David Eugene Richey

David E. Richey, age 83 of Elk River MN. Passed peacefully Friday March 8th, at J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice. Born October 10, 1940 in Litchfield MN, to parents Harland and Edith Richey. David grew up in Litchfield Minnesota, was baptized, made first Communion and was confirmed attending St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Litchfield MN. He attended Owatonna special school in Owatonna MN starting in 1952 and graduating 1960. David was preceded in death by parents Harland and Edith Richey, Brother Alfred. In-law parents Lowell and Kathryn Koerner. He will be deeply missed by his wife Margaret, Sister Janice (Arnold) Dufseth, Brothers and sisters in-law Lowell (Debbie), Mike (Bev), Tom and Ken, Karol, Mary, Marie, Myra (Bob) along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Married May 1st, 1976 to Margaret Koerner at St Alphonsus Catholic Church Brooklyn Center. David and Margaret meet in 1972 while both worked at the downtown Dayton's department store. David and Margaret started their marriage living in St. Louis Park MN, they both continued working at Dayton's taking the bus to and from work many years. David and Margaret went on many camping and fishing trips, they also liked to attend thrashing and air shows around the state. David had rides on many small aircraft over the years and a ride on an old war bird at an airshow. They had a favorite summer vacation trip, many years taking their boat to a resort at Lake Winnibigoshish Minnesota. David was also a tinker with all things electrical or mechanical, loved fixing things like clocks, watches, any type of motor and most always made them work again. Davids's vehicles, many Ford pickups always had stickers, gadgets and lights he added and his backup audible alarm could not be missed. His fishing boat had many items he designed and added to make his trip on the water enjoyable for him and Margaret. He also made gadgets around the house, he would see a problem he or Margaret were having and come up with a way to make it easier for them. David was proud of his career as a Candy Maker at Dayton's/Macys department store, he spent 46 years working at Dayton's/Macys starting in 1965 and retiring in 2011. He made many varieties of candy including seasonal and Holiday favorites, one of his favorites was the thin peanut brittle he made for the Christmas holidays. He could still tell you recipes for candy he made well into his retirement, in his last days he could still rattle off his famous Caramel recipe. He also used his tinkering skills to perform maintenance on the candy making machines, with his long tenure he knew the machines better than most. Davd was also an aviation enthusiast having flown in several small airplanes during his life. He built many model airplanes that he displayed in his apartment for many years. David and Margaret attended many air shows around the area as well. Daivd could tell you names of many World War II aircraft. They attended many luncheons at "THE EIGHTH AIR FORCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA" to hear presentations from the members who were part of the 8th Air Force and many other diverse aviation experts. David battled Multiple Myeloma for many years starting in (2012), he went through many years of off and on chemo therapy. He had many different types of Chemo over the years as his cancer progressed he would be changed to another form of Chemo. His oncologist said Dave was able to continue his therapy for many years because treatment advances that were made during his battle. When David was informed continued chemo therapy was no longer recommended due to his current health condition he understood and accepted he would be going to see our Lord and be with past relatives soon. His main concern was for his wife Margaret. David had an ordinary life that he usually lived with a smile, was generally optimistic and always had a story to tell. Memorial gathering will be held Friday, March 22nd. Visitation at 10 AM followed by Service 11 AM at Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel, 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd. Full arrangements at www.washburn-mcreavy.com

Tributes

David Eugene Richey

October 10, 1940 - March 8, 2024

Tributes

David Eugene Richey

October 10, 1940 - March 8, 2024

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