Richard Tufte

Richard Ivan Tufte, formerly of Austin, passed away Saturday, September 5, 2020 at the Bridge Assisted Living in Greeley, Colorado. Richard was born November 5, 1927 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Art & Edna Tufte. He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Edna Tufte, and brother, Everett Tufte. Richard is survived by his wife of 67 years, JoAnn; daughter, Debra (Mark) Zehr; son, Denis (Rita) Tufte; two grandchildren, Amanda (Andy), and Jeremy; two great grandchildren, Lydia and Nolan; sister, Ethel Underland; and brother, Clayton (Connie) Tufte; several nieces and nephews. Richard completed school and 1 year of VoTech school as a mechanic and moved to Denver, Colorado where he worked as a mechanic until he was called to serve in the Army. He was stationed in Korea and served in the Korean War. After returning home from duty, Richard married JoAnn Sheedy on April 8 ,1953. Richard worked as a mechanic at Eckhart Implement and farmed near Waltham, Minnesota. After years of working as a mechanic, Richard went to work as a construction worker for Ulland Brothers and still farmed. After 29 years and more of Minnesota winters, Richard and JoAnn wintered in Phoenix, Arizona. Some years later they returned to live in Minnesota. They lived on a portion of the farm that they had farmed near Waltham until deciding to move to Austin, where they resided until September 2019 when they moved to Colorado. Richard was proud to be a veteran and serve his country. A Funeral Service will be held 11 am on Monday, September 14, 2020 at Mayer Funeral Home with Rev. Dale Christiansen officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Monday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91 and V.F.W. Post #1216.

Service Information

Cemetery

Oakwood Cemetery
1800 4 St. NW
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Monday, September 14 2020
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW
Austin MN 55912

Service

Monday, September 14 2020
11:00 AM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW
Austin MN 55912