"I am so sorry for your loss. I came across his business card this morning in my address book. I've thought of him the last few months as I've been recently been driving back and forth to Winona and pass the sign for the Eagle Center, where he said he used to volunteer. After coming across his card this morning, I knew I had to look him up. I met him for the first time in Minneapolis for the RNC event and was fascinated by his speech on flags. We asked him to do a presentation at our elementary school and had the great opportunity to see him do his presentation again for the children. So I looked him up this morning and was saddened to see his passing recently. I'm so sorry for your loss. What an amazing man and a wonderful life he had! He must have brought so much joy to so many people. I hope all of your family's wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. Susan Stein - Cottage Grove, MN"
In loving memory of
Robert Irwin Richardson
August 30, 1932 - September 17, 2021
Robert Irwin Richardson, 89, of Rochester passed away on September 17, 2021 quietly surrounded by family at Rochester Health and Rehab East. He was born on August 30, 1932 in Austin, MN to Dr. Doyle and Dr. Lois (Irwin) Richardson.
Robert graduated from Austin Central High School in 1950 and Carleton College in 1954 where he played basketball, baseball and golf. He served in the United States Army from 1954-1956. He received his Master's Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Northern Illinois in DeKalb, Ill. Robert taught at Ellis Jr. High and Central High School in Austin. He married Mary Jane Runquist and later divorced. On July 11, 1992 he married Beverly Harms-Jenkin in Rochester. He enjoyed spending time with family, eating out, playing cards, (especially Cribbage), golfing, baseball, basketball, reading and was the author of four books and multiple articles. He also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico and following the Minnesota Twins.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly of Rochester; two daughters, Mary Jane (Jim) Highum of Northfield, MN, and Donna (Jeff) Skrukrud of Rochester, MN, one son, Keith (Kathy) Jenkin of Rochester, MN; five grandchildren, four great grandchildren and one sister, Margaret Richardson of Iowa City, IA. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, two children, Barbara and Ann, one brother, Harper and one granddaughter, Ashley.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, September 24, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes in Rochester. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and also one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials are directed to SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) or the Humane Society.
Tributes
"Richardson Family, please accept my sincere sorrow for your loss. I had met Robert a few times while dating his daughter in high school. He was a very likeable person who loved his daughters. Steve "
"Mr Richardson, one of the best teachers ever. I had him in 8th grade at Ellis, 1971-1972."
"My sympathy to all the members of the Richardson Family. Back in the 1950s I was on the same baseball team as Bob. Good Team Mate/Good Ball Player/Good Man. God Bless..."
"My Dear Grandpa, I will miss our letters. I will miss your silly drawings and sweet words. I am honored to have called you Grandpa. "
"My Dear Grandpa, I will miss our letters. I will miss the silly pictures you would draw, and your sweet words. I am honored to have called you Grandpa. "
"I had Mr. Richardson for a teacher at Ellis and he's was always my favorite teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with the family"
"To a gentle man that brought humor and joy into my life as a friend and writing associate. I will always remember his smile when nearing my desk. His stories were unforgettable. He was kind to everyone he met. Prayers to Bob's familly."