Richard W. “Rick” Burggraf
Friday, October 2, 1953
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Age:
61 years old
Friday, October 2, 1953
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Age:
61 years old
Friday, October 2, 1953
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Age:
61 years old
Richard W. “Rick” Burggraf
Richard Wesley Burggraf was born Oct 2, 1953 to Bernie and Nancy Burggraf of Roseau, MN. He finished his race and entered his eternal victory in heaven peacefully in his home surrounded by family on November 19th, 2014.
Rick grew up in a loving neighborhood filled with cousins and friends, enjoying the freedom of a small town life in Roseau. He loved all sports, but hockey and skating were his favorite. His memories shared of his childhood were warm and happy. He met the love of his life, Joan Lommen in high school. His father pointed her out to him from the window of Burggraf’s Clothing Store, suggesting she might be someone to ask out on a date. They became high school sweethearts and married on May 18, 1974. He never wavered in his extreme love and devotion to Joan throughout life.
After attending the University of North Dakota, he returned to Roseau where he and Joan raised four daughters, whom he also loved fiercely. It was a ‘Norman Rockwell life’ in the same neighborhood he grew up in. He worked with his dad in the family business until moving to Fargo in 1998. There he worked for American Family until 2007, when he took a job at the Mayo Clinic, where he enjoyed working until his recent cancer diagnosis.
Hockey was a big part of the Burggraf family life. He played from a very young age through his college years. He helped his mother, Nancy during her Skating Skills years as she traveled around Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. He skated with his brother, Frank helping to teach young and not so young hockey players how to skate and improve their game, when the program began in Fargo. Rick loved the years he coached at Shanley High School and spoke often about the young men he was given the opportunity to know.
Nothing ever came before his family. He always said his daughters chose his sons, as he prayed diligently from the time they were little girls that God would bring the perfect men into their lives. He felt those prayers were answered beyond what he could imagine. He loved and respected his chosen sons and felt great pride in them. He was first to volunteer to rock and hold each new grandbaby during the twilight hours and was a very beloved “Poppa” to his grand-children as they played – often being accused of being the largest child in the room. We will miss his cinnamon rolls which were perfection and lovingly renamed, Poppa Rolls. He was a baker extraordinaire.
Of all the things Rick was passionate about; it was his love of Jesus and desire to follow Him which was his highest passion. He grew rapidly in his faith and relationship with Jesus, and began a lifelong commitment to reading the Bible, digging deeply and studying diligently. This commitment to God’s word extended to being a Gideon and he was often asked to fill in for pastors as they took their summer vacations.
Rick was a passionate person with a tendency to dedicate himself fully to the things he loved; he had a passion for life, for Jesus, for family and a passion to win in any type of competition. Behind his love for Jesus was his love for his family. He never missed an opportunity to be with his children and grandchildren, always wanting to connect with them and excited about the things they were excited about. His grandchildren were very blessed to call him “Poppa” and never doubted his great love and care for them. His battle with cancer is over and thanks to Jesus he is enjoying his new body. His remarkable life was one well lived. He is preceded in death by his mother, and grand-parents.
He is survived by his wife Joan and children Heather (Brett) Gadient of Goodhue, Katie (Aaron) Stromlund of Austin, Jennifer (Eric) Svoboda of Duluth and Annie (Nick) Tidd of Fargo, ND. Grandchildren Molly, Hannah, Isaac, Zeb, Elisabeth, Jayven, Lauren, David, Isabelle, Joel and Charlie, his father, Bernie Burggraf of Fargo, ND, siblings Becky (Mark) Lommen , Sally(Fraser) Norton , Charlie(Bethany) Burggraf , Frank(Charlene) Burggraf and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday November 22, 2014 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Svoboda officiating. Visitation will be one half hour prior to the funeral service.
On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Richard W. “Rick” Burggraf has received the following condolences.
Back in the early 80's, Rick and I would have significant discussions on matters of faith and following Jesus. He spoke into my life, planting seeds that would bear fruit over the following years of my life. Although I only knew him for a short period, his impact on my life has been ongoing. Blessings to his family!
We send our condolences to Joan and the family at this very sad time. We did not know that Rick had been ill.
Joan, I am so sad to hear about Rick's passing. He is in my earliest memories in sports. He coached me in baseball, hockey. He always had a good word for me whenever we met. You truly had a great man.
You and your family will be in our prayers.
With deepest condolences,
Russ
Dear Joan and family,
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Rick's passing. He was a dear childhood friend of which I have so many wonderful memories. We pray that God holds you in the palm of His hand during this difficult time. Our love and prayers are with you all. Sharon and Mike Hanson
Joan and Family,
What great memories I will carry about Rick. His competetive, yet caring nature, was always fun to be around. He made an impact on my life, and many other hockey players lives. His battle is over, and I pray God's healing hand will continue to bless you.
Jon
We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He was a light in this world and we are sending thoughts and prayers to your family.
Joan and family: I want to express my deepest condolences. I am glad to have known Rick since our high school days and am saddened by the news of his passing. At the same time, I rejoice in the knowledge that he is in the presence of our savior!
