Richard Allen Sargent
Thursday, August 24, 1944
Date of Death:
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Age:
79 years old
Thursday, August 24, 1944
Date of Death:
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Age:
79 years old
Thursday, August 24, 1944
Date of Death:
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Age:
79 years old
Richard Allen Sargent
Richard Allen Sargent, 79, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on July 23, 2024 in Park Rapids, MN.
Richard was born August 24, 1944 in Austin, MN to Arnold C. and Esther L. (Lagervall) Sargent. He grew up on a farm near Renova/Dexter, MN, where he spent many fun days with numerous cousins. Richard attended Elkton School until his senior year, and graduated from Hayfield High School in 1962. After graduation, Richard attended Austin Vocational School. He met Melinda Marsden of Brownsdale in 1967, and they were united in marriage on June 22, 1968 at the Church of Christ in Austin. Richard and Melinda just celebrated 56 happy years together. Richard and Melinda traveled the first year of marriage for Richard’s job and moved to Rochester in 1969. He worked as an electrician for Foster and Adair for 5 years before becoming an instructor of over 25 years at Rochester Vocational, know known as RCTC.
Richard loved fishing, deer hunting, camping, and being outdoors. He loved sports, whether it was watching the Vikings or Twins or playing softball for the Electrical Union team or the church softball team. Richard was a devoted man of faith, serving as deacon at Hope Summit Christian Church, teaching Sunday school, being active in Pioneer Club or being a mentor through Kids Hope. He went on numerous mission trips, and most recently he went to Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson, SD. Richard was a 70 year member of Austin Church of Christ and Hope Summit Christian Church. He was a generous man, always helping others and always had words of wisdom to share. Richard loved to joke and had a great sense of humor. He was a handyman and always fixing things. Above all, Richard loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He was a devoted husband, dad and grandpa.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Melinda; son Greg (Leah) Sargent; daughters Shelley Pacheco and Suzy Sargent; grandchildren, Emily Sargent, Gabriel Pacheco and Tatianna Pacheco; sister-in-law, Sandra Sargent; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ardi and Rick Pettis; nieces Stacy Sargent, Stephanie Sargent and nephews Scott Sargent and Mark (Katie) Pettis. Richard was preceded in death by his brother Charles Sargent and by his parents.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Hope Summit Christian Church, 1315 6th Ave. SE, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester, MN. Rev, Kevin Blanchard will be officiating with burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Brownsdale, MN. Memorial contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to Diamond Willow Ministries, P.O. Box 438, Fort Thompson, SD 57339.
Condolences
The family of Richard Allen Sargent has received the following condolences.
Sorry to hear of Richard's passing. He was a very knowledgeable instructor. Working with the turbine generator, in his shop, he let us "run with it". The knowledge I'd acquired, was very helpful for my career, in the power industry. Rest in Peace, Sarge. Thanks (JB, BUM Class 1980)
I was very sorry to hear about Sarge's passing as I considered him a friend and mentor. Rest in peace in that big hunting and fishing ground in the sky!
I am so glad I took the time to visit with "Sarge" at a recent IBEW banquet. He was one of my instructors when I was in the electrical apprenticeship program and later a fellow instructor when I also taught in the Local 343 program. I always found him to be a kind and gentle individual in his dealing with others. My condolences to his family, I always find comfort in times like this with one of the many promises in the Bible. 2Corithians 5:8 "Absent with the body, present with the Lord"
I was so blessed to have met Grandpa through his daughter Shelly. He always greated us with a smile and most often a hug. My boys loved him and would be so happy to see him. He threw the football with Shelly's kids and mine out in our cul-de-sac. If they were doing game night Camden would go join them, even though Tatiana didn't always want to share her grandparents. Can you blame her? I am not sure what was funnier Grandpa telling a joke or the joke itself. The happiness on his face after the punchline really made me happy. Ohh let's not forget the deer sasage he would bring to Shelly! So delicious! Thanks Grandpa for the memories.
Suzy and family....I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I know all too well how hard this is. Thinking of you,
Judy
We both worked at votech at the same time. I am sure our paths crossed then many times. I am sorry for the sudden loss for your family and in laws. May family comfort each other
Sarge was one of my union apprenticeship instructors in the early 1990s. We would see each other at union functions, picnics, banquets or at the union hall. My wife and I live near Hayfield. He always asked what was happening in Hayfield or Waltham. Fast forward 30 plus years. Just a couple of months ago at a union meeting, Sarge's grandson was being sworn in as a member of the IBEW Local 343. He asked me to take a photo of them together, which I happily did. Now that request from Sarge is a little more personal. I'll always remember that that was the last time we spoke. Rest in peace Brother.
Tom Small IBEW Local 343
Dear Melinda, Greg, Shelley and Suzy,
I am sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I remember spending time with you all at Esther and Barney’s farm when growing up. I am so glad that my mom (Sonja) had a chance to spend time with you this spring. She loves to tell tales about going to the family farm every Sunday and playing with her cousins…especially Richie!
My condolences to all of you.
So sorry for your loss. Richard will be greatly missed! Sending our thoughts and love.
So sorry for your loss. Richard will be greatly missed! Sending our thoughts and love.
Sending prayers 🙏🏼 to family and friends of cousin Richard. Many fond memories of him over the years.
Nancy (Lagervall), Roger , Cindy and Roddy Plath
Melinda
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We just ran into Richard at Menards a couple weeks ago. He was a wonderful man and friend. We love you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Mark and Becky Carey
I'm so sad that Richard has passed but I'm sure he's rejoicing with the Lord and his folks & brother now. He was a good cousin and we had lots of fun as kids growing up. Precious memories!! My love and prayers to Melinda and their children!