Richard Augustyn

1955 - 2025

Richard Michael Augustyn, age 70, of Bovey, Minnesota died on November 21, 2025, after a courageous, eight-month battle with cancer. Rick was born on January 29, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois to Rich and Marie Augustyn. He graduated from Addison Trail High School in 1973, only after making a deal with the dean. His early years were filled with many high jinks including playing sports in the park down the street from his childhood home, going to concerts in downtown Chicago, and lighting off fireworks in Addison. Rick was briefly affiliated with the Knight Spirits Motorcycle Club where he drove the sweeper van much to the later delight of his family.

In 1983, he met Mary Hammer, and he thought to himself, "Ricky don't lose that number." He didn't and they were married on August 31, 1985. Rick became a dad in February 1988 with the birth of his son Drew (but not before buying himself a state-of- the-art stereo system, "because every new dad needs one"). His daughter, Ericka, was born in December of 1989. Rick was an amazing dad and the best Papa to his grandsons. He taught his children many life skills including how to change car brakes, hang dry wall, and can hot giardiniera. Rick considered having an amazing family and raising two incredible children as his greatest accomplishment in his life. He was overjoyed to become a grandpa and loved spoiling his grandsons.

Rick worked as heavy equipment operator for his entire career, including 15 years with Local 150 in Chicago, Illinois and 15 years with Local 49 in northern Minnesota. He was a proud member of the union and helped construct many important projects in the Northland; his favorite being the Nova project near Ash River, MN.

Rick's many hobbies included cultivating peppers, collecting insulators, gardening, grouse hunting, riding his wheeler, and being outside in the woods of northern Minnesota. Rick was also a member of the Bethel Trinity Church in Bovey. In his 11 years of retirement, he enjoyed traveling including to Australia, Jamaica, fishing trips to Canada, and to art shows with Mary across the country. He enjoyed many good times at the Cass cabin, hot saunas, the Indy 500, and rocking out to great music. His final concert was Paul McCartney in October where he was able to take his entire family to enjoy the music of Sir Paul.

Rick is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary, his son Drew (Ana) Augustyn, his daughter Ericka (Nick) Massa, grandsons Calvin and Otto Massa, brothers Don (Allison), Tim (Mary), and Patrick (Doreen), brother-from-another-mother Mark "Sparky" (Anna) Cass, aunts Rita Marsheko, Ceil Doyle, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and chosen family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rich and Marie Augustyn.

Rick's memorial service will be held on December 6, 2025, with visitation at 11:00 a.m. and a service at 12:00 p.m.; luncheon to follow. The service will be held at Bethel Trinity Lutheran, 116 5th Ave. in Bovey. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Second Harvest Northland Food Bank.