Richard Royce

Richard G. Royce, 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 9, 2014. He died at Good Samaritan Village-Bethany in Brainerd, MN, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 11:00AM at Crosslake Lutheran Church with Pastor Greg Larsen officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 prior to the service at the church, beginning at 9:30AM. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Noon at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, with Pastor Paul Pettersen officiating. Gathering of family and friends will follow at Normandale Lutheran, 6100 Normandale Rd. in Edina, from 1:00-3:00PM.

Richard Gerhard Royce was born to Clarence and Selma Landskov Royce on March 9, 1934 in Minneapolis, MN. He attended Audubon Grade School, Lake Harriet Junior High School and graduated from Southwest High School in Minneapolis in 1952. He attended college at St. Olaf and the University of Minnesota, and graduated with a business degree. Richard then served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. He was stationed in Hawaii and also in Washington D.C., serving there as a member of the Military Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery.

Richard was united in marriage to Katherine DeBoer on June 19, 1959 at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. Rich's railroad career spanned 37 years. He worked in sales and marketing for The Norfolk and Western, Green Bay & Western and Canadian National Railroads, retiring in 1993. Rich's family and friends were an important part of his life. His faith was of equal importance, as he was active in the Lutheran church his entire life, and currently was a member of Crosslake Lutheran Church. He enjoyed music and being a part of church choirs throughout the years. Rich enjoyed the game of golf for over 65 years, and treasured living, for close to 20 years at his home on Goodrich Lake.

He is survived by Kathy, his wife of 54 years; his children, Diane (John) Rieke of Bismarck, ND, Karen Royce of Bloomington, MN, and Nancy (Thad) Teske of Eden Prairie, MN; his three granddaughters, Rachel Solveig Rieke, Kirsten Diane Rieke, and Grace Katherine Rieke of Bismarck, ND; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Selma Royce. Blessed be his memory. Memorials can be given to Crosslake Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Crosslake, MN.