Gary Justice > Father 01.09.15

 Richard James Justice of Alexandria passed January 9, 2015. He was born February 20th, 1925, in Iron Mountain, Michigan to James T Justice and Marie Starry Justice. The Justice family returned to their home of Ashland, Wisconsin where Richard was raised and graduated from De Padua High School in June of 1943.
Upon graduation Richard was drafted into the US Army, into the 304th Port Company of the 519th Port Battalion. He was among those who made the Invasion of Normandy at Utah Beach and continued onto Antwerp, Belgium. Richard served from June 1943 until February 1946. He was awarded the bronze arrow-head for the Normandy Invasion, three battle stars, a French Crois De Guerre w Palm, the Belgian Order of the Day, a certificate from the city of Antwerp, and the Good Conduct Medal.
After his honorable discharge, he attended Northland college in Ashland, Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. In 1948 he married Jeanne A. Mesang, also of Ashland Wisconsin. In 1949 he graduated with a B.S degree in Agriculture and Science. He went on to teach vocational agriculture and was a veteran trainer for 5 years in Amery, Wisconsin. After teaching, Richard went to work for CENEX in 1955. He retired from CENEX in 1987, after a 32 year career in sales and marketing.
Richard and Jeanne were blessed with 8 children, 20 grand children and 23 great grand children. Jeanne passed in 1986 after 38 years of marriage. In 1988, Dick married long time friend Mabel Rise. Together they traveled extensively, including travels back to Europe with a visit to Normandy beach. Mabel passed in 2014, after 26 years of marriage.
Richard was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, where he served consistently over the years until health intervened. His faith was steadfast and served as his compass throughout his life. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and Elks club.
Richard was gregarious and a joy to be around. He loved deeply and unconditionally the people in his life. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and friend.
While he seldom spoke of the war, he always took time to reunite with the close knit group of men from the 304th port company, until the latter “90’s“ and counted these men among his closest friends.
Richard’s passion was the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He always enjoyed golfing and played cards to the end. He loved music and was a wonderful dance partner.
Richard is preceded in death by his sister Margaret (Babe) Erickson, parents James and Marie Justice, several aunts and uncles, wife Jeanne Justice, son Rick Justice, and wife Mabel Justice.
Richard is survived by sister Victoria Beirl (Richard), Appleton, WI; children Gary Justice (Cathy), Osakis; Judy Hall, Hopkins; Ted Justice (Sue), Alexandria; Vicki Elliott of Victoria; Mary Lachowitzer (Tony), Clitherall; Barbara Birrell (Mike), Austin,TX; Beth Weersing, Round Rock, TX; daughter-in-law Nancy Justice, Alexandria; and step-son Craig Rise (Anita), Fargo, ND.
Richard will be missed by his family and friends. As a friend said when told of his passing, “he was a wonderful, wonderful man and we will miss him”.
Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, 1:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery.