Richard Shong

Richard Shong, "Rich" 88, of rural Fairchild passed away quietly early Sunday morning, March 2, at his home.

Richard Charles Shong, son of Charles "Nick" and Esther (Mickelson) Shong, was born February 1, 1937, in Augusta. He was raised with his seven siblings in Augusta and graduated from Augusta High School in 1955. After high school he proudly served in the United States Army and when honorably discharged he returned to his hometown.

On February 4, 1963, Rich was united in marriage to Kathryn Weston in Stillwater, MN. The couple moved to rural Price where they raised their five children on their hobby farm before building and moving to their retirement home across the highway. For several years, Rich and Kathy owned and operated the Shong General Store on Highway 10 between Osseo and Fairchild. Rich worked at Sears and Presto prior to the many years he worked as a pipefitter at Uniroyal. He retired from Uniroyal in 1992.

Rich believed in giving back to his community through his involvement with the Osseo-Fairchild School District serving as a long term school board member and president. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Fairchild Lions Club, where he was a charter and continuous member and supporter of the club.

As a life-long hobby farmer he enjoyed raising many different kinds of animals and growing fall harvest crops. He loved watching all sports, especially the Packers and Badgers and was an avid reader of nonfiction.

Family and friendships meant the world to both Rich and Kathy and they always looked forward to get-togethers and taking casino trips. Rich especially enjoyed the many hours spent at the Price Community Center!

Rich will be remembered and sadly missed by so many, especially his five children, Jeri (Steve) Boetcher of Hastings, MN, Michael Shong of Hayward, Lori (Jimmy) Warlick of Rowlett, TX, Shari (Robyn) Trachsel of Fairchild, and Kristen (Jason) Seifert of Medford; nine grandchildren, Jessica, Nathan (Andrea), Matt (Kelsey), Abby (Josh), Rachel, Issac, Jenna, Kaylee, and Jake; five great-grandchildren, Carson, Hattie, Ava, Lux and Hayes. He is also survived by his siblings, Wally, Cora Marie Schafer, Dave & Elaine, Don & Judy, Archie and John; and Kathy's sister Joyce Muth. Rich was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy, on June 29, 2020; parents, Nick in 1974 and Esther in 1987; sister, Joanne (Paul) Ponthan in 1980; and in-laws, Garnet Shong, Jacob and Irene Weston, Robert and Theresa Weston and Ken Muth.

A celebration of Rich's life will be held Friday, March 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta. Military honors will be held Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to the Fairchild Lions Club, where Rich was a charter and lifetime member.

Online condolences can be left at andersonfhaugusta.com.