In Memory of Richard Reiersgord

Richard K. Reiersgord, age 80,of Isanti died November 8, 2011 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, November 18, 2011 at Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti with Rev. Clifton Hanson officiating. Friends may gather 1 hour before the service.

Richard Keith Reiersgord was born at Ulen, Minnesota, on November 12, 1930 to Olaf and Mary (Alme) Reiersgord. He was raised in Ulen and Moorhead and graduated from Moorhead High School. Richard married Joyce Carpenter in Moorhead on June 8, 1957. Richard was an active Mason and was Past Grand Master in both Granville and Bismarck, North Dakota. He was also a member of the Elks and the Shriners where he held several offices and was a member of the Oriental Band. He was an active member for several years of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fridley before moving to Isanti. Richard and Joyce enjoyed 54 years of marriage. He conquered adversities and celebrated triumphs with great style. He raised 3 fine children who found 3 fine mates that increased his children to 6. The family passed on Richard’s attributes to his 6 grandchildren of whom he was so proud. After retirement, Richard and Joyce enjoyed “RVing” around the country for several years. They spent 15 summers at the Ham Lake Campground and made many friends in their camping experience. They enjoyed grilling, campfires, gardening and watching the sunsets with family and friends.

Richarddied November 8, 2011 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis after an intense bacterial pneumonia and congestive heart failure at the age of 80 years, 11 months and 27 days. Death came peacefully with his family by him. He was wonderfully cared for and cared about by the staff at the Cambridge Medical Center and at Abbott-Northwestern. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Ernest and Leoand 2 sisters, Grace and Dorothy.

Richard is survived by his wife, Joyce of Isanti; 3 children, Renee (Michael) Sievert of Coon Rapids, Keith (Vicki) Reiersgord of Allen, Texas, Shelly (Brian) Rychly of East Bethel; 6 grandchildren; 1 sister, Ethel Reuter of Medina, Illinois; 1 brother-in-law, Rodney (Judy) Carpenter of Jacksonville, Florida; by his four legged little girl, Jetta;and by many other relatives and friends.

Attributes

Radiant

Intelligent

Charismatic

Hardy laughter

Apple of our eye’s

Rich in spirit

Dry humor

Tributes

To Grandpa

A man who has stolen a piece of our hearts is being celebrated today. Richard Reiersgord, a blessing on us all, always knew how to provide a laugh and a smile. Whether it be from his charm or his extremely dry humor, he always shared a ray of his sunshine. A witty man who had a brilliant mind and heart of gold, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who never failed to make an impact on this world and on his loved ones. He may have been a pain in the neck occasionally but he’s our pain in the neck and we loved it. He may have been stubborn , but his intensions were always in the right. Today we celebrate a man who’s baby blue eyes and who’s heart stopping smile took us on a journey full of joy and laughter. He’s on a new journey now, this time we cannot follow. But when our time comes he’ll be waiting to welcome us into our new home.Granddaughter: Kaley Darling

To my grandfather, my mentor, my hero, my idol and my friend. You are already greatly missed. The world doesn’t seem as bright as it used to be, the stars do not shine tonight because they mourn you not being able to look up at them with your loving soft eyes. But looking up at them brings my mind back to happier times, the house in North Dakota, the campgrounds and staying the night in the camper or as granny called it the “turtle house”, the fishing trips and most of all the talks and hugs and kisses. I know we will meet again when we are all with the Lord and we will look back on everything we shared, the good times and the bad. Rest peacefully, grandpa. All my love is with you.

Your loving grandson, Kyle Rychly