1964
Gary
2010
Gary Richards
January 27, 1964 — November 5, 2010
Memorial services for Gary Lee Richards of Ellendale, MN will be held at 4:00 PM Sunday, November 14, 2010 at the United Methodist Church in Ellendale, MN. Pastor Lisa Dodd will officiate. Friends may greet the family Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 4 until 7 PM at the United Methodist Church, and one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Gary died peacefully Friday, November 5, 2010 at his home in Ellendale, MN. He was 46 years of age.
Gary Lee Richards was born on January 27, 1964 in Owatonna, MN to Larry and Mary (Story) Richards. He was baptized and confirmed in the Ellendale United Methodist Church. He graduated from Ellendale-Geneva high school in 1982. He attended the University of Minnesota A�A�A½ Waseca.
On June 15, 1985, Gary was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joan Loken. The marriage was blessed with three daughters; Kathrine, Whitney, and Miranda. After marriage, Gary and Joan lived in rural Ellendale where Gary farmed with his parents. His favorite season was spring when the soil is tilled and planted. He raised corn, soybeans, cattle, and hogs. In February of 2008, at the age of 44, Gary was diagnosed with ALS and he had to retire from farming. He fought the disease courageously until passing away on Friday, November 5, 2010 at home surrounded by his family at the age of 46.
As a youth, he was constantly building something, nurturing his love of woodworking. He made many pieces of furniture for family and friends. He also used his skills while helping to build the church. Gary was very active in the church, serving on many committees. He served as trustee and later he was part of the committee for the new church building. More recently, he was the lay leader of the congregation. He had a strong faith in his Lord Jesus Christ.
Gary was active in FFA and 4-H as a youth. 4-H will always hold a special place in his heart and as an adult, he supported his daughters with their projects and relished in their accomplishments.
Gary served on the Berlin township board as chairperson. He was involved with the Steele County Pork Producers. He served as a board member for Steele Country Farm Bureau and was involved with Minnesota Farm Bureau. He served on the Political Action Committee, and participated in "Day on the Hill."
Gary loved fishing and hunting. The annual ice-fishing trip to Lake of the Woods with his friends was a joy. The hunting trips with his father and brother were memorable. He passed on his love of fishing to his daughters and was secretly proud when they out fished him. Gary also enjoyed vacations. The family vacations involved camping road trips from the west to the east coast and many times "Up North." In addition, he traveled from Alaska to southern Texas.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Joan Richards of Ellendale: three children, Kathrine, Whitney of Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, and Miranda. Parents; Larry and Mary (Story) Richards, Two sisters, Sharon (Bob) Lucas of Minnetrista, MN; Jean (Taff) Worrell of Geneva, MN; one brother, Paul (Melissa) Richards of Rochester, MN; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Abraham Richards, Florence and Chuck Kasper; his cousins, Debra Zak and Allan Richards, adored Uncle Dick Richards, his uncle and aunt Harold and Doris Redman.
Memorials can be made out to the ALS Association or the Hrbek-Sing Communication Program.
Gary Lee Richards was born on January 27, 1964 in Owatonna, MN to Larry and Mary (Story) Richards. He was baptized and confirmed in the Ellendale United Methodist Church. He graduated from Ellendale-Geneva high school in 1982. He attended the University of Minnesota A�A�A½ Waseca.
On June 15, 1985, Gary was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joan Loken. The marriage was blessed with three daughters; Kathrine, Whitney, and Miranda. After marriage, Gary and Joan lived in rural Ellendale where Gary farmed with his parents. His favorite season was spring when the soil is tilled and planted. He raised corn, soybeans, cattle, and hogs. In February of 2008, at the age of 44, Gary was diagnosed with ALS and he had to retire from farming. He fought the disease courageously until passing away on Friday, November 5, 2010 at home surrounded by his family at the age of 46.
As a youth, he was constantly building something, nurturing his love of woodworking. He made many pieces of furniture for family and friends. He also used his skills while helping to build the church. Gary was very active in the church, serving on many committees. He served as trustee and later he was part of the committee for the new church building. More recently, he was the lay leader of the congregation. He had a strong faith in his Lord Jesus Christ.
Gary was active in FFA and 4-H as a youth. 4-H will always hold a special place in his heart and as an adult, he supported his daughters with their projects and relished in their accomplishments.
Gary served on the Berlin township board as chairperson. He was involved with the Steele County Pork Producers. He served as a board member for Steele Country Farm Bureau and was involved with Minnesota Farm Bureau. He served on the Political Action Committee, and participated in "Day on the Hill."
Gary loved fishing and hunting. The annual ice-fishing trip to Lake of the Woods with his friends was a joy. The hunting trips with his father and brother were memorable. He passed on his love of fishing to his daughters and was secretly proud when they out fished him. Gary also enjoyed vacations. The family vacations involved camping road trips from the west to the east coast and many times "Up North." In addition, he traveled from Alaska to southern Texas.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Joan Richards of Ellendale: three children, Kathrine, Whitney of Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, and Miranda. Parents; Larry and Mary (Story) Richards, Two sisters, Sharon (Bob) Lucas of Minnetrista, MN; Jean (Taff) Worrell of Geneva, MN; one brother, Paul (Melissa) Richards of Rochester, MN; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Abraham Richards, Florence and Chuck Kasper; his cousins, Debra Zak and Allan Richards, adored Uncle Dick Richards, his uncle and aunt Harold and Doris Redman.
Memorials can be made out to the ALS Association or the Hrbek-Sing Communication Program.
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