Richard "Dick" Parent

Richard “Dick” Parent, age 90, of McIntosh, MN, passed away on Wednesday, September 24th, at his home. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30th, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fosston with Father JohnMelkies Suvakeen presiding. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Fosston. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Monday, September 29th and for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. All visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fosston. Military honors will be provided by the Army National Guard Honors Team. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Richard was born in Argyle, MN, to Leo and Lucille (Dufault) Parent on October 13, 1934. He attended country school in Argyle, followed by Agriculture Academy in Crookston, graduating in 1952. He joined the U.S. Army in 1957 and was stationed at Fort Carson, CO, Fort Bliss, TX, and Fort Lewis, WA. Discharged in 1959, Richard was recalled in 1961 and activated in the 4th division during the Cuban Missile Crisis. While in the Army, he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and Sharpshooter Medal.

Later, Richard worked as a Soil Technician for the Federal Soil Conservation Office across various cities in Minnesota. He met the love of his life, Marion (Firchau) Parent, and together they raised five children, Daniel (Dan), Richard (Rick), Dawn, Michael (Mike), and Leslie. The family moved to McIntosh in 1968 where Richard continued to work as a Soil Technician and Land Surveyor until he retired 1992.

Richard loved the outdoors. He hunted deer in Caribou (all his life!), chased geese, downed ducks, trapped for furs, and fished on Lake of the Woods. Always active, he worked many hours in his garden and played every kind of ball with his kids and grandkids.

He cherished time with family and friends, whether it was enjoying happy hour and telling stories, watching the Twins or Vikings together, or playing cards with the grandkids. Known for his welcoming nature, Richard greeted guests with a smile and the question, “You live far ‘round here?” He would often sing made-up songs, give light-hearted advice to “keep your stick on the ice,” and tease Marion from the dining room as she worked in the kitchen. When things were quiet, he’d worked through a crossword puzzle or a Louis L’Amour book.

Richard gave generously of his time, volunteering with the Boy Scouts and helping local farmers during harvest. Richard was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fosston, serving in various roles. He was also a member of the McIntosh Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief from 1988 to 1992.

He passed away peacefully in his home on September 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Richard was preceded in death by his father and mother, Leo and Lucille Parent, sister Avis (Parent) Mullin, and two infant grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Marion, children Dan & Liz Parent, Rick Parent, Dawn (Parent) & Russell Bly, Mike & Lisa Parent, and Leslie Parent, as well as brothers Dean Parent and Dwight Parent, and four international exchange students who became family.

He also leaves behind grandchildren Jennifer Paulson, Stephanie & Dustin Stark, Eric Parent, Alisha & James Kowalski, Nicole Parent, Nathan Bly, Natalie & Dustin Wenz, Robin Bly & Alex Cruze, David Bly, Reed & Becca Parent, Carl & Sami Parent, Sara Parent, Derrick Haugen, and Krystal Haugen. Great grandchildren include Ernie Stark, Isabella, Ethan, & Joshua Kowalski, Alice, Charles, & Lawrence Wenz, Anders Cruze, Easton Parent, Aiden Haugen, and many nieces and nephews and international grandchildren and great-grandchildren.