Richard Michael Bailey, 82

Richard Michael Bailey of Mound and Lake Bronson, Minnesota passed away on November 1, 2023, after 82 years of finding quiet ways of showing love and care to those who were lucky enough to be a part of his life.

Nothing made Richard happier than to be farming in Lake Bronson. Even to his final day, he enjoyed treating his “ranch hand buddies” Brady and Trevor for “dinner.” He was a gifted artist. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, he attended the University of Minnesota and Dunwoody Institute. He then spent 35 years working for the Minneapolis Public Schools before retiring. He proudly served in the Army Reserve during the Vietnam years. He resurrected two 1900s homes to become his family home in Mound and a cabin in the beautiful woods of Kittson County. These are just a few of Richard's many lifelong accomplishments. Once you became his friend, you remained in that position forever. He gently encouraged his family and friends but let them fly on their own.

He is survived by his beloved family; wife, Cathy; sons, Sean “Beanie” (Deb), Kyle (Carla) and daughter Shannon Jensen (Ross); grandchildren, Evan, McKae, Bailey, Boe, Lauren, KC, Charlie Jo, Libby, Babs, Billy, and Kidd; “guardian son” Robert “Bobby” Johnson; sister-in-law, Maureen Devins and brother-in-law, Tom Mattson; as well as many cherished nieces, Diane, Deb, Kris, Karen, Bonnie, Maralee, Sheila and Liz, nephew, Mike, cousins, and an abundance of old and new friends. He also leaves behind his beloved Coffield/Karboviak family of Lake Bronson who have been a part of his life since 1947, when they took him in for the summers due to the risk of the Polio epidemic in Minneapolis.

He was predeceased by his son, Blaine, and daughter-in-law, Molly; parents, Mike and Patricia Bailey; his sister Margaret (Harry) Halberg and sons Michael and James; brother Bob (Sue) Bailey and son, Bill.

The family is so grateful to the Lake Bronson and Lancaster Fire Department for their volunteer skills and would like any memorials to be donated to them. A celebration of life has yet to be decided.