Richard K. Kiehm, 75
Villard – Richard Kiehm, age 75, of Villard died Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at the St. Cloud Hospital.
A visitation celebrating Richard’s life was held Sunday, Nov. 27 from 2-4 p.m. with a prayer service held at 4 p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.
Richard Kermit Kiehm, the son of Kermit and Verla (Klemetson) Kiehm, was born Feb. 28, 1947 in Winnebago. He grew up near Delavan where he attended school and graduated from Delavan High School in 1965. In 1966, Richard joined the United States Army. He served his country during the Vietnam War in California, Hawaii and Thailand. He was honorably discharged in 1968.
When Richard returned from the Army, he was employed at the Delavan Creamery and farmed with his father. In 1987, Richard moved to Villard and began working at the Villard Elevator. In 1993, Richard met Jean Justice and the two made their home together, sharing their lives and families for the last 29 years. Richard continued to work in Villard until May of 2005 when he became the manager for CHS in Cyrus. He continued to work in Cyrus until he retired in December 2015. While working in Cyrus, Richard enjoyed when locals would come to the elevator in the mornings for coffee and popcorn, this group of friends became known as the “Breakfast Club.” Richard was a member of the Villard American Legion.
Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and camping. He was a true Minnesota sports fan as he enjoyed watching and cheering on the Twins, Gophers, Vikings and any team playing against the Green Bay Packers. He kept a beautiful yard and spent many hours on his lawn mower. Richard loved spending time with his family. He was very proud of his two sons, Eric and Jason and absolutely adored his grandchildren. Earlier this year Richard was diagnosed with prostate cancer and while fighting, he had complication which led to his death on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022 at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Richard is survived by his life partner, Jean Justice, of Villard; his two sons, Eric, of Cook and Jason (Sandy), of Cold Spring; Jean’s three children, Sheri (Tim) Rechkemmer, of Westport, Mark (Joleen) Justice, of Villard, and Robb (Krista) Justice, of Carlos; eight grandchildren: Ethan Kiehm, Dylan Kiehm, Tyler Kiehm, Logan Kiehm, Stephanie (Kale) Hinners, Ashley (Derek) Thorfinnson, Lennon Justice and Dylan Justice; two great-grandchildren, Ezra and Maverik with one more due in January; his sister, Ethel Mae Kiehm; a sister-in-law, Adele Kiehm; nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Verlyn “Inky” Kiehm.
Visit hoplinfuneralhome.com to send condolences.