Age 89 Proud WWII Veteran from Charlie Co. of the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Division. Earned a Purple Heart. Accomplished architect and business owner who in 1961, with his brother George, founded what is now known as Rafferty, Rafferty, Tollefson, Lindeke Architects. Richard's firm has gone on to great acclaim within the architectural profession in Minnesota. Considered one of St Paul's premier firms, recipients of numerous awards for design excellence during the 52 years of his professional practice, including the AIA Minnesota Firm Award. He was honored with Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects in 1988 for a lifetime of achievement, one of the highest professional honors bestowed nationally. He loved what he did and never thought of it as work. He traveled to many places in his life both in the US and in Europe. He always took time to walk the streets and admire the architecture. Avid skier and golfer. He skied until age 85 and in the last few years he missed that more than anything. Loved airplanes and flying. Always sat by the window so he could follow the route on a map from his seat on the plane. Preceded in death by parents, James and Grace Rafferty; and sister, Eileen Gangl. Survived by wife of 63 years, Margaret "Mark"; children, Mary, Timothy (Dawn), Terence, Patrick, Brian, Megan (Mark Lewis); grandchildren, Colleen, Kristine (Mike) Bohlsen, Nolan, Max Arvidson, Kelsey (Robbie) McCollum; great-grandson, Owen Bohlsen; siblings, George (Betty), Grace Marie (Robert) Nord, Robert (Peggy); and many nieces and nephews. Dick will also be remembered by many friends and former colleagues. Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 AM Friday, February 14, 2014 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Visitation 4-8 PM Thursday at Mueller Lake Mortuary, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave. and also one hour prior to the Mass on Friday at the church. Interment St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Cemetery, White Bear Lake.
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Sincere condolences to all of the Raffertys on Dick's passing from all of the Mikutowski's. We just recently heard. We often talk about the old days, the different offices (like Alley 29) that we kids would visit with Dad, and the flurry of activity always present. We also remember the incredible talent of Dick and George.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Susan Mikutowski
March 16, 2014
our condolences to all of the Rafferty clan on your loss. HE was truly a great and talented man, and literally made his mark on this earth in a way most of us are unable to do. Bobbie and Jim wagner
Bobbie and Jim Wagner
February 19, 2014
Dick is one of the most affable, interesting and classiest fellows I have ever met. Like his brother George, he was a true gentleman in all respects.
John Hartmann
February 14, 2014
Please accept my sincere sympathy at Mr. Rafferty's passing. I know he will be sorely missed. The childhood memories of fun times spent with Megan and the rest of the Conway and Birmingham Street neighbors will always be held dear in my heart.
LeAnn (Niewinski) Belisle
February 14, 2014
Adding our sympathies from the Birmingham Street Josephs. I remember us kids doing backyard plays and hoping the flag was out for Bonn's pool. I hope you made many, many more happy memories. God Bless you all.
Marie Joseph
February 13, 2014
What fond sweet memories of a marvelously wonderful man. No matter what he was doing out in the yard, and especially when he was sweeping the sidewalk, he would stop to talk to this young girl and was always, kind, sweet and loving. What a marvelous family you all are. We send our heartfelt deepest sympathy on Mr. Rafferty's passing. Know that the good LORD has all of you in the palm of HIS hand!
Mary Claeson (Kaufenberg)
February 12, 2014
My heart goes out to a very special family!
Bob Fida
February 12, 2014
A full and wonderful life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Mary.
Leslie
February 12, 2014
words can say enough, Uncle Dick you will be missed by all. We'll miss you dearly. Love your nice Chris and husband Wayne
chris longnecker
February 11, 2014
When I think about Uncle Dick, I think about my own father. What a wonderful relationship they shared and a business, too! Life long pals, business partner's, golf buddies! How lucky can you get.
I will always see Uncle Dick's twinkling eyes, and engaging smile when you'd tell him a joke... or just saying hi! He was always ready for a good time and always seemed very relaxed... he loved his family and his life to the fullest.
I remember at my mom's 70th birthday party (Betty Rafferty.) We were in the kitchen and I was holding my son, Kameron, when Uncle Dick walked by with a plate of food. As he walked by... Kameron reached down and stole a chicken leg from Uncle Dick's plate. It was hilarious... All Uncle Dick did was say, "Hey!" He gave Kameron the cutest (and surprised) look all the while laughing.
Uncle Dick, I love you... I'll miss you!
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die.
Kathy Lind
February 11, 2014
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Mueller Memorial - White Bear Lake4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
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Mueller Memorial - White Bear Lake4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
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