Richard Charles Trochlil

Richard Charles Trochlil died of cancer at age 90 on June 18, 2024, while holding the hand ofRose, his beloved wife of 64 years.

A masterful storyteller with a steel-trap memory, he was known for his sage wisdom, his award-winning black-and white photography, his devout Catholicism and his witty one-liners. Dick attributed the success and joy of his life to “good clean living.”

His funeral will be held on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia, Minnesota.

Arrangements are by Dirks-Blem Funeral Service of Olivia.

Born to the late Irma C. and Charles M. Trochlil, and brother to Wally (and the late Judy) Trochlil of Elk River, Minnesota, and Chuck (and Helen) Trochlil of Willmar, Minnesota, Dick was a voracious reader. He could speed-read a book from cover to cover in one sitting and still absorb all the themes and details. He remembered precisely everything he was told, heard, or experienced. He could fix any contraption, knew what to do in any situation, and was always prepared with a pen, a pad of paper, and a thin flashlight that he kept in his breast pocket.

Dick grew up on a farm in Henryville Township, Minnesota, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse. He studied in the Forestry School at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, where he went “cruising for chicks” and met Rose, the “best decision of his life.” Ten days later she made it into his journal and never left.

Dick and Rose were married on Sept. 22, 1959, and raised nine children, Tom (and Lynne) Trochlil of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Jen (and Marshall) Sorenson of Winchester, Virginia, Peg (and Michael) Eackles of Shenandoah Jnct., West Virginia, Larry (and Nancy) Trochlil of Plymouth, Minnesota, Nancy (and Kevin) McGuire of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Wes (and Cindy) Trochlil of Hamilton, Virginia, Mary (and Rick) Larsen of Leasburg, North Carolina, Karen Trochlil of Arlington, Virginia, and Tj (and Patrick) McGreevy of Arlington, Virginia.

Their family is still growing with 24 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and three more on the way. A true family man, he always put his wife first, loved his children for exactly who they are, and rarely missed their recitals, performances, or sporting events, camera in hand.

While working his way through college, Dick worked seasonally for the US Forest Service, primarily fighting forest fires. He enlisted in the Army as a private in 1955 and was discharged as a first lieutenant in March 1958 after having served in a Mountain and Arctic Warfare Battalion in Alaska.

Dick’s career and promotions in the US Forest Service kept the family moving from Michigan to Wisconsin to Missouri and West Virginia. He was with the Forest Service from 1959 until he retired in 1993 in Elkins, West Virginia, where they lived for 30 years. His specialties were forest hydrology and wildland firefighting. He led fire teams in Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota and several western states, often fighting fires over 100 square miles in size. In 2008, Dick and Rose moved to Winchester, VA to be closer to their family.

Dick had his own photo darkroom for over 40 years and was a gifted black-and-white photographer. After retirement, he focused on landscape photography. A West Virginia barn photo was selected for a traveling exhibit by the Smithsonian Institution and he sold many others.

A keen listener and a fierce debater, Dick had his own lexicon and his own style, which appeared in the form of a wool beanie (usually red, and long before they were fashionable), a plaid shirt, and pants — always pants. He avoided vices, was incapable of lying, never missed Sunday Mass, even on vacation, and he was an active volunteer in the faith formation of teens and young adults.

He was generous, musical, quick-witted, quick-tempered, compassionate, determined, conscientious, hard-working, principled, and forgiving. He was first in line for any buffet, “just to be polite.” He could be heard whistling or humming at any time of day and if he wasn’t developing photographs, he could be found tinkering with one of his many Volkswagen Rabbits or Beetles.

An avid genealogist, Dick and Rose were able to visit the Trochlil ancestral home in the Czech Republic, a meaningful trip after having written over 200 pages of family history for his children.

Dick was sought out by friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family for his wisdom and counsel for topics such as work, cars, photography, Catholic theology, political philosophy, or raising a family within a loving marriage. In short, “What does Dick think about this?”

He showed up early (and often left early, too). With his ever-present sense of humor, he was cynical in words but optimistic in actions. He loved people, history, World War II, politics, westerns, detective shows, Louis L’Amour, Jane Austen, chocolate and babies.

He left an impression on every person he met. Dick charmed the nurses and staff who cared for him right up until his last moments. He was deeply respected and lived an enviable life.

To say he will be missed is an understatement. He is unforgettable.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the following organizations in memory of Dick’s concern for the poor and the distraught, and his love of education. Or, plant a tree in his name.

Dominican Sisters of Mary; Winchester Rescue Mission; Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury Foundation Fund; Sacred Heart of Virginia Financial Aid.