Dick graduated from St. Mary’s College in 1968 and in 1969, he and his father purchased Atlas Crypt, also known as Wieser Precast Steps and Doric Vault. In 1971, Dick became sole owner and the business has continued for 40 years. Dick is now retired from Atlas Crypt but continues to own Wieser Precast Steps in Stewartville, MN, and co-owns La Crosse Memorials with his wife, Sheila.

 Sheila graduated as an RN from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1967 and worked in the emergency room at St. Francis Hospital for 20 years. She also worked in the walk-in clinic. In 1994, Sheila began managing La Crosse Memorials which she still currently manages and co-owns with Dick.

Dick and Sheila were married in 1968 in Lansing, Iowa. They have adopted 12 children ranging in age from 27 to 44 years old: Melissa Todd, Jill (born in Vietnam), Matt (born in Korea), Jon, Katie (born in Korea), Michael, Jackie, Ryan, Peter, Joshua, and Elizabeth. Dick and Sheila have 18 grandchildren ranging from 1 to 15 years old.

Dick and Sheilas’s involvement in the Boys and Girls Club began over 30 years ago when their children joined the Club’s athletic programs. When Dick became involved in city government, he recognized the importance of non-profit organizations as an integral part of any community, and he also saw the need for the City of La Crescent to serve youth. Because of this, Dick was instrumental in the startup of the La Crescent Branch of the Boys and girls Club. Dick and Sheila continue to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse because they believe strongly in our mission of serving all youth but especially those who need us most. Dick and Sheila have lived that mission in their personal lives.

Dick and Sheila’s community involvement and service is extensive. Dick served as La Crescent City Councilman; Mayor of La Crescent for 8 years; Volunteer Fireman for 20 years; Charter member of the La Crescent Rotary Club; Charter member and past President of the La Crescent Community Foundation; Member of the American Legion Post, Knights of Columbus, Committee for the renovation of Earl Seaton Field, Crucifixion Church where he served as the President of their Parish Council, and the La Crescent Planning Commission. Dick has been honored with the La Crescent Man of the Year, Rotary Lifetime Achievement, and the Boys and Girls Club Legend of Distinction Awards.



Sheila was the Founder and Past President of the La Crescent Historical Society; Past President of La Crescent Library Council, Crucifixion PTO, and St. Francis School of Nursing where she is also a lifetime member; Past Board member of Riverfront, and WI Monument Builders Association; Past member of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Disabilities, La Crescent Booster Club & Renovation Committee, Crucifixion Church Parish Council; Chair of the Organ Donor Committee; Member of the La Crescent Chamber of Commerce, and La Crosse Downtown Rotary. She was also honored with the La Crescent Woman of the Year Award.