Richard Harold Rakness

Richard Harold Rakness passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on August 19, 2025 after facing health challenges with strength and grace. Richard was born June 15, 1932 in Minot, North Dakota to Harold and Ruth (Dickinson) Rakness. Harold passed away when Richard was three years old. Richard's mother later married Walter K. Yuly who raised him. Richard attended country schools and graduated from Minot Model High School and attended Minot State University for two years. Richard's passion has always been farming and ranching leading to a lifelong vocation as a rancher.

Richard met the love of his life Gloria Esterby in High School. They went on several dates and shared their first dance at their senior prom. They married on June 12, 1954 at the First Lutheran Church in Minot. Richard and Gloria recently celebrated 71 years of marriage in June 2025.

Richard and Gloria spent 11 years farming, ranching and raising their 3 sons Steven, Scott and Kenneth in Minot, North Dakota. In 1965 the family moved to the Buckeye/Waverly area in northern Colorado where they continued their farming/ranching operation and welcomed their daughter Robin. In 1972 the family moved to Wyoming (Wheatland) where Richard operated the Laramie Peak Feed Store and grain elevator with brother-in-law Lloyd Clemetson, while continuing to ranch. Richard and his sons also operated a custom haying business for several years. They hayed the Swanson Ranch, Laramie, WY; Grizzly Ranch, Walden, CO; Big Creek Ranch, Encampment, WY; A Bar A Ranch, Encampment, WY, and Mill Iron Ranch, Saratoga, WY. In 1977 the family moved to Saratoga where they spent a few years before living fulltime at the Medicine Bow Ranch in Elk Mountain where they operated the ranch until 1988. Richard and Gloria returned to Saratoga in 1988 where Richard worked in real estate for 12 years before opening his own business Double R Land Company in 1999 until closing it in 2014. After closing his own business, he continued to sell real estate for several more years. Richard was recognized by the Carbon County Board of Realtors for 31 years of dedicated service and was awarded Wyoming Realtor of the Year in 2009.

Richard was known for his kindness, patience, honesty, and he never knew a stranger. He valued being a hard worker and passed that trait to his children. He loved anything western (especially John Wayne); he was rarely seen without his cowboy hat; loved to read; relax in his recliner; he was an avid storyteller sharing childhood memories of life on the ranch and telling witty jokes; he always claimed he was an excellent "cook" consisting of three things: cold bean sandwich, cold cereal and popcorn; he enjoyed being part of the men's coffee group at the Saratoga Resort; and always seemed to greet his granddaughters with a "hi sweetie". He took pride in his yard and trees; loved the mountain views from his home and cherished Gloria's beautiful flowers. Richard also enjoyed attending various school and sport activities his grandchildren were involved in.

Richard was a proud member of the First Presbyterian Church, Farmer's Union Organization and Platte Valley Kiwanis Club. He also served several years on the Board of Directors for Carbon Power and Light.

Richard is survived by his loving wife Gloria, sons Steven (Jody) of Worland, WY, Scott (Michelle) of Encampment, WY, Kenneth of Saratoga, WY, daughter Robin (David) Jones of Ellenton, FL; grandchildren Lily (Armando) Parra, Steven (Jami) Rakness, Ryan Oline (Zack) Newton, Anthony (Mackenzie) Rakness, Mackenzie (Jake) Keller, Olivia (Will) Redmond, Christine (Aron) Anderson, Jonathan (Anna) Jones and Kelsey (Murphy) Dutcher; as well as 21 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Gail Yuly and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold Rakness, Ruth and Walter Yuly; two sisters Sharon Andersen and Polly Huntley; brother Kenneth Yuly, and his daughter-in-law Karen Rakness.

Services will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Saratoga. Following the graveside ceremony a luncheon will be provided at the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's memory to the First Presbyterian Church in Saratoga. Richard Harold Rakness 1932 - 2025