Richard S. "Dick" Gudowski

Richard S. “Dick” Gudowski, 70, lifelong Superior resident, died unexpectedly, Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN. He was born in Superior, July 11, 1949, the son of Joseph and Doris (Carlson) Gudowski.

Dick graduated from Superior Senior high school in 1967 and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Dick served his country honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. He also served his community for many years as a Deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department where until his retirement he was part of the K-9 Unit and also served as a canine trainer.

Dick was a successful business entrepreneur; he owned and operated Popeye’s Bar, Superior Specialties, A-1 Amusement and A-1 Ranch for many years with his wife Mary.

Dick was an expert Navy marksman winning many military competitions. Dick also excelled at cowboy mounted shooting and truly enjoyed spending time with his friends at cowboy fast draw competitions. He loved his horses and his Harleys, and was a proud member of the Nam Knights of America Motorcycle Club. In 2018 he completed the coveted Hoka-Hey Motorcycle Challenge, a grueling 14 day, 10,000 mile motorcycle adventure. He was also an AAD Shrine member and served as their Potentate.  Dick lived large; he worked hard, and played harder. He will be sadly missed as an inspiration to his family and many others.

He is survived by his three sons, Michael Gudowski, of the Twin Cities, Derick (Chris Ann) Gudowski, Superior, and Shaun (Jamie) Gudowski, Superior; their mother, Janet Young, Superior, WI; step-son, Allan Sapik, Superior, WI; step-daughter, Tarah (Jeff) Nichols, Superior, WI; grandchildren, Maxton and Spencer Gudowski and their mother Lisa; Nathan and Kailey Gudowski and their mother Kella; Dayton Gudowski; step-grandchildren, Isaac, Lily and Karly Nichols, and Alayna and Anna Sapik; brother, Joe (Barb) Gudowski, Superior, WI; several nieces and nephews; longtime friend, wife and business partner, Mary Gudowski (Brad Theien);  Dick was preceded in death by his parents. Dick also leaves behind his special companion, Kimberlee Scott.

A Celebration of Dick’s Life will be held from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, Saturday, September 19, 2020 at the Belgian Club, 3931 East 2 ^nd Street, Superior. Military Honors will be accorded at 1:30 PM by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard. A Graveside Committal will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Randy Skowlund, John Palmi, Bill Conner, Dave Dalton, and his Nam Knights Brothers, Randy “Pitstop” Johnson, Steve “Bloomy” Bloomquist, Charlie “Punisher” Law, Mark “Shooter” Jackobson, Darren “Griff” Hansey, Jamie “Rainman” Britt, Dick “Sarge” Jarvis, and Loren “Pokey” Byberg.

“Dick is now riding in heaven with his dog, “Slick”.

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