Robert John Richards

Robert John Richards, 91, was called to his eternal rest on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Legacy Assisted Living in Morris, Minnesota. Funeral Service will be Friday, October 17, 11:00 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Herman with Pastor Chris Richards Officiating.  A private family internment will be held at a later time at Lakeside Cemetery, Herman.

Gathering of family and friends will be held 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Herman prior to the service. A luncheon provided by the old crew of Foxy’s Lunch Wagon will take place at the church following the service.

Robert John (Bob) Richards was born November 22, 1933, to John and Florence (Nelson) Richards. He was baptized, and was a lifelong member, at the United Methodist Church in Herman. He graduated from Herman High School in 1951.

Until moving to Herman in 2022, Bob lived and worked on the family farm west of Herman (living in the house in which he was born, built by his father in the early 1900’s). With a quick smile and a glint in his eye, he earned his nickname “the Fox” or “Foxy” early in life. He and many friends through the years enjoyed being part of bowling and softball leagues, as well as going hunting and ice fishing, rolling dice for coffee, taking fishing trips to Canada and attending local high school sporting events. Foxy knew the value of friendship.

It was with friends that the young Bob Richards went to a Whoopie John dance in Donnelly and there met Carol Rustand, who agreed to let him drive her home. As the saying goes, the rest is history. Bob and Carol were married on February 1, 1958, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wendell. They were blessed with three children: Diane, Gregory and Scott.

Bob was active in numerous community organizations. He was a third-generation member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, helped start the Prairie Ramblers 4-H club, served as a Grant County commissioner as well as was on the boards of the Traverse Electric Cooperative and the Lakeside Cemetery Association.

Retirement from farming led to a new chapter in Bob’s life. Together with Carol and their family, he launched Foxy’s Lunch Wagon, a food favorite at many local auctions and special events. For nearly 20 years, Bob and Carol served up footlong hotdogs, burgers, and homemade bars - all with generous sides of humor and smiles.

Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carol; children, Diane (and Dan) Olson of Brandon, Greg (and Judy) Richards of Herman, and Scott of Gaylord; grandchildren: Andrew (and Maria) Olson, Jocelyn (and Luke) DuPont, Nicole (and Andy) Olson, Elliot (and Stacy) Richards, Sam (and April) Richards, and Nathan (and Emma) Richards; great grandchildren: Piper, Marley, Lila, Ryland, Maverick, Colt, Rhett, Griffin, Lucian, Rose (and counting!); his brother, Dick, and his sister Joan (and Ken) Nelson; all of Arizona; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John and Florence; siblings: Cecil, Howard, Destia, Marjorie, Marion, Phyllis, Mayva, and Darlene: many in-laws, and friends.

Bob will be missed, but after these last labored days, we can now gladly say, “Daylight in the Swamp, Foxy!” You are so loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lakeside Cemetery or the memorial of your choice in memory of Robert.

The service will not be livestreamed, but a recorded version of the service will be uploaded to this webpage following the service conclusion.