Richard “Dick” Rivard

Richard Joseph Rivard

It is with heavy hearts and sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Richard Joseph Rivard. He peacefully returned to our Father in Heaven on Saturday, July 8, after a remarkable 86-year journey here on Earth, including 62 years alongside the love of his life, Colleen.

Born on July 8, 1937, in Hudson, Wisconsin, Dick was the youngest of seven children of Oscar and Vera. Growing up on the farm he learned to hunt, fish and work hard. He told many stories about the labors of his youth, including one about the summers he spent working at uncle Art's farm in Taylors Falls removing tree stumps with dynamite. The land would later become Wild Mountain ski area.

In 1955, he graduated from Clear Lake High School. He was involved in many activities, including Future Farmers of America, theater, band, choir, yearbook, baseball, football, and class officer. The caption under his senior year photo captured his aspirations: "His aims are high and hopes well placed." Indeed they were.

He would go on to attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, after which he began an almost 40-year career as a chemical technician at 3M, interrupted from 1960-1962 when he was called to serve his country. Before leaving to be stationed with the US Army in Schweinfurt, Germany, he met a beautiful Irish-American lass from St. Paul, Colleen Shea.

They fell in love but the separation of 4,500 miles was too much. Colleen left her job, sold her things and bought a one-way plane ticket to Germany. There, they were married and began their life together.

In 1964, they bought a little white house at the corner of 3rd Street and Johnson Parkway, where they raised their family of five children. They worked together to create a home that reflected their love and joy for life, as well as their deep faith in God. Through all the messiness and economic trials of raising five children (sending all to 12 years of Catholic school), in good times and bad they were resolute in their love for each other.

Known for his good humor, friendliness, and generosity, Dick was always there to lend a helping hand, whether it was fixing cars for family and friends or dedicating his time to volunteering at Parkway Little League and serving on the school board at Sacred Heart-St. John's. If you had a home project you needed help with, he was there.

After retirement, Colleen and Dick enjoyed traveling to the West, spontaneously hopping in the car for another adventure to the tune of "On the Road Again." When travel became less of an option in later years, Dick would peruse atlases and Google Earth, always filled with a curiosity for the world around him.

More than anything, Dick loved being "grandpa." For three decades, he played an integral part in the lives of his 14 grandchildren: Kate, Nate, Lucy, Rachel, Mary, Kyra, Maddy, Anne, Cal, John, Hannah, Ellie, Evie and Finn. They'd spend countless hours with Grandpa and Grandma playing games, dressing up, sleeping over, fishing, and going to McDonald's.

Dick is preceded by his parents, Oscar and Vera; siblings Erwina, John, Ethel, Mary and Norman; and son David. He is survived by his wife, Colleen; brother Jerry; children Julie Taylor (Randy), Rose Austad (Dave), Vincent (Karissa), Michael (Tammy) and Matthew (Angie); grandchildren Nate, Kate (Ethan), Rachel, Lucy (Travis), Mary, Kyra, Maddy, Anne, Cal, John, Ellie, Hannah, Evie, Finn; and great-grandchildren Ciaran, Mac, Cal and Vera.

Funeral Mass 11 a.m. on Monday, July 17, at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave. Visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Reception to follow at Mueller Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Children's Tumor Foundation.