Kenneth A. Richard, Jr.

Kenneth A. Richard, Jr., aged 74, passed away in his sleep and went to be with God on January 10, 2024. 

Preceded in death by parents, Lucille and Kenneth, Sr.; brother, Ronald; son-in-law, Jason Campbell; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

Survived by sister, Susan; daughters, Nicole of Seattle (Greg), Stephanie of Los Angeles (Nathan), and Jacqueline of NYC (Jeremy); grandchildren, Ethan Kenneth, Ryan, and Odalis. 

Born in Thief River Falls, Ken grew up in Bloomington. After graduating from Lincoln High School (‘67) he attended Gustavus Adolphus College and then the University of Minnesota, where he earned his BS in Business (‘71). As a Chartered Financial Consultant, RFC, QFP, he worked for North Star Consultants before starting Kenneth Richard Jr. & Associates Financial Services (‘80). Ken earned many professional accolades (e.g., Chamber of Commerce Business Owner of the Year, ‘88) but always took time to mentor emerging entrepreneurs. 

Married to Colleen (née Korbel) for 35 years, the couple raised three daughters in their home in the woods by Pine Tree Lake. Ken made his girls’ education a top priority and was proud to see them graduate from medical school, law school, and divinity school. He revered his father’s service training pilots in the Army Airforce Corps, and his daughter Nicole’s status as a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Medical Service Corps. Ken played bass in a high school rock ‘n’ roll band, sang in the church choir, loved live music, and entertained at open mics in his final months. 

Active and outdoorsy, Ken enjoyed tennis, golf, hunting (with his dogs), fishing (with his grandkids), traveling and exploring nationally and internationally (with family), biking (in FL), skiing (in CO), and boating (on rivers, lakes, and oceans). Ken believed in the Christian call to share “one’s time, talent, and treasures." He donated the "first fruits" of his income and engaged in a range of volunteer work. He was active in CBMC, Bible studies, the Chamber of Commerce, and local Republican politics. In retirement, Ken lived in Naples, FL, and Midland, Ontario, before returning to the MSP area.  
 
As Ken would prefer, a memorial service will be held in White Bear Lake this August. Check back here for details this spring.   
 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Richard Family Charitable Fund, which has supported Ken’s favorite charities for the last 24 years (e.g., Meals on Wheels, The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund, MN Adult & Teen Challenge, etc.).  

Please make checks out to “U.S. Charitable Gift Trust” and write in the memo line, “Richard Family Charitable Fund.” Mail to: Nicole Ehrhardt, 2412 E. Miller St., Seattle WA 98112.