Richard Barkalow

1946 - 2017

Richard Barkalow, 70

St. Cloud, MN

Jan 27, 1946 - Jan 3, 2017

Richard Claude Barkalow passed away on January 3, 2017 in St. Paul, MN, due to complications related to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) aka Lou Gehrig's Disease. Richard was born January 27, 1946, in Painesville, OH, to George and Marjorie (Phillips) Barkalow.  He graduated from Fairmont High School, Dayton, OH, then earned his BA and MA, in history, from Wright State University, Dayton, OH. Richard married Susanne O'Neill in Xenia, OH in 1972, and taught social studies at the high school in Blanchester, OH for several years before moving to Duluth, then St Cloud, MN. Richard worked as a real estate appraiser for about 35 years alongside his wife, Susanne. His daughter Melissa was born in Cincinnati, and Melanie was born in St Cloud. He enjoyed being a father and raising his two daughters. The Barkalows owned several Siberian huskies over the years, and Richard was recognized in his neighborhood as the man whose dogs took him for a walk, especially his male "puppy," Bear.

Richard's lifelong passions were travel and sports. He was a devoted Ohio State University fan, and cheered on Cleveland and Cincinnati teams.  He shared his love of sports with his daughters, but was disappointed with local opportunities for girls, particularly in basketball. During the 1990s he became active with St Cloud Youth Basketball, then, with the assistance of several other parents, organized the St Cloud Comets, a summer AAU team for girls. He served on the state AAU Basketball Board, and was recognized by the Minnesota Lynx, with their Heroes in the Making Award (2002) for his volunteer activities for girls' basketball in Minnesota. Richard had season tickets for the Lynx for many years before his ALS prevented him from attending games.

His interest in travel and history evolved into an interest in helping high school exchange students. He found homes for dozens of international high school students during the last 15 years in the Central Minnesota area.  He organized activities for them, and remained in touch with many of them. Richard and Susanne also hosted international students from SCSU each year for Thanksgiving dinner.  Richard believed in the importance of learning about other countries and cultures, and incorporated that belief into much of what he did.

Richard was an active member of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA), holding its IFA designation, and serving as chapter president for several years, including at time of death. He was recognized as Appraiser of the Year for the MN Chapter in 2005. He was a long-time member of the St Cloud Area Association of Realtors and served on the Stearns County Board of Review and Equalization.

Richard's family wants to express a special "Thank You!" to everyone who has helped them and reached out during his period of illness, especially those who cared for his beloved dog, Bear.

Richard is survived by his wife, Susanne, and daughters Melissa (Joseph B Nied IV), Arlington, VA and Melanie, Nampa, ID, along with his mother-in-law, Genevieve O'Neill, Dayton, OH, his brother Alvin (Julie), OH, and sister Mary (George Campbell), MA.

A celebration of his life will take place Friday January 27, 2017, which is also his birthday.  The celebration will be held at the Kelly Inn (100 4th St S, St. Cloud, MN 56301) from 4pm to 8pm. Friends and colleagues are encouraged to come, and bring along a favorite story or photo for his memory book.  Food and beverages will be provided.  No flowers, please.