Richard Leroy Lestrud

Richard Leroy Lestrud passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 13, 1939, to proud parents Harvey and Clara (Jensen) Lestrud, Richard spent his childhood on a farm in southern Minnesota, where he developed a deep connection to the land and a love for hard work. He attended country school before embarking in various occupations, including roles at Edwards Produce in Hollandale where he drove truck during harvest for many years and Land 'O Lakes, as well as delivering newspapers for the Albert Lea Tribune before retiring in 2001.

On January 20, 1965, Richard married Jacqueline Wendell in Austin, MN, and together they raised three daughters before parting ways. He later found love again and on June 10, 2011, he exchanged vows with Sandra Lang in a heartfelt ceremony at Vineyard Church in Albert Lea, MN. The couple continued to call Albert Lea their home, forming a strong and enduring bond.

A musical soul at heart, Richard's love for music blossomed at the age of 15 when he acquired his first guitar.  His passion for music was evident to all who knew him; a self-taught musician, he could bring songs to life with his guitar, piano, violin, and harmonica. He particularly enjoyed the sweet melodies of country-western music and even performed with a band known as the Country Old Timers.  He held a special place in his heart for family gatherings, where music and laughter would fill the air. Sundays were reserved for these treasured moments, creating memories that will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

His love for family shone brightly as he relished in the role of a doting daddy, creating cherished memories with his daughters, from cheering them on as they played softball to racing them down the block and teaching them how to steer a sled in the winter. He later embraced the joy of his role as grandpa, always with a pocket full of candies for his beloved grandchildren. A lover of the open road, Richard also found solace in riding motorcycle. In his free time, Richard enjoyed playing pool, poker games with the guys, and a spirited game of cribbage

As the sun sets on Richard Lestrud's earthly journey, we are reminded of a life well-lived and a spirit fondly remembered.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 13 years, Sandra; daughters, Theresa (Scott) Luna, Annette (Dan Gibbons) Lestrud, Cathy (Tim Somnis) Lestrud; step-daughters, Kathleen Talamates and Brenda (Mike) Weitzel; son-in-law, Donny Praska; grandchildren, Joshua (Angela) Luna, Chelsey (Mike) Lloyd, Stephan “Bud” Jr. (Lydia Torres) Navarro, Nash Navarro, Katelyn (Brandon Hieronimus) Caron, Tevin (Jade Johnson) Lestrud, Bailey Mitchell, Stephanie (Darrin Duryee) Talamantes, Ryan Talamantes, Nicole Talamantes, Adam (Sherry) Wyant, Brandon Roberts, and Mitchell Anderson; 21 great-grandchildren and one on the way; two great-great-grandsons; sister, Joyce (J.R.) Henderson; sister-in-law, Linda Lestrud; many nieces and nephews; and his loving pup, Jaxx.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; step-children, Tammy Praska and Michael Anderson; grandchildren, Krista Lynn Moffiet and Joseph Roberts; great-grandchild, Tanlyn Spooner; and brother, Jimmy Lestrud.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea, MN; Justin Lestrud will officiate.  Richard’s family will greet guests at a visitation on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea, MN and one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at Geneva Cemetery in Geneva, MN.