Deacon Richard J. Midas, 82, Waite Park

June 26, 1932 - January 6, 2015

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waite Park for Richard John Midas, age 82, of Waite Park, who went to be with the Lord on January 6 in the care of his loving family. Bishop Donald J. Kettler will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2015 at the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in St. Cloud. Parish prayers will be at 5:00 p.m. followed by the 3rd degree Knights of Columbus Council 12822 at 5: 30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Richard (Dick) John Midas was born on June 26, 1932. As the 3th child born to Joseph and Isabella (Schueller) Midas, he grew up and attended school in Sauk Rapids. Dick married Delores Elaine Vogt on Sept 18, 1951. They lived in Sauk Rapids, Waite Park and St. Cloud. He loved the “western” look & horses. He owned and boarded dozens of horses and even brought them to his backyard in Waite Park to give pony rides. He was a business owner for U&M Pony Rides. In his early years he was known for playing the bass fiddle in a band called the Western Rhythm Riders. He couldn’t resist a “new” car or truck. He spent several years with the St. Cloud Police Reserves eventually serving as the Chaplain. He worked as a Pinkerton Guard and a bartender at the 400 Club. He enjoyed trips to the casino with Delores. He was proud of completing the Dale Carnegie course. In 1985 he was recognized for his years of service as Grand Knight 3rd & 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

Dick’s lifetime career was working in the meat industry. For a short time he owned and operated Ebnet’s Meat Market in Holdingford. But, most people will remember him from behind the meat counter at Sauk Rapids Coborn’s where he spent 43 years (35 years alongside his wife). In 1982, Meatman Midas became Deacon Dick…. Dick was ordained into the Catholic Ministry as Deacon. He was often requested to officiate weddings, funerals and baptized over 500 babies, including most of his grandchildren. He worked countless hours to write his personal sermons for Sunday mass that touched many lives. Dad always yearned to see the pope and was fortunate enough to take a bus trip to Canada to see Pope John Paul II in 1984. Although, his lifetime wish of touching the pope was never fulfilled, today he got one better. He is touching the hand of God. Our Dad was an impeccable dresser and thanks to Mom, he never left the house without starched shirts, polished shoes and a shined belt buckle. Retiring from Coborn’s in 1994, he took pride in his yardwork and entertaining grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Holidays and summer picnics with family were his joy. He continued his ministry as a deacon, as long as his health allowed and received recognition from the Emeritus Bishop John Kinney for 31 years of active ministry for the Diocese of St. Cloud in 2013.

Dad has struggled with failing health for the past several years and has longed to live with the Lord. We find comfort in the faith he has taught us, knowing he is with Him today. Left to cherish his memory are Delores, his loving wife of 63 years, sons and daughter-in-laws: Gordy (Carol) Big Lake, Tom (Penny) Stillwater, Rick (Cindy) New Ulm, Ron (Janet) St. Cloud, Jeff (Tammy) Sartell. Grandchildren: Jody, Chevy, Tiffany, Tyler, Alyssa, Tanner, Kory, Trista, Chanice, Madison, Colton, Kari, Amanda, Breanna. Great-grandchildren: Cordell, Preston, Nevaeh, Aliya, Amare, Kenleigh, Isaiah, Layla, Everly, Bailey, Leo, and unborn baby girl. Brothers and sisters: Jerome (Arlene) Midas St. Cloud, Esther (Ray) Scheeler St. Cloud, Luella (Mel) Libbesmeier St. Cloud, Dennis (Pat) Midas Clearwater, Mel (Anne) Midas St. Cloud, Shirley (Bob) Zwack Rogers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Kevin in 1984 and infant son Darrell in 1954.

The family would like to send a sincere thank you to Dr. Patrick Lalley and his nurse, Karyl Ross for the many years of care they provided to Dad. Also, a special thank you to Dr. Mercuri and the nurses on 5 South at the St. Cloud Hospital for the compassion they showed to Dad and our family during his last days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Poor Claire’s Sisters or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Waite Park.