Sawyer Richardson

Sawyer Schofield Richardson, 29, of Wahpeton, ND passed away April 19, 2026, near Barney, ND in a car accident.

Sawyer was born on Monday, September 9, 1996, in Edina, MN to Brent and Nina Richardson and older sister and partner in crime, Mattie. After helping Dad and Grandpa Harv fix up a few houses, he and his ever increasing siblings, ended up moving to Pleasant View Farm which would go on to become to be known as simply “The Farm” in Sheldon, ND.

Sawyer was lovingly and joyfully homeschooled by his Mom who is grateful for having shared every single moment with him excepting, maybe, for a few misguided paper airplane mishaps, penmanship, and, of course, geometry. His junior year he attended Lisbon high school where he met Amber Halmrast. Sawyer graduated in 2015 and attended NDSCS diesel mechanic program. On July 21st 2016, he and Amber welcomed their sweet son, Oliver James Richardson, into the world whom Sawyer absolutely adored.

After briefly dating in 2018, he reunited with the love of his life, Jenna Steffes, on May 29th, 2022. They married on May 29th, 2024, and lived in Wahpeton, ND. Together they had two beautiful daughters, Josephine “Josie” Jean born June 5, 2023, and Adaline Iris born January 9, 2026, both of whom Sawyer loved immeasurably.

Sawyer was a naturally gifted mechanic and shared this gift generously with anyone. He was often pestered by his younger siblings to help with any car troubles that might be occurring within their fleet of older, yet not quite classic, cars. He was a huge blessing to his Dad, helping him trouble shoot and repair all the things needed to keep things running around “The Farm.”

He was most comfortable outdoors, always wanting to go camping and take the long drive home on the back roads. Sawyer was an easygoing conversationalist, who was able to strike up a conversation and make friends with anyone. His easy laugh and sarcastic sense of humor were a joy to all of us. He had such a keen eye for details in this world that we often called him “Hawk Eye.” He had a deep love of music and always had rock music playing while he worked in the garage. He shared this love of music with his sisters, playing guitars with Mattie and Carrie.

Sawyer is survived by his wife, Jenna Richardson, and their daughters Josie and Adaline; his son, Oliver; his parents, Brent and Nina (Schofield) Richardson; paternal grandparents, Harv and Pauline Richardson; siblings Mattie (Dan) Schmitz, Clarissa (Jerod) Gemar, Noah (Esther) Richardson; Violette, Sarah, Eva and Carrie; as well as a plethora of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Sawyer was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Matthew V. and Thelma (Fosheim) Schofield.

A private family service is being planned. We do not have adequate words to summarize and share his loving, enigmatic soul. We all have the memories to carry of the man who lived such a varied life, living almost as if he knew he would leave this world too early and had to make the most of it.

Condolences and memorials may be sent to “The Farm” located at:
Brent and Nina Richardson
5749 139th Ave SE
Sheldon, ND 58068

Sawyer, we are happy to report that we found the old oak tree, and we will always meet you there.