Don was born Nov. 11, 1932, to Howard and Catherine (Wheeler) Richards in Alexandria, Va. He received his education at George Washington High School. He started college at Virginia Polytechnic, but in order to avoid being drafted he volunteered for the U.S. Army achieving the highest rank for a Noncom of Sergeant 1st Class. After discharge he attended the University of Virginia graduating with a degree in business.

Don met the love of his life, Harriett (Barnes) a Red Cross girl at Camp Casey in South Korea. They were united in marriage on Sept. 24, 1956, in Falls Church, Va. Don and Harriett have five children, Mike, Kevan, Casey, Ken and Connie. Don was a financial analyst for IDS, taught Marketing and Finance at Normandale Community College. Don spent his retirement as an armchair farmer. He loved to talk about business and farming. His hobbies included reading anything history or finance, squash, boating, the ocean, travel, model trains, sports and his grandkids. He spent much time volunteering with Trimont Service Klub, Let’s Go Fishing Martin County, Fairmont Exchange and First Lutheran Church in Trimont. He faithfully attended Wednesday morning “Adult Daycare” at the Fairmont Chamber offices just to chat and share some treats. Don quietly served many in the Martin County area through AA acting as a sponsor, friend and a great listener. He had 47 years, 9 months, 22 days sobriety. A gift he gave himself and his family for which they are forever grateful.

Don is survived by his wife, Harriett; his children, Michael Richards and Christine of Plymouth, Minn., Kevan (Richards) Wisniewski and John of Mont Clair, N.J., Casey Richards and David Mahnke of Minneapolis, Minn.; daughters-in-law, Sandy Wada of San Francisco, Calif. and Connie (Richards) Anthony and John of Minneapolis, Minn.; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren: Walter and Margaret Jacobson, Lovisa, Colton and Hart Richards; and cousin, Suzanne Fagan. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John (Gus) Richards; his son, Kenneth Richards; and other relatives.

Memorials gifts can be made to: Park Nicollet Foundation Hospice, Palliative Care Funds, Minneapolis Adult & Teen Challenge or Let’s Go Fishing Martin County.

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