June 22, 1940 - June 20, 2022
Richard L. (Dick) Estergard passed away in Fort Collins on Monday June 20th, 2022 at the age of 81. He was born in Cambridge, Nebraska on June 22, 1940, to Lloyd and Jackqulyn (Dottie) Estergard. He grew up on the farm outside of Cambridge, attending Cambridge schools, and graduating from Cambridge High School. He took the train to Doane College in Crete, Nebraska, where he studied business and played football.
After earning his Business degree from Doane, he moved west to Oregon, and later to El Cerrito, California. There he met Patricia Cooney, and they were married on February 14th, 1965. Kristin, the first daughter, was born in 1966, and Diana in 1969. The family then moved to Loveland, Colorado in 1972, because it was a good place to raise children. A final child, Michael was born in 1980.
His 1st career was in the carpet business. Started at The Carpet Center in Berkeley, California and once the family moved to Loveland he worked at JCPenney and Larrabees. He opened his own business in the early 80’s, The Decorating Center, in downtown Loveland. Going back to college in his 50s, Richard pursued a second degree at the same time as his daughters, this time in elementary education. “Mr. E.” taught hundreds of students in Kindergarten and 3rd grades, before retiring after 12 years at St. John’s elementary school in Loveland.
Richard’s childhood farming experience, translated to many of his hobbies: gardening, woodworking, and enjoying nature in the form of hiking in the mountains. He took pride in making many toy chests, bookshelves, beds, playhouses, and other pieces for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed teaching his grandkids to play cards, and sharing the book, The Polar Express with them every Christmas. Family meant everything to Richard and he loved spending time back in Cambridge, family vacations, and spending time with his grandchildren, attending their activities whenever he could. He always made holidays so special!
Richard is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter Kristin and husband Rod of Topeka, Kansas, daughter Diana and husband Scott of Cairo, Nebraska, and son Michael and wife Amy of Loveland, Colorado. Four grandsons: Kellen, Cooper, Janson, and Elliot, and five granddaughters: Brynn, Finley, Lucy, Madeline, and Bridget. Numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gary and sister Joan.
Memorials can be made to St. John the Evangelist School, Innovage, and Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado or Alzheimer’s research.
