Richard Wergin

1943 - 2025

Richard Duane Wergin, age 82, of Princeton, MN and Mesa, AZ entered into the arms of his savior Jesus Christ, while surrounded by his family, on December 23, 2025.

Richard was born June 6, 1943 to Carl and Valborg (Dahl) Wergin in Princeton, MN. He grew up on the family farm in rural Princeton. He attended country school through 5th grade and then Princeton Public Schools. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1961. He later attended Veterans Agricultural School.

On May 24, 1974, Richard was united in marriage to Betsy (Koppendrayer) Wergin. They had two children Melissa and Joshua as well as many foster children. He was a devoted and loving husband and father.

Richard was drafted into the army in October of 1967, where he faithfully served his country in Vietnam. During his service in Vietnam he earned a Purple Heart, the VN Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Bronze Star, and the National Defense Medal. Richard's parents learned he had been wounded in Vietnam when he received the WCCO Good Neighbor Award and it was published in the local newspaper. He was honorably discharged in October of 1969.

In his early career Richard worked as a machinist and then for 39 years for the United States Postal Service. He audited post offices in central MN and was the postmaster in Ogilvie, MN for the last several years of his service. Richard was active in Bethel Christian Reformed Church for 40 years. He served on the Board of Directors of Community Christian School as well as being active in other organizations.

Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family. He liked driving four-wheeler, snowmobile, and riding bike. He loved playing card games of all types. Another of his hobbies was wood working. His favorite project was the beautiful cradle he made for his grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his wife of 51 -1/2 years Betsy; his daughter Melissa (Wergin) Gorter and husband Howard Gorter and son Joshua Wergin; his six grandchildren Lucas, Preston and Colin Gorter and Cheyenne, Faith and Duke Wergin; brothers Clinton (Mary) Wergin and Roger (Lynn) Wergin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Fran DeVries, LeRoy and Carolyn Koppendrayer, Don Knase, Marian and Dennis Beier, Roger and Nancy Koppendrayer, Pat and David Gorham, Cindy Schmatz, Charlotte DeKraker, Kevin and Mary Koppendrayer, Susan Koppendrayer; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, brother-in-law and best friend Bill DeKraker, Arlan Koppendrayer, John DeVries, Dick Schmatz, baby boy Koppendrayer; sister-in-law Loni Knase; several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Memorial service was held Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Princeton. Private interment will take place at a later date at Pease Cemetery.