Richard Tharaldson, a lifelong resident of rural of Goodridge, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, at the age of 88.
Memorial service for Richard will be held 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge, MN with Reverend Kris Snyder Officiating. Burial will be held at Highlanding Cemetery near Goodridge, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church.
Born on July 6, 1936, Richard was the son of Oscar and Clara (Myers) Tharaldson at home near Goodridge, MN. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Goodridge, where he developed a deep love for agriculture that would guide his life’s work. He attended Old Glory School until the 8th grade and joined his father Oscar farming after he finished his education. Shortly after, while at a barn dance, Richard caught the attention of his future love with his white t-shirt, rolled up jeans, slicked back hair and sunglasses. After a few years of dating, Yvonne proposed to Richard in a nearby corn field. On October 31, 1958, Richard married Yvonne Sjulestad and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and the farm. The first year of marriage the couple with the oldest child Randy moved to the Iron Range where he worked on the Railroad. They moved back to Goodridge where he worked for the city of Thief River Falls, MN, Arctic Cat, Inter-County and UBC. Richard and Yvonne recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Their union was blessed with five children who Richard loved dearly.
Throughout his life, Richard was known for his strong work ethic, integrity, and deep respect for the land. He farmed with his brothers-in-law and son’s in the fields for many years, raising crops and livestock. He also worked for many area farmers. Even in retirement, Richard remained a constant presence on the farm with his sons, sharing his knowledge with younger generations and tending to the land he had cultivated for so long.
Richard was a man of quiet strength, deeply rooted in his community. He was a member of Goodridge Lutheran Church, and served as a supervisor for Highlanding Township. He valued relationships and could always be counted on for a helping hand. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, yard and gardening work, playing cards, playing the accordion, tinkering with carpentry, enjoyed rides on his golfcart and spending time with his family and his beloved dogs Lily and Molly.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Yvonne of Goodridge, MN; children Randy Tharaldson, Kevin (Sheila) Tharaldson, Gerald (Joanne) Tharaldson, Cherie (Kurt) Sigerud, all of Goodridge, MN, Nicole (Nathan) Nelson of Newfolden; grandchildren Tara (Don) Reese, Ashley Horachek, Bethany (Garrett) Swan, Joshua (Richard) Tharaldson, Kayla (Treston) Magner, Breanna (Elroy) Johnsrud, Katelyn (Dayle) Larson, Jacob (special friend Bela Nelson) Tharaldson, Nolan Schuler, Nicholas (Stephanie) Schuler, Aaron Sigerud, Amanda (Brady) Nelson, Tucker (Carli) Nelson, Sawyer (special friend Lexie Benke) Nelson; great-grandchildren Ryder and Jayden Horachek, Sophia and Gunnar Swan, Hadleigh, Holden, Haven, Hensley, Hazel Johnsrud, Lainey and Edyn Larson, Jase Schuler, Talia, Harvey, Ellie Nelson, and Baby boy Nelson. Brother and sister-in-law’s Howard (Karen) Sjulestad, Cheryl (Rodney) Bjerklie, David (Mary Ann) Sjulestad, Joni (Rick) Bjerklie, and many nieces and nephews.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Clara Tharaldson, infant brother Orlan Robert; stepfather Eli Kaushagen; in-laws Gerald and Rose Sjulestad, special uncle “Bill” William Myers, nephews Greg Sjulestad and Ryan Bjerklie and brother-in-law Edward “Sonny” Sjulestad; grandparents Ole and Martha Tharaldson and Peter and Annie Myers.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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