Richard Rex Champ

Champ, Richard Rex (Dick) Age 87, of Edina, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family December 26, 2014. Born June 3, 1927 to Anna and Rex Champ, Dick grew up in Junction City, Kansas-if you didn't know that, then you never met the man-with sisters Rexceine (Kitchen), Anna Mae and Betty (Maranz). He attended the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!), where he enjoyed fellowship with his Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brothers, cultivated a love for singing as a member of a men's a cappella quartet and earned a degree in industrial engineering. He then embarked on an impressive career in retail beginning in Queens, New York, where he met his wife of 62 years, Dolores. His work took him and his family across the country and culminated in serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of Macy's California (now West), from where he retired in 1988. In retirement he served on the Board of Echo Design. His impeccable honesty, warmth, empathy and sense of humor were integral to his success. His business acumen and love of working with people translated to involvement in the community. As an active member of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, he promoted the continued development of the skyway system. He was also instrumental in forming the Episcopal House of Prayer in Collegeville. He served as a leader on the Vestry at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Edina and on the Finance Committee at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, and was a dedicated member of Renewal, a men's prayer group that met regularly for more than 30 years. In everything he did, he is remembered for his strong work ethic and role as a mentor. Perhaps Dick's greatest legacy is his loving family, his pride and joy. With his wife, the center of his universe and constant companion and soul mate, he raised four children and influenced the lives of their grandchildren and great granddaughter. Always the teacher, he instilled in his family the value of doing the right thing, no matter how difficult. He considered Minnesota his adoptive home, enjoying outdoor activities and leisure at a cabin on Greenwood Lake (Cook County) for over 40 summers. His capacity to love extended to all the family pets. He is survived by his wife, Dolores, who remained steadfast in her love for him and was devoted to his care; children Barbara (Hal Proskey), Richard, Jr. (Dana Balukas), Pat (Steve Schafer) and Beth Carlson (Paul); grandchildren Maren Fleming (Jason), Joseph Eder (Katie), Erik Sonstegard (Brittney) and Greenwood; great granddaughter Mackenzie Eder; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. A memorial service to celebrate Dick's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 2 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Minneapolis (1917 Logan Avenue South), with a visitation at 10 a.m. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Paul's are preferred.

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Richard Rex Champ

December 26, 2014

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