David Rikhus

David W. Rikhus, 68, of Rochester, MN, passed away on Saturday November 25th, 2023, after complications resulting from several strokes in the last year. Dave was born on May 28th, 1955, in Detroit Lakes, to Raymond and Orpha (Mellum) Rikhus. He attended and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Babbitt, MN in 1973.

He then entered into the U.S. Army for 4 years and served in Korea. Dave enrolled at Vermillion Community College for his generals and finished his degree in criminal justice at Moorhead State University in Morehead, MN before heading off to Alexandria, MN to complete his Law Enforcement skills Training.

Dave relocated to Rochester, MN, after being hired as an officer with the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office. He met the love of his life, Julie McQuarrie, and was united in marriage on December 24, 1985 until her passing in March of 2006.

After starting his career with the Olmsted County Sheriff's on patrol he was appointed to detective where he quickly developed the reputation of being a great interrogator getting suspects to confess. While his methods were probably different with crime suspects, his children can certainly attest to his proficiency in extracting his confession. After 29 years, David retired from the Sheriff's office in May of 2010.

After a brief stint in retirement, Dave went back to the Office part-time doing various tasks from bailifing, to prisoner transport, as well as guarding prisoners seeking medical treatment. After a period of time, he would transfer to the County Attorney's office where he would investigate the financial exploitation of protected adults before finally retiring in March of 2019.

Dave can be remembered as a man who loved his family and friends deeply. You always knew Dave was close by with his distinct smell of Jovan Musk and his trademark dark sunglasses, grey flat top, and Handle bar mustache 24/7. He had a passion for golf, hunting, fishing, coaching hockey, spending time at his cabin on the Mississippi River, and enjoying his time with family and friends.

He is survived by his son, Benjamin (Brittany) of Racine; daughter, Chelsea of Rochester; sister, Susan (John) Keenan of St. Cloud; grandchild, Julieus.

Proceeded in death by his wife, Julie; his parents and sister, Mona Rikhus. The family would ask that any and all donations be made to the the South Eastern Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation.

Visitation will be from 5-8pm Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN). Funeral service will be at 11am on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Rochester, MN. There will be a luncheon at the Rochester Eagles Club (917 15th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) following the burial.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Rikhus family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com