May God bless your family as you mourn the loss of Rick. He will always be remembered as a great man. Always such a great smile on his face. Greg and Joan Dahl
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Burggraf family on the tremendous pain you are feeling over the loss of Rick. Our memories of Rick are of a super happy, personable, just plain wonderful man. We are so sorry. Peace of Jesus to all.
Prayers and thoughts are with all the Burggrafs. I have so many memories of growing up and enjoying times with Rick. He always had that twinkle in his eye that we all enjoyed. He will be missed.
To the family of Rick
it is with such sadness and yet what joy , and tribute to Rick, i read in his obituary of Rick and his walk with our lord and savior and yet what an honor for me to have known him. May our lord give you and your family the peace and comfort in this time of need and strenght in him , christ jesus
David and Patty Lee
RHS class of 69
Though I won't be able to join you for the service today, I want you to know how much I'm thinking of your family. What a wonderful life your devoted husband, son, dad, and grandpa shared with you on this earth, and what a blessing that he is now living again in his heavenly home. Prayers that his memory brings you all comfort and peace as you say "good-bye for now". Take care, and God bless!
My deepest sympathies to your family. I have many fond memories of Rick. God bless you all in this difficult time.
Dear Joan,
We were so sad to hear of Rick's passing. We have never forgotten his kindness as our insurance agent. We appreciated how Rick's faith showed through his work and contact with us. People pass through our lives, but some leave a blessing behind. We are grateful to Rick and you as well Joan.
Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Arlene and Vic Teigen
Fargo, ND
Our condolences to the greater Burggraf family of Roseau, MN. Rick was a friend....neighbor.....co-worker... with a warm smile and a sparkle in his eyes. Rick had a passion for living each day and he had a special love for his wife and children. He will be missed by those who knew him.
Burt and Glenda Wiberg
I worked with Rick while at Mayo Medical Laboratories (Superior Drive) some three years ago. I was very sorry to read about his passing. He was ALWAYS smiling and that is a wonderful way to be remembered!!!! Your entire family is in my prayers!
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rick. He was a great person with a compassionate heart. Always treated me well and is remembered as a friend. May God's richest blessing be to his memory and the family he left behind. May the peace and grace of God help the survivors through this difficult time.
So Sorry to hear about your loss.I Knew rick from Roseau. My Hometown, Iam saddened to hear of his illness,which took his life,We were about a year apart.I remember what a nice personality he had; always smiled @ everyone;; Such a great guy; He will be missed by everyone that knew him /with deepest sympathy.....
Sending my heartfelt sympathy to the wonderful Burggraf family. I remember Bernie (and then Rick) exclaiming to me as I wrote a check to purchase something at the store that Burggraf was spelled with 2 g's for "double goodness". That is certainly true for each member of your family. I was not aware until his passing that Rick was ill and I am deeply sorry for your loss -- Bernie, Rick's siblings (Love you Cook!), his beautiful wife and daughters and their families .... all who knew and loved him ... may you find comfort in your memories and in each other ... and rest in knowing that he is in that wonderful place we all hope to be someday.
God's Blessings and Healing in the days, weeks, months and years to come. ~ Monica
We were saddened we heard of Rick's struggles. It just doesn't seem fair. From that time we have held Rick and the family in our prayers. And now we pray that the love of God, the peace of knowing the hope of eternity with Jesus and the power of His Holy Spirit strengthen you and comfort you in the days you now face. Love, Rod & Marion
I am very saddened to hear of Rick's passing. We were introduced and became linemates at UND our freshman year and through him I became close friends with the Burgraff family.
In 2008, when I was receiving cancer treatment in Rochester, Rick and Joan visited me and lifted my spirits through Ricks words and wit.
Even though we didn't see each other often, I have always considered Rick a very good friend. To Joan, Bernie, Becky, Sally, Charlie, Frank, his daughters, and family I offer my thoughts and prayers.
May God Bless you all, Terry Paukert
You have been in our thoughts and prayers since we heard of Rick's diagnosis and the journey you had begun. We are so sorry for your loss but rejoice with you in the knowledge that He is home with the Lord. We will continue to pray for you in the difficult days ahead.
My deepest sympathy to the family of Rick. What a wonderful man of God and great example to his children. I am sure your treasure will be all the wonderful memories and they will sustain you forever.
God Bless your family and Rick's memory
Dear Burggraf family,
My heart is heavy as I hear of your dad's passing and ( husband). I have such great memories of this wonderful man in Roseau, he sure was a town favorite and always made everyone feel so welcome to be around him. I am very honored to have known him and I am thinking of all your family and praying for strength as you grieve. Love to all,
Christina Isham and family
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you all since we heard about Rick's diagnosis. We now pray for peace in your hearts as you grieve his passing. May our Lord give you strength as only He can give. Cherish all the memories I know you have! Larry & Linda
Joan and girls, we were so sad to get the news of Rick'death. He was more than ready, we know that, but far to young. We would love to be there for the funeral services but cannot. Just know, you have an entire community that will be there in thought. ( Roseau ). Love, Mark and Aileen Helgeson