Chester John Richardson

Passed away on May 11, 2020 after a short battle against Covid-19. He fought his illness as he lived his life, a strong and humble man. He passed surrounded by those who loved him both at his bedside and by those unable to physically be there due to the current restrictions but who were there in spirit.

Chester was born November 28, 1934 to Lee and Myrtle Richardson in rural Canby Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Canby High School in 1953. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953 and did his basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. He served with the 2nd Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany until 1956 when he was discharged with the rank of E-5 (SP2). After his military service he moved to Minneapolis and was hired at W.H. Schulz Company (later Deco) where he worked until he retired in 1996. Chet was proud that he only had 2 jobs his entire life, the U.S. Army and Schulz company.

On November 15, 1958 he married Marianne F. Johnson. They moved from Minneapolis to Monticello, Minnesota in 1969 where they raised their 3 children Debra, Tom and John. Chet enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, deer hunting, coaching his son's baseball games, being outdoors, watching or listening to the University of Minnesota Gophers basketball or football games, reading history books, traveling and restoring his dad's 1937B John Deere tractor with his brother Jim. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Richardson; his children, Debra Richardson Lee, Tom (Jodi) Richardson and John (Laura Reynolds) Richardson; his grandchildren, Garrick Oschwald, Allison (Jake) Rigenhagen, Erica (Jake) Wyman, Megan (Alex) Seifert, Brandon Richardson, Bobbi (Joshua Horn) Krippner, Andi Richardson and Jake Richardson; his great-grandaughter, Reese Rigenhagen; his sister, Mona Cusick; brother, Jim Richardson and many nieces and nephews. 

Preceeded in death by his parents, Lee and Myrtle Richardson; brother, Darold; niece, Becky. 

He will be interred with military honors at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley in Little Falls Minnesota. The date will be determined later after current restrictions are lifted.

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