

He parlayed his love for music into a 33-year teaching career that began in Boyceville, WI. After five years, he continued his career with the Superior School District teaching choir and band at Central Junior High and Senior High. He shared his musical talents with and was beloved by countless band and choir students before retiring in 1998. During that time, he also played keyboards and sang in the band the "Six Minus Three." After retiring from teaching, Dick continued his musical pursuits as a piano teacher and played in the group "Still Kick’n."

Dick was a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir and was on the church council.  He was a member of the Sons of Legion – American Legion in West Duluth, as well as a member of Elks Lodge #403 where he served as Exalted Ruler from 2004 to 2005.

While music and community service were extremely important to him, Dick's greatest love was for his family.  He married his high school sweetheart, Julie Olson, in 1964, and celebrated 52 years of marriage this past November.

Dick is survived by his wife, Julie; daughters, Heather (Mark) Emmel, Duluth, MN and Heidi (Brad) Briney, Bloomington, IL; four grandchildren, Benjamin and Elizabeth Emmel and Alden and Cole Briney; sister, Faith (Ernest) Pittsley, Iron River, WI, several nieces and nephews and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, William Ford, and sister, Mary Lou Susmilch.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 21, 2017 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 820 Belknap Street, Superior, WI and will continue until the 4:00 PM funeral service officiated by Pastor Will Mowchan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Luke’s Hospice or the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5 ^th Street, Superior is assisting the family with the arrangements.  To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com .