Gerald Richard
May 17, 1945 ~ March 28, 2020
Gerald “Jerry” Richard of Vergas, MN passed away in Fargo on March 28, 2020. He was born in Fargo, ND May 17, 1945 to Roland and Cecelia Richard. Gerald attended St. Anthony’s grade school, Crosier Seminary for high school in Onamia, MN and NDSU for one year before joining the Navy. Gerald served in the Navy for over 8 years including 2 tours in Vietnam. He met the love of his life, Doreen Mansfield in Delaware and they married July 21, 1967 and lived all over the US during his time in the Navy. While living in Port Hueneme, CA, he was honorably discharged and began working for Boeing Computer Services.
While raising four boys, Gerald attended University of La Verne where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Business Science. His work with Boeing eventually took the family to Federal Way, Washington. Gerald and Doreen retired in 2000 and moved back to Fargo, ND eventually leading them to Leek/Trowbridge Lake in Vergas, MN.
Gerald was always actively volunteering in his community through his boys’ baseball, the local Lions Club, Dorothy Day House, Real Presence Radio, First Choice, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and St. Mary’s of the Lakes. In his retirement he also took to woodworking and restoring old furniture.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents and son, Frank. He is survived by his adoring wife of 52 years Doreen; son Rick (Maggie), son David (Kendra), son Gerald Jr. “Jerry” (Lisa), 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, sister Toni Stremick, sister Bea (Marvin) Johnk, and brother Bob (Charmaine) Richard. Gerald was happiest on Leek/Trowbridge Lake flashing his big smile and giving big hugs. He will be remembered lovingly and greatly missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his honor to Real Presence Radio or Dorothy Day House.
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It was a honor and pleasure getting to know Gerald. We will greatly miss our visits. Deepest sympathy your VA Primary Care Team.
We were sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. We are thinking about his family during this time of sorrow.
Our deepest sympathies,
Chuck and Ramona Klein
Gerald had a heart of gold and would give the shirt off his back if you needed it.
Dale Heller
Gerald has left a great legacy for he immediate family always gathering them together at the lake every summer. He also left a legacy for his cousins helping to update and digitize our family history. But one of his greatest legacy was to help start Real Presence Catholic Radio in the basement closet of the UND Newman Center in Grand Forks ND. He was joined by other faithful visionaries to start Catholic radio in North Dakota. That small station has grown to over 15 radio signals covering North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Montana spending the Good News of his Savior to millions of listeners. Well done good and faithful servant.
Jerry if you were here I would tell you right now I am honored to be donating to the Dorothy Day house for $250 in your name.. Go in peace Jerry. Thank you for your service. You have a great heart. You are missed.
Bea and Toni, empathy to you and your family’s on the death of your brother,our prayers are with you all!
Our deepest sympathy to Gerald’s family. I grew up with the Richard family as part of my neighborhood family. It was nice getting to know Gerald after he moved back to Fargo.
I knew Jerry back at Crosier 60 years ago. I can still remember his great smile, infectious laugh and outgoing personality. Though I have not seen Jerry in many many years his family should know he had an impact on all of us who knew him in high school and he shall be greatly missed.
I’m so sorry to hear about Jerry, he was a great guy.
My condolences to Doreen and the family.
Doreen and Family
I was so sorry to hear about Gerry’s death. He was such a great guy and all of us at the range were lucky to have gotten to know him. I’ll keep him and your entire family in my prayers.
Gerald and I met for the first time at a planning meeting on how to start Real Presence Radio. He was always very willing to help where ever he could and opened his house up for many radio meetings. The food was always wonderful but the company was even better! Still make and enjoy Doreen’s wonderful croissants recipe. In a very real way Gerald helped make Catholic Radio a reality in our area and now you knows just how many souls he helped find eternity with God. Gerald I will miss you greatly and know of our prayers for you and your family in the form of at least a year of Masses offered for all.
our deepest sympathy to Gerald’s family. He sermed to be a very caring individual and we thank him for his service to our country and our community. A previous donation was made to Dorothy Day House in Gerald’s name. Toni sorry we couldnt make the funeral but still uncomfortable with virus but sending a big hug to you.