Richard "Rick" Stelzer

Richard Stelzer, 56, Fargo, ND, died on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in his home.

Rick was born in Fargo to his parents Darwin and Diane and raised in West Fargo from kindergarten through high school with his siblings Jeff and Staci.  He did not like school very much but enjoyed playing Park District and Legion baseball, intermural basketball, swimming and fishing with his friends more.  He held a few jobs in the food industry as a young adult before deciding to go into the Army in January of 1991 and was sworn in on January 6th, the day Desert Storm began.  While in the Army, he was stationed in California and Colorado and after the Army lived in Colorado for several years before coming back to Fargo.  He had jobs in the food industry here before moving to Pennsylvania and becoming a sous chef in different restaurants there.  He lived in Pennsylvania for over 20 years and returned to Fargo in 2022. While in Pennsylvania, he had a dog named Socrates that he loved fiercely. Rick loved fishing with his buddy Donovan, hunting, cooking great food for family and friends like the Driggers, watching NFL football and spending time with his family, friends and their various pets.  He also hardly ever met a child who did not find him entertaining.

He was preceded in death by his fraternal grandparents, Art and Helen Stelzer; and his maternal grandmother, Florence Anderson. His great-aunt, Bertha Stelzer; two aunts, Judy Stelzer and Sharon Remmen; two uncles, Fritz Heinen and Jerry Miller.  His dog Socrates is with him again.

He is survived by his parents, Darwin and Diane (Fargo); his brother ,Jeff and sister-in-law, Amanda(West Fargo); and two step-nieces, Lauren(Fargo) and Ashlyn(Valley City); his sister, Staci(Fargo); and many uncles,  aunts and cousins and friends.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Fargo Vet Center in honor of Rick.  Checks can be mailed to the VA at Fargo VAHCS, CDCE 135, 2101 ELM ST N, Fargo, ND 58102.

Burial:  Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 11 AM, at Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND.

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