Richard Joseph Pouliot, Lt/Col Ret

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Lt/Col (Ret) Richard Joseph Pouliot, loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great- grandfather, mentor and friend to so many, peacefully left this world on May 22, 2024. He was born on April 16th, 1934, the 8th of 13 children born to Ephrem and Agnes Pouliot. Richard grew up in Loretto, MN, working on the family farm. He graduated from Mound High School, class of '52, where he earned athletic scholarships in both wrestling and football. He graduated from South Dakota State University in 1956 and later, attained a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He married the love of his life, Joanne, on August 7th 1954. They had 67 wonderful years together before her passing in 2021. Richard had a 22 year career serving his country in the United States Air Force. He served in both the Air Defense Command and the Tactical Air Command flying F101Bs and F4Cs. He spent one year in Vietnam assigned to MACSOG (Military Assistance Command Studies and Operations Group) in a top secret, clandestine role. While there, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Vietnamese Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation, and Meritorious Service medals. After returning home he became a Squadron Commander of a 1000 man unit. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1978. Following his military service, Richard began a career with the City of Plymouth, MN Engineering Dept where he pioneered the city's recycling program. He later moved into a role negotiating easements of Right of Way for utilities & road construction where city residents would ask for him by name. He retired in 1996. Richard, an avid hunter, loved his time in the woods. Many memories were made at his property in Bock, MN with his children and grandchildren while hunting, target shooting, and riding the trails. He and Joanne took up downhill skiing, enjoying many trips to Big Sky, MT. They loved hosting events at their home on Medicine Lake and taking their grandchildren for pontoon boat rides. Richard was an ingenious do-it-yourselfer and there wasn't a problem for which he could not find a solution. He and Joanne loved to dance, especially the polka. They were often seen gliding across the dance floor. In 2018, at the age of 84, he was inducted into the Mound-Westonka High School hall of fame for his outstanding wrestling record. Richard had a deep love for God and his Catholic faith. He was an active member at the Church of the Good Shepherd. His family meant the world to him. He was a great father who spent quality time with his children, whether wrestling in the living room or playing games at the park. As a grandfather, 'Poppi' enjoyed taking his grandchildren for rides on his tractor or ATV. He had a special love for children. Preceded in death by beloved wife, Joanne, parents Ephrem and Agnes Pouliot, daughter-in-law Robbie Pouliot, infant grandsons, Thomas and Robert Pouliot, sisters & brothers (& spouses) Isabelle (& Clem) Barthel, Ernest (& Marcella), Marie (& Lowell Dehn), Delia (& John) Roehl, Donald (& Rita), Fr. Francis, Ralph (& Joyce), In-laws Shirley Rucke (& Walter), Deanna Faber, Robert (& Barb) Faber, Rosemary Schulz, Betty Pouliot, Bob Mindrum. Survived by his children Therese Pelaez (George), Kathleen McGuire, Steven, John, & Joseph Pouliot. Grandchildren Shea, John, Stephanie, Charlotte, Amy, Rachael, Sarah, Andrea, & Katie. Great grandchildren, Gage, Bryce, Lucy, Lille, Emery, Nolan, June, Amelia, Sophie, & Audrey. Brothers/Sisters George, Leo (Jan), Marian (Butch) Neumann, Carol Mindrum, Fr. Eugene, In-laws Jack Faber, Jerry Schulz and numerous nieces and nephews. The family sends their love to the staff and residents of The Glenn Hopkins, who loved Richard. In addition, they wish to thank the outstanding medical staff at the Mpls. VA Medical Center, especially the Congestive Heart Failure clinic, for the awesome care that Richard received. Richard's servant attitude touched all around him. Our hope is for all those whose hearts he touched to reach out to others and spread joy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to The Church of the Good Shepherd or The Glenn Hopkins, c/o Pastoral Care dept. Visitation 4-7pm, Friday, May 31st at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave. N. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am, June 1st, 2024 at the Church of Good Shepherd, 145 Jersey Ave. S, Golden Valley, with visitation one hour prior. Gearty-Delmore 763-553-1411 gearty-delmore.com

Published on May 26, 2024