Richard "Dickie" Louis Huhta, 73, of Cromwell, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2013 in Villa Vista Care Center, Cromwell. He was born March 9, 1940 in Palisade to Jack and Dora (Johnson) Huhta. Dick graduated from Cromwell High School in 1958 and went on to Itasca Junior College, studying Forestry and graduated in 1960. Dick is a veteran of the United States Army. He worked at Camden State Park in Southern Minnesota for a short time before moving to Alaska to rebuild roads and buildings after the Great Alaskan Earthquake where he lived for 10 years. Dick returned home to the Cromwell area and was united in marriage to Elaine Hamre on June 19, 1971 in Wright. Dick was employed with Ulland Brothers Construction of Duluth until 1976. He then worked at Cromwell-Wright School as Head of Maintenance until retiring in 1993 due to health reasons. Dick was on many committees in Cromwell and the surrounding area, including Evergreen PAC Club, Cromwell Y.O.T., Cromwell City Council for 12 years and Mayor of Cromwell for 21 years. Dick was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, deer hunting at the Mic-Mac Camp near Lawler and especially beaver trapping for the state.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents; stepson, Kevin; brother-in-law, Henry Ruotsalainen.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Huhta of Cromwell; daughter-in-law, Sherrie Hamre of Brooklyn Center; grandchildren, Stephanie (James) Bowen, Greg (Katy Cox) Hamre and Joseph Hamre; great grandchild, James Kevin Bowen; 2 brothers, Jack Huhta of Gilbert and Jim (Janie) Huhta of Cromwell; 2 sisters, Marlene Ruotsalainen of Hoyt Lakes and Karen (Jorge) Marinoni of Miami, FL; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Visitation will be Monday, December 16, from 4-7 PM with a Masonic Service at 4 P.M. in Cromwell Pavilion and will continue Tuesday, December 17, from 9 AM until the 11 AM Service in Bethany Lutheran Church, Cromwell. Immediately following the service, Military Honors will be provided by Moose Lake American Legion Post #379, followed by a luncheon at the church. Spring Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Moose Lake. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.