Allen Joseph Richard

Allen Joseph Richard, 79, passed away peacefully at home in Grand Rapids, MI, on January 29, 2026, surrounded by his wife and four children. Allen was born on January 26, 1947, in Bottineau, ND, and grew up on his family's farm south of Dunseith. He graduated from Dunseith Public Schools in 1965, where he developed a love of theater and storytelling. He earned his Bachelor's degree in education from Mayville State University in 1970. That year, he married Joan Olsen of Binford, ND. Alongside teaching, he worked the family land with his father, Art.

Allen and Joan had four children: their son John (born/passed May 1975), followed by Kelani (born September 1976), Marya (born October 1978), and Nathan (born April 1982). They enjoyed life on the family farm where the children were raised, and Joan continues to reside.

In 1976, Allen was elected to the North Dakota State House of Representatives, beginning a 14-year career in state politics in both the House and Senate, which he balanced with farming until retiring from both farming and state politics in 1990.

On New Year's Eve 1991, Allen married Susan Putnam in Minneapolis, MN. They shared a love of camping and spent many weekends outdoors exploring the northern Midwest.

In 1992, Allen and Susan moved to Washington, D.C., where Allen worked for the National Farmers Union. Their daughter, Alaina, was born in February 1994. Later that year, they returned to Minneapolis, where Allen resumed teaching.

In 2002, Allen and Susan moved to Midland, MI, where Allen served as Director of the Midland Literacy Council. He was deeply proud of his work to support literacy for dyslexic adults. He also served on the Bullock Creek School District Board of Education, and handed Alaina her high school diploma in 2012. Allen retired from the Literacy Council in 2013.

Allen's and Susan's happiest Christmas together was one spent helping a Midland family by providing gifts for their children and repairing their car.

Known for his love of motorcycles and muscle cars, Allen had a soft spot for his black 1974 Dodge Charger, affectionately called Dakota Midnight. The distinctive car became a familiar sight wherever he went.

Allen is survived by his wife, Susan Putnam; his children, Kelani Morin, Marya Richard, Nathan Richard, and Alaina Lefevre; his grandchildren, Phillip, Coltin, Kyra, Landon, and Brooklyn as well as his sister, Stephanie Rebenitsch.

Allen is remembered for his witty humor, deep kindness, storytelling, and commitment to farming, education, and public service. He always stood up for those whose voices needed to be heard. His legacy lives on in his family and the many lives he touched.

To honor Allen's memory, please consider donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region or The Legacy Center for Community Success.