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Richard W. "Dick" Trestrail, 81, of Wakefield, Michigan died Sunday morning, Dec. 21, 2008, in Ironwood.

Dick was born July 21, 1927, in Minneapolis and moved to Shafer, Minn., at the age of 5. His early education ended at the age of 15 when he was enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as an aviation radioman first class on the U.S.S Kalinin Bay in the South Pacific. Dick received a citation for "Meritorious Performance of Duty" for his service during World War II.

After his honorable discharge in July 1946, Dick returned to Minnesota and resumed his education.

He married Polly Bloom of Center City, Minn., in 1947.

After earning a bachelor of science degree in forestry management from the University of Minnesota in 1950, Dick began his professional career with the U.S. Forest Service, serving as a field forester in the western pine region of Idaho, Oregon and California.

Upon earning a doctorate degree in economics from the University of Washington-Seattle in 1961, Dick's second career as a researcher and educator began. He taught at the University of Nevada-Reno and performed research at Stanford Research Institute in Melno Park, Calif., and Batelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio.

Dick returned to education in 1969 and retired from Marquette University in Milwaukee, after a 20-year stint of teaching economics. He served as chairman of the department for five years.

Immediately after retirement in 1989, Dick and Polly moved to Wakefield to enjoy the outdoors that they so loved. Soon after arriving, Dick joined the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 and the Wakefield American Legion Post 11.

Dick is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Polly; and two children, Candy (Bob) Maffei, Wheaton, Ill., and Bill (Sandra) Trestrail, Oak Park, Ill. Three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hazel (Spicer) Trestrail and five siblings.

In accordance with Dick's wishes, cremation has taken place.

Visitation with the honor guard present was Monday, Dec. 29 at the Wakefield United Methodist Church. The Revs. Ted Trudgson, Jean Renconte and James Rencontre officated.

Following the service, full military rites and a flag presentation by the Wakefield American Legion Post 11 and the Wakefield VFW Post 9084 took place.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Wakefield United Methodist Church, 706 Putnam St., Wakefield, MI 49968 or The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 86, Ironwood, MI 49938. Arrangements are entrusted to Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield.

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