Kristen R. Richard

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Kristen Ruth Richard, 66, of West Fargo, ND, peacefully passed away in her home on December 7,2025, after her battle with ALS.

Born on July 9, 1959, in Madison, WI, Kristen was the beloved daughter of Eugene and Anita (Moore) Minske. She spent her childhood in Roseville, MN, and graduated from Mounds View High School in 1977. She went on to earn her degree in Social Work from St. Cloud State University.

After school, she made her way to Winona before settling in Fargo, where she truly made a life for herself.

Kristen married the love of her life, Charles Richard, on October 7, 1989, at First Presbyterian Church in Fargo. Together, they created a warm and loving home in West Fargo. Kristen had a heart for serving others, starting her career as a social worker at Friendship, Inc. When her three boys, Patrick, Dustin, and Michael, were younger, she fully embraced the calling of being a stay-at-home mom, which only strengthened her role as the heart of the household. When her boys began school, she returned to work as a classroom and office paraprofessional for West Fargo Public Schools at the Early Childhood Center and Willow Park Elementary. After nearly two decades of dedicated service with the district, she retired in 2022.

A true lover of nature, Kristen found joy in Arizona’s sun, hiking through beautiful trails, and spending time at the lake. Pontoon rides were her favorite. Her golden retrievers were never far from her side, and she filled her life with laughter and love while making cherished memories with her husband, sons, and beloved daughters-in-law. Kristen’s legacy of faith, compassion, sacrifice, light-heartedness, among other countless qualities, will continue to inspire family and friends for several decades to come.

She was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Minske; brother, Craig Minske; and nephew, Lucas Haase.

Kristen is survived by her devoted husband, Charles Richard of West Fargo; mother, Anita Minske of Fargo; children, Patrick (Cristi) Richard of Colorado Springs, CO, Dustin (Kendra) Richard of Mandan, ND, and Michael Richard of Fargo, ND; sisters, Karen Hoover of Winona and Carla (Benas) Minske Derzinskas of West Palm Beach, FL; along with countless friends and extended family who will miss her dearly.

Kristen’s life will be celebrated and honored on December 12, 2025, at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Mary Jo Holtey will officiate the service. Kristen will be laid to rest at 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 12, 2025, at Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood, ND.