Richard L. Bartholow

1951 - 2025

Richard "Dick" L. Bartholow Jr., age 73, of Waconia passed away September 23, 2025 at New Perspectives in Waconia.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 4, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Community (41 E. First St.) in Waconia with Fr. Stan Mader as Celebrant of the Mass. Visitation Saturday one hour prior to the Mass. Interment in the church cemetery.

Service will be livestreamed through St. Joseph's Facebook page the day of the Mass.

https://www.facebook.com/SJChurchWaconia/

Richard "Dick" Lind Bartholow Jr. was born October 2, 1951 in Minneapolis, the son of Richard and Mary Ellen (Caughrean) Bartholow Sr. Richard graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1970. He met his future wife when they were 15 and 16 years old. From then on, they were inseparable. On November 21, 1970, Richard was united in marriage to Diane Rasmussen at St. John the Baptist Church in Excelsior, MN. They were married for 54 wonderful years. From their marriage, they were blessed with three beautiful children, Michael, Jennifer and Ryan.

Richard was a loving husband, dad and grandpa who was always there for them. His family meant the world to him. They were his pride and joy.

Richard took his first engine apart at the age of 13. In 1978, from a simple Quonset Hut, Richard started Valley Auto in Chaska, repairing cars. His business persevered and thrived due to his compassion and honesty towards his customers. Richard owned the business for 22 years. After he sold his business, he went to work for Waconia Ford, then Waconia Dodge, where he retired in 2013.

Richard did so much in his life. He was a hot air balloon pilot, which he named Serenity. He loved his 1920 Model T Ford and owned many other classic cars. At one time, he owned 13. Richard restored a doctor's buggy and an older vintage car. They were beautiful when he was done. He co-owned a team of Belgium horses, named Babe and Daisy, and participated in events with them. Additionally, he was a member of the Carver County Posse.

In his free time, Richard enjoyed fishing and camping with his family and loved getting together with the guys at McDonalds. He looked forward to the meet-ups everyday - "Lots of stories and laughs!" Covid changed their ability to meet. The time they spent together was so important to him that he convinced the guys to continue meeting in the park instead.

Richard will always be remembered for his love of his family and friends. His strong Christian values impacted his family and will continue to live on through them. He cherished the times of Bible study with his brother, Bill. It was the little acts of selflessness that left such a lasting impact. Richard made it a point to come home to Diane and family every day for lunch. One day she made a simple lunch of hotdogs. A friend that was helping at the farm that day commented how surprised he was that Richard would still come home even if lunch was just a hotdog.

Richard was known for his silver hair, mustache, kind, warm, brown eyes, his classic witty one-liners, and his contagious laughter that filled the room. People would often comment on how he looked like Burt Renolds. He even owned a black, 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am!

Richard was preceded in death by his granddaughter Isabelle Bartholow; parents Richard and Mary Ellen Bartholow Sr.; brother Tom Bartholow; beloved family member Cathy Anderson; father-in-law and mother-in-law Virgil and Rosella Rasmussen; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Jim Armstrong, Don and Jane Rasmussen; nephews Mark Bartholow, Jim Armstrong Jr.

Richard is survived by his loving family: wife Diane Bartholow of Victoria; children Michael (Michelle) Bartholow of Victoria, Jennifer (Clayton) Tessness of Lewisville, NC, Ryan (Alissa) Bartholow of Lester Prairie; grandchildren Nathan and Alyssa Bartholow, Colten, Chase, Madelyn, Malori and Myla Tessness, Toby and Finnley Bartholow; brothers and sisters Gail (Brad) Mason, Julia (Ian) Montgomery, Patti Armstrong, Bill (Sheryl) Bartholow, Dennis (Rose Marie) Bartholow, Chris (Rachel) Bartholow; sister-in-law Nancy Bartholow; brother-in-law Dean Rasmussen; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

The family is overwhelmed with gratitude for so many. Thank you to New Perspective of Waconia, Grace Hospice, Blue Stone Physicians, Ridgeview Medical Center, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Johnson Funeral Home, and many caregivers for the incredible care of Richard and our family. To family and friends for the prayers, calls and offers of help at the farm, your kindness will never be forgotten. You are all our Earthly Angels. With all our love and gratitude, Richard, Diane and family.

Casket bearers are Richard's Grandchildren.

"Dad-Grandpa, We Love You So Much And We Will Miss You."

"Dick, Until We Are Together Again In Our Heavenly Home, Love You, Forever!" - Diane

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.