Longtime Eitzen Resident Richard Oitzman Dies at 85

Oitzman was a lifelong farmer, trucker, and community leader in Houston County

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Richard William Oitzman, a longtime resident of Eitzen, Minnesota, passed away on March 3, 2026 at the age of 85. Oitzman was born in 1940 and spent his life working as a farmer, truck driver, and active member of the Eitzen community, including serving as president of the church council and as a charter member of the Eitzen Lions Club.

Why it matters

Oitzman's passing marks the end of an era for the small town of Eitzen, where he was a pillar of the community for over 50 years. His life of hard work and dedication to his family and neighbors reflects the values that have sustained rural Minnesota communities like Eitzen through times of change.

The details

After serving in the U.S. Army in 1958, Oitzman returned to the Eitzen area and worked a variety of jobs, from hauling milk for the local creamery to driving semi-trucks for Kruckow Rock Products, before retiring in 2008. In addition to his work, Oitzman was heavily involved in the community, serving as president of the St. Luke's Church council and as a charter member of the Eitzen Lions Club, where he received the Lion of the Year and Melvin Jones awards.

  • Oitzman was born on June 6, 1940.
  • He graduated from New Albin High School in 1958 and joined the U.S. Army that same year.
  • Oitzman married LaVonne Horn on June 16, 1962, and they shared 63 years of marriage.
  • Oitzman and LaVonne purchased a 100-acre farm near Eitzen in 1968, where they lived for 57 years.
  • Oitzman retired from Kruckow Rock Products in 2008.

The players

Richard William Oitzman

An 85-year-old lifelong resident of Eitzen, Minnesota who worked as a farmer, truck driver, and community leader.

LaVonne Oitzman

Richard's wife of 63 years.

St. Luke's Church

The church in Eitzen where Richard served as president of the church council.

Eitzen Lions Club

The local Lions Club chapter in Eitzen where Richard was a charter member and received awards.

Kruckow Rock Products

The company where Richard worked as a semi-truck driver for 17 years before retiring in 2008.

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The takeaway

Oitzman's life exemplifies the values and contributions of longtime residents in small rural communities like Eitzen, where hard work, community involvement, and devotion to family have sustained these towns through generations of change.