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Floyd Eugene Risvold

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Floyd Risvold Obituary

Published by Star Tribune from Jun. 4 to Jun. 7, 2009.

Risvold, Floyd Eugene of Edina, beloved and devoted husband, father, grand- father & great- grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 2, 2009 at the age of 97 years. Preceded in death by his adoring wife of 66 years, Sophie and their precious twin sons, Douglas Floyd and Howard Eugene; his parents, Oswald and Marie; and his brothers, Howard and Curtis. Survived by his daughters, Diane and husband Stephen Pearson and Kathleen and husband Richard Cathcart; seven grandchildren, Kelly (Dean Leischow), Tara, Lance (Lien Whitmer), Trent, Ryan, Michael and Ashley; four great-grandchildren, Whitney, Blake, Alexandra and Jackson; and many nieces, nephews and caring friends. Floyd was a noted historian, author and business man. His early years in the Coast & Geodetic Survey on expeditions in the West were his passion and inspiration for his love of western history and the platform on which he authored two nationally published books. Recognized as a great business leader, Floyd was the Managing Partner of the family business, O.E. Risvold & Sons. Floyd embodied a strong Christian faith and like Sophie, family was the foundation of his life. Family celebrations and memorable times at Half Moon Lake will be cherished by all who loved him. Floyd will live in our hearts forever as our Father, Hero and Best Friend. Memorials preferred to the Leukemia Foundation or the Minnesota Historical Society. Funeral Service Monday, June 8, 11 AM, at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 50th St. & Knox Ave. S. Visitation 1 hour before service at church and also Sunday (TODAY), June 7, 5-8 PM at: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th Street at Hwy 100
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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Recent Activity

June 19, 2018

Richard Sloan posted to the memorial.

July 27, 2009

David Jarrett posted to the memorial.

June 20, 2009

Wayne Hassell posted to the memorial.

12 Entries

Richard Sloan

June 19, 2018

Mr. Risvold was passionate about American history. He didn't simply collect historical artifacts; he studied their historic background and became a respected amateur historian. He hated to see wannabees jump to conclusions and promote half-truths as well as non-truths. He could smell a faker, and he refused to remain idle. He took issues with them and put them in their places, (sometimes with the help of his own elected representatives -- such as Walter Mondale and Hubert Humphrey) so that con artists could not get away with re-writing history. I was privileged to have known him.

David Jarrett

July 27, 2009

The passing of Floyd Risvold is the passing of an era in US postal history philately. I met Floyd in 1958, when I started attending the University of Colorado. At the time, I was a beginning collector of Colorado postal covers. As I expanded my collecting interests to all other areas of US postal history, Floyd and I had many conversations and visits over the years -- at philatelic shows, in New York and in Edina.

Wayne Hassell

June 20, 2009

On June 18 I was shocked to hear of Floyd's passing and saddened that I had not been aware of this in time to attend his funeral. I shall always treasure our nearly 50 years of friendship. He was a kind-hearted, gentle man and a wise mentor. There will never be another like him.

June 14, 2009

Floyd lived U.S. western history through his outstanding postal history collections illustrating those fascinating times. He was one of the greatest collectors in this field, and I will always cherish the great conversations and correspondence we occasionally had on this mutual interest. He was a true gentleman and a scholar and will be missed by many philatelists.

John Birkinbine (Birkebeiner), Tucson, AZ

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Beverly & David Powell

June 12, 2009

Our sincere sympathy to Diane & Kathy and families. Uncle Floyd will be missed by all who knew him. He was so full of love and kindness. He was very proud of his wonderful family. He and Aunt Sophie shared many memorable times with my parents. They were very close. Their memory will live on.

Kristen Boulware

June 8, 2009

It brings a great smile to my face to think about "Grandpa" Floyd and all of the memories I have that include him and his family. From Thanksgivings with his crew, to stories and adventures at Half Moon Lake ... he will always be remembered and cherished by me. My love to the Pearsons and Cathcarts ... I'm hugging you all from Kansas City.

xoxo,
Kristen Boulware

Dennis Fernkes

June 6, 2009

Floyd only lived a few blocks from me so I visited him often. I will miss his enthusiasm about his collections and his recent acquisitions. Our lunches at the "Chinese restaurant" were always fun and gave him a chance to get away from the house. He was so proud of his family and always knew what all of his grandchildren were doing, where they were going to school, and what jobs they were working at. His knowledge, no matter what the subject, was awesome. The stories he told about his work with the Coast & Geodetic Survey when he was in Alaska or surveying the Salmon River were almost unimaginable. I am going to miss him so much.

Mike Ellingson

June 5, 2009

Floyd was larger than life and it was a privilege and a pleasure to have known him. My deepest sympathies to his family. The collecting community will miss him dearly.

Larry & Ginny Hvinden

June 5, 2009

Sorry to hear of the passing of Floyd. I met him through OE Risvold and Co. I became a close friend of his nephews and had on several occasions been in his company throughout the years. My sincere sympathy to all the Risvold Families.

Richard Frajola

June 5, 2009

My sincere condolences to the whole family from all those in the philatelic and postal history community who will miss him sorely. His enthusiasm for history was contagious and everybody who met him felt his fire and passion.

"Trust in God, and Keep You Powder Dry"

Richard Frajola

Sue and Kent Bank

June 5, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Thank you for the privilege of knowing Floyd. He was an amazing man of great fun, knowledge and kindness. We will always treasurer our times with him at Half Moon Lake.
Love and cheers to great memories.

Rick Risvold

June 5, 2009

The first time I realized Uncle Floyd was special was during a class on the civil war at Mankato State University. In front of the entire class, Dr. Croce asked me if I was related to Floyd Risvold. When I said he was my uncle his response was, "Brilliant man, a brilliant man." That sums him up for me. When I was very young, I remember how kind he was to me when I would visit the warehouse with my dad. He will be missed by all.

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Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels

Minneapolis, MN