Ordel French Dickmeyer, 92, passed away quietly in his sleep, July 23, 2020 in
Britt, Iowa. Ordel, always known as Dick, was born in Bradgate, Iowa, on
November 9th, 1927.
Dick left school to join the Navy and was on the minesweeper, USS Thompson
during World War II. He returned home to Iowa to complete his education at Burt
High School. It was during that time that he met his future bride, the love of
his life, Esther Abbas, at a roller skating rink. Dick rejoined the Navy after
graduation and was stationed at Sand Point Naval Base in Seattle, Washington.
Esther and Dick were married in August 1949 in Seattle. That love story endured
for over 70 years.
Dick retired from the Navy at the young age of 36. Although he was in the Navy
for 20 years, only one relocation was involved. In 1963 the family moved to Flat
Rock, Michigan where Dick was stationed at Grosse Ile Naval Base. He moved his
family back to Bothell, Washington in 1967 and began a second career working for
the City of Bellevue. He and Esther lived in Bothell and Woodinville,
Washington until 1994 when they moved "home" to Buffalo Center. Although they
traveled extensively all across the country, Iowa was always their favorite
place. They moved to Britt in 2018.
Dick's beloved wife, Esther, passed away by his side in January of this year.
Dick is survived by his two children, Barbara (Norm) and Robert (Deborah). He
has five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Dick was a member of the Buffalo Center United Methodist Church serving as
trustee for numerous years. He was also a member of the American Legion and
volunteered generously and frequently in his community. Ordel was a talented
wood worker and mechanic and there were very few broken things he couldn't fix
and no request for help he would deny.
A Memorial Service honoring both Ordel and Esther Dickmeyer will be held at the
Buffalo Center United Methodist Church in 2021, at a time yet to be determined.
Everyone who knew Ordel and Esther Dickmeyer cannot help but think how poetic
and fitting it is that two people who were always by each other's side modeling
what a loving and respectful union looks, should share their memorial service
and be wished Godspeed together.