Newfolden – Richard “Dick” Moen, born September 13, 1943, in New Maine Township, Marshall County, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls. His life was a tapestry woven with humor, kindness, and dedication to his family, community, and the land he loved.
Dick was raised on the family farm near Newfolden, one of nine siblings. He often joked about his place in the family, saying he was “the oldest of the youngest and the youngest of the oldest.” From an early age, his playful spirit was evident—he was famously voted both class joker and class loafer when he graduated from Newfolden High School in 1961.
In 1963, Dick met Patsy (Pat) Sourdif while she was working at Lindbeck’s Café in Newfolden and he was employed at the Newfolden Coop Oil. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they were married on February 1, 1964, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden. Together, they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and devotion, eventually settling on their farm in 1967, where they raised their four children.
Dick’s career reflected his strong work ethic and community ties. Over the years, he worked at Newfolden Coop Oil, in elevators in Grand Forks, Gilby, and Newfolden, at the fertilizer plant, and as a janitor and bus driver for the Newfolden School. In 1967, Dick and Pat began dairy farming, developing their operation into a Grade A dairy with the construction of a new barn in 1976. In 1986, they sold the dairy and purchased the local locker plant, renaming it Town & Country Meats, which they operated together until retirement.
Even in retirement, Dick remained deeply involved in his community. He worked with the Newfolden Elevator, the City of Newfolden and volunteered with the Newfolden Community Homes and the Marshall County Historical Society. He was also a charter member of New Hope Church, where he served on the board.
Dick enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, golfing, and dancing. He was best known, however, for his remarkable accomplishments in horseshoe pitching. Over a 35-year career, he earned numerous championships, including four world titles, proudly putting Newfolden on the map. Among his honors were being named Red River Valley Farmer and Homemaker (alongside Pat) of the Year, and being recognized as one of Newfolden’s Outstanding Senior Citizens.
Those who knew Dick will remember him as a kindhearted jokester—an easygoing man who found joy in simple pleasures and was always ready to lend a helping hand. His warmth, humor, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Dick shared 62 years of marriage with his wife, Pat. Together they raised their children: Lance (Kari) Moen, Lee (RoxAnne) Moen, Layle (Chad) Jerome, and Londa Moen (Denise Henry). He was a proud grandfather to Cody (Jessica), Keegan (Breanne), Kjarsti (Travis), Caleb (Sarah), Cade (Lexi), Keira (Chandler), Travis (Kelly), Taran, Brandon, Bryan, and Brooke, and a cherished great-grandfather to Carson, Blair, Silas, Rowan, Mya, Creed, Maddie, Hannah, Bristol, Wiley, Jasper, Brynn, Hadley, Heston, and Ivan.
He is also survived by his siblings Dale (Linda) Moen, Gwennie Hjelle, Kathy (Kameron) Harstad, Dennis (Beverly) Moen, Sharon Braaten, and Diane (Gerald) Nelson. Sisters-in-law Betty Moen, Rozzie Sourdif, Susie Bevel, Sandy Lubitz, brothers-in-law Al Liedberg, Wayne (Susie) Sourdif, and Don (Darci Johnson) Sourdif along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends as well as horseshoe friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Hanna (Nelson) Moen; brothers Marvin Moen and Gerald (Elona) Moen; grandson Taylor Moen; his parents-in-law Raymond and Loretta Sourdif, brothers-in-law Gordon Sourdif, Jim Bevel, John Lubitz, Larry (Liz) Sourdif and sister-in-law Joyce Liedberg.
Richard “Dick” Moen’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him—a legacy of laughter, dedication, faith, and a life well lived. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Oakland Park Communities and hospice for their compassionate and exceptional care.
A visitation to honor Dick’s life will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. Prayer Service at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 27, 2026, beginning at 2 p.m. at Westaker Free Lutheran Church in Newfolden with Pastor Kevin Hall officiating. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow the service. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery, New Solum Township, rural Newfolden.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
Richard “Dick” Moen, 82 | Thief River Falls Times & Northern Watch – Official Page
