Timothy H. Richardt
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Sunday, April 1, 1956
Date of Death:
Friday, June 28, 2024
Age:
68 years old
Timothy H. Richardt
Timothy (Tim) Hans Richardt, 68, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, died on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Tim passed away after fighting a courageous battle against ALS. “Never Surrender” was the ALS motto that Tim lived for five long years.
Tim was born on April 1, 1956, in Rochester Minnesota to Tom and Ruth (Clark) Richardt. He attended both primary and secondary schools in Rochester, graduating from John Marshall High School in 1974 where he participated in both swimming and track. Tim went on to college at the University of Kansas for one year, under a track scholarship, before returning to Minnesota to finalize his higher education. Tim graduated from St Thomas University in 1982 with a degree in Business Administration. He worked for a variety of Twin Cities companies as a Computer Accountant, Computer Programmer, Software Engineer, and Senior Applications Developer.
Tim’s love for running, biking, swimming, and cross-country skiing led him to compete in many sporting events including the Iron Man Triathlon, the Birkebeiner ski race, and many marathons and triathlons. His Eden Prairie home was filled with awards, banners, and trophies of his accomplishments. Tim was a proud member of the “Rocket Riders” a group of fellow bike riders from his days at John Marshall. Tim made many long-lasting friendships wherever he went: in school, college, at his various workplaces, in his beloved neighborhood, where he worshipped, wherever he participated in sports, and in his last years at various healthcare facilities with both the residents and staff. These valued friendships brought Tim immeasurable joy! In some of Tim’s writings, he wrote “friends and family are the most important aspect of life.”
Tim was a big kid at heart. His ability to tell a corny joke followed by his own laughter endeared him to many, especially his grand nieces and nephews. Tim enjoyed special times with his grand nieces and nephews, playing games, swinging, bouncing on a trampoline, flying drones, or walking a slack-line rope.
Tim was proceeded in death by his father, Tom, his mother, Ruth, his brothers, Dick (Dickie) and Rick, and his step-mother, Ruth Molda. Tim is survived by an aunt and uncle, many cousins, close friends, and the Ruth Molda family members. He was surrounded by many people who loved him in his final hours. Tim lost the ALS battle, but he truly “Never Surrendered” to it, always looking for a way to fight the disease.
Tim’s Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 18, 2024, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, Rochester, MN, with Pastor Greg Loy of Christ Community Church officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the ALS Association at donate.ALS.org or donor’s preferred charity.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Timothy H. Richardt has received the following condolences.
Tim and I connected quickly when we met at John Flaa's house in 1996. We've been besties ever since. When we both bought motorcycles, we would take rides around Lake Minnetonka. We'd usually stop at a gas station and buy cheap cigars, like Swisher Sweets, and smoke them by some nice view, or a quiet place in the area. We quoted the Big Lebowski after watching it...oh...several times. Since I moved away in 2002, we had a greeting card battle simmering that started when I sent him a "home made" birthday card, to which he appended his own - in recent years, the card was several pages and full of hysterical nonsense. But what was most meaningful were our profound and philosophical discussions. We didn't always agree, but we had real, authentic discussions with give and take. I didn't fully appreciate the rarity of this, especially in light of today's socio-political context. He was a deep thinker and always reflective. He was always there for me, and I him, we were true brothers. I miss him greatly.
In recent years, Tim became incredibly close to what he called his sister and her family. He adored his nieces and showed me many videos of them and him interacting with them. They were a huge source of support and advocacy throughout his illness. I am extraordinarily thankful to you all who supported him through that period. He fought hard, kept a great attitude, and loved you.
Tim was such a joy to care for, getting to hear his jokes always made my day. He was such an incredible person and had such a kind heart. Condolences goes out to his family and loved ones <3
My deepest condolences to and blessings on Tim's family. I met Tim through triathlon friends years ago. I never trained with him since he was far faster than I was, even in our prime racing shape decades ago. He did Ironman Canada in 1997 with a group of 30 of us, which was a memorable experience that only other Ironmen/women share. I have a very nice picture with Tim & Mike Forbes from the awards dinner after that race. Tim was persistently energetic, quick-witted and animated, making may of us laugh with his one-liners. His Ironman spirit seems to have persisted through the longest and hardest ultramarathon of his life-ALS. Rest in peace dear soul- we'll remember you.
Mary Forte
Tim was a great first cousin. Our families would get together a lot. We’d play many kinds of card games. Had lots of fun. He’ll be missed tremendously.
Love
Cousin Michelle Seibel
It was such a pleasure to meet Tim. He was the highlight of my day. It was truly amazing getting to care for him. I'll always remember the jokes and developing such a great connection. I am truly sorry for the loss of such a wonderful soul.