Richard "Dick" Warren Plasschaert

RICHARD “DICK” WARREN PLASSCHAERT, age 84, of Waseca, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Lakeshore Rehabilitation Center.

Born on April 25, 1941, in New Ulm, Dick was the only child of Maurice and Dorothy (Simmet) Plasschaert. His formative years were spent as an “army brat,” living in various parts of the Deep South before returning to New Ulm, where he graduated from New Ulm High School.

On January 20, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Zangel, in New Ulm. Together they made their home in Waseca, where they raised their four children. Dick worked at Brown Printing in Waseca for thirteen years before his wildlife art career took flight. In 1980, his painting Two Mallards in Flight was selected for the 1980–1981 Federal Duck Stamp, instantly placing him among America’s top wildlife artists.

Over a career spanning more than forty years, Dick created commercial art, portraits, landscapes, and wildlife pieces. He possessed a remarkable ability to capture the depth, detail, and spirit of the natural world. His artwork has been displayed in galleries from California to Connecticut, including the prestigious National Academy Galleries in New York City.

His work was selected for multiple state duck stamps, including North Dakota, North Carolina, and New Hampshire. Additional honors included the first Minnesota Conservation Stamp, the Louisiana Turkey Stamp, the National Turkey Stamp, and the New York Duck Stamp. In 2001, Dick was named Ducks Unlimited International Artist of the Year.

Dick’s talents extended beyond canvas. He was highly skilled in woodworking, crafting beautiful furniture and taking on restoration projects ranging from houses to cars to firearms. He enjoyed watching basketball—especially women’s basketball, often saying, “they play the real game.” He stayed informed by listening to CNN and MPR and was always ready for a thoughtful discussion. Dick was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Waseca.

Dick is survived by his wife, Mary Plasschaert of Waseca; children, Rick (Catherine) Plasschaert of Punta Gorda, FL, Michael Plasschaert of Waseca, Christine (Jerry) Billiar of Mankato, Jennifer Plasschaert of Mankato; grandchildren, Tabitha Plasschaert of Indianapolis, IN, Taylor Plasschaert of Cincinnati, OH, Joseph (Taylor) Billiar of Brainerd, Daniel (Allison) Billiar of Rochester; great-grandchild, Douglas Billiar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Dorothy Plasschaert.

At Dick’s request, no service will be held. Kindly take a moment to remember a man who will be deeply missed.