After graduation from Pine River High School, Richard served in the U.S. Air Force from Nov. 1948 to Sept. 1953. He served in Korea from Aug. 1952 to July 1953, where he was a radio man on C-47 airplanes and was a member of the Kyushu Gypsies, a med-evac squadron. After his honorable discharge, he married Glenna, his best friend and soul mate, on Oct. 3, 1953.

He worked for Land/Air Inc., first as an electrician and later as a crew chief. His last year for that company was spent in Sacramento, CA, where he served as a company representative to the Air Force. In May 1960, Richard and Glenna bought his parents' farm west of Pine River. They were dairy farmers for 32 years. They had a wonderful life together for almost 55 years. In later years, they enjoyed going to New Ulm, where they attended both Heritagefest and Oktoberfest, and really enjoyed the German hospitality and dancing together.

He was very civically active. He served on the Walden Township board, the Cass-Crow Wing Farmers Home Administration, Pine River School Board for 17 years, Cass County Planning Commission, Cass County Budget Committee, and the Cass County Board of Adjustment.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Glenna (Salfisberg); children, Linda Janssen, Richard M. (Jackie) and Scott (April); sister, Carla Hodgson of Circle Pines; and 10 loving grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Dale.

Services were Friday, July 11, 2008 at the First Lutheran Church, Pine River.

Arrangements were with Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.