Don Richard

Don Richard

April 9, 1937 – February 8, 2026

Don Richard, 88, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026 in Franklin, Wisconsin where he had lived the last 6 years. Don was born on April 9, 1937, in Princeton Indiana, to Everett and Pauline Richard.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Sharon Richard; his children, Vicki Gronland, Trudi (Dan) Winek, Don (Ellen) Richard, and Bob (Diane) Richard; his grandchildren, Elliot (Lyndsie), Ally (Nico), Emily, Melissa (Andrew), Karli, and Robert Henry; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Jane Gerkins, and brother, Jim (Mary Lou) Richard.

Don earned his bachelor's degree from Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio, and went on to receive his master's and doctorate degrees from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

His career in education and engineering leadership took him to several institutions. Most of his tenure was at North Dakota State University in Fargo, where he eventually served as the interim Dean of Engineering, and then the Dean of Engineering at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Don also did consulting work in North Dakota, Minnesota, and New Mexico.

Don and Sharon enjoyed golfing and traveling after retiring in the desert southwest. Don loved to look at the mountains. He was a man of faith, active in volunteering in church activities.

A burial site service is planned for July in his hometown of Bowling Green, Ohio, where family and friends will gather to celebrate his life.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.