Steven Richardson

Steven Lee Richardson, of Rochester, MN died on January 5, 2017 after battling pancreatic cancer since August 2015. Since his diagnosis, he and his wife Dar were determined to live life to the fullest. He had been a patient for five days at Rochester Methodist Hospital at the time of his death. Steve was born on February 19, 1950 in Wabasha, Minnesota to Lyle Bud and Ruby (Fred) Richardson. He was raised in Elgin, MN and graduated from Elgin High School in 1968. He then attended Rochester Community College and Mankato Business College until he was drafted into the Army in 1970. His service included a year in Vietnam. After his discharge from the Army in November, 1971 Steve completed college at Mankato State University, graduating with a major in Industrial Technical Studies in 1975. He then began working with the City of Rochester as a personal assistant. He retired in 2009 as the Assistant Director of Human Resources after 34 years with the city. Prior to leaving for Vietnam in 1970, Steve married Darlene Olson of Millville, MN. At that time Dar was just 19 and Steve was 20. They always recalled that neither of them was old enough to know better. However, they enjoyed a very happy and devoted marriage for 46 years. To most who know them, Steve and Dar have provided and excellent example of a loving marriage with a healthy dose of humor. Steve and Dar have two children, Jed and Sara. Jed and his wife Amy have two children, Maya and Clara. Sara has one son, Wyatt, and is married to Chris Drury. Steve was a wonderful father and grandfather. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren and had an especially close bond with his grandson, Wyatt. When asked by a hospice nurse for the most important advice Steve would give his children and grandchildren he replied, Be kind to other people and respect everyone. Steve enjoyed many things that brought him happiness. He loved most sports and athletics. He played basketball, baseball and golf and was the proud owner of four holes in one. His time on the city golf courses with his golf buddies was something that he treasured and always looked forward to. Steve also enjoyed commiserating with Jed, Sara, extended family, and his friends about the successes and failures of Minnesota sports teams. In addition, Steve loved spending time on the Mississippi River with his family and longtime friends, the Gusas and Conways. Steve is survived by his wife, Dar, his son Jed, daughter-in-law Amy, granddaughters Maya and Clara, daughter Sara Drury, son-in-law Chris, grandson Wyatt, and brother Lon. He is also survived by many wonderful sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts and an uncle. Steve also regarded that his large circle of friends have been his second family and have held such an important place in his life. His integrity and kindness towards all are words that are consistently used to describe him. Steve was definitely well loved and knew how to love well. He will be deeply missed. An informal gathering to honor Steves memory will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. There will be a short memorial service to share memories at 3:00 that day. Blessed be Steves memory.