Richard Samuelson

As a result of current restrictions on gatherings, we are providing HeartStrings, our online sympathy message where you can upload a photo and write a note or share a memory that will be printed and given to the family. Please click here to send your support.

Richard Allen Samuelson of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 13, 2020, beside a window overlooking his farm, with family at his side.

Richard was born October 9, 1933 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the son of Raymond and Clara (Rapp) Samuelson. Richard grew up in Cannon Falls Township, attended Vasa Lutheran Church, and was graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1951. Richard served his country in the US Army from 1954-56. On December 27, 1958 Richard was united in marriage to Jeraldine “Jerrie” Anderson at Spring Garden Lutheran Church. Together, they raised their family on a multi-generational farm in rural Cannon Falls. Richard was a farmer all his life. He also served as a Goodhue County Commissioner for 20 years; and for 23 years prior, was a Cannon Falls Township Board Officer. Richard  was the Goodhue County Citizen of the Year in 2012. He was an active member of St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church and Cannon Falls Lions Club. He also served on the board of directors for the Goodhue County Museum. Richard was an advocate for parks, anti-smoking efforts, and local history. In addition to farming, Richard enjoyed family, especially his grandchildren, fishing, hunting, and vegetable gardening, as well as time with friends and neighbors. Other highlight moments during his life were many travels to visit family, an occasion to meet President Obama, and a trip to Sweden.

Richard is survived by his wife Jerrie, children Jeffrey (Sue) Samuelson, Stuart (Sue) Samuelson, David Samuelson, John (Sarah) Samuelson, and Michael (Randi) Samuelson; 14 grandchildren Justin, Megan, Jessica, Connor, Garrett, Tyler, Clare, Jack, Maxwell, GeorgiaRae, Lillian, Gabriel, Clara, and Joseph; 6 great-grandchildren, Carter, Mallory, Lydia, Bianca, Chloe, Vincent; sisters Joan Hemmah and Janice (Vern) Olmanson, his uncle George Rapp, aunt Doris (Virgil) Rapp; sisters-in-law Leatrice Fredrickson and Jane Daniels, and many nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Elmer Anderson, mother-in-law Grace (Johnson), brothers-in-law Merlan Hemmah, Bud Bergstedt, Jim Windhorst, Gordon Frederickson, and Owen Daniels, and sisters-in-law Kathleen Bergstedt and Mary Windhorst.

His family wishes memorials to be directed to the St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church endowment fund ( www.stansgars.org ), cancer research in molecular genetics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine ( https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1157/19/fdn/form.aspx?sid=1157&gid=1&pgid=1140&cid=2109 ), or Goodhue County Parks & Trails ( https://mn-goodhuecounty.civicplus.com/343/Parks-Trails ). Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 18, at 11:00 am, at St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church, 7459 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009. There will be a visitation time from 10-11:00 am at the church. Please wear a mask. Strict social distancing will be observed.Private  interment will be in the Cannon Falls Cemetery. Lundberg Funeral Home is assisting the family.