Colonel Richard (Dick) Firtko, 85, went home to be with Jesus on April 29, 2020 with his wife Lee by his side in Travelers Rest, SC. Dick was born October 7, 1934 at Fort Snelling to John and Hildur Firtko. Dick graduated from Humboldt High School in 1952 and the University of Minnesota in 1956 with a degree in Business. He worked for IBM for 34 years servicing in a variety of roles. Colonel Firtko served in the Army Reserve for 32 years.

After retiring from IBM in 1991, Dick began a second career as a professor at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN where he earned his Master's degree. He worked for three years at Carlson Marketing in Plymouth, MN as a project manager during Y2K. Dick and Lee also worked together as travel staff at Carlson Marketing and Dick worked part-time at Rush Creek Golf Course in Maple Grove, MN for several years.

Dick was a longtime member of Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, MN where he served as church treasurer and also New Hope Church in New Hope, MN where he led the ushering ministry.

Dick suffered a stroke in 2008 which left him partially paralyzed and he and Lee relocated to Lake Worth, FL in 2011 to spend more time with their grandchildren and enjoy a warmer climate.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Lee. Brother John (Nancy) Firtko. Daughter Richelle (Raymond) Kern and grandchildren Thomas (TJ) and Tyler. Son Steven (Laura) Firtko. Step daughter Diana (Troy) Harrison and grandchildren Blake, Ashlyn, Alexa and Cole. Stepson Mark (Sarah) Didrikson.

Dick enjoyed going on cruises with Lee, attending grandchildren's sporting events, fishing, working on jigsaw puzzles, reading, following Minnesota sports, studying military history and watching war movies.