Richard Albert Popehn

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Popehn, Richard Albert Age 91, died peacefully July 22, 2016, near his beloved home on Crosslake, MN. Born in Mpls on August 14, 1924. Preceded in death by his wife Marilyn and his brother Francis. Survived by his brother Arthur Popehn and sister Mary Crowley and eight children: Terry (Loralee), Sallie (David), Jan, Louann (Mike), Mary (Jeff), Liz (Bob), Robert (Karen), Richard (Lani), 23 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He attended Roosevelt High School and, at the young age of 17, felt compelled to serve his country at the beginning of WWII. He enlisted in the Navy and served honorably on the destroyer USS Warrington in the South Pacific. After a variety of post-war employments, he joined Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. as a lineman, switchman and, later, as a supervisor at the Mpls. headquarters. In 1951 he married the enduring love of his life, Marilyn, and embarked on the complex, demanding and adventurous journey of raising eight children. He was one of the rare souls who was instantly liked by all. He often would sing around the house in his beautiful bass voice. And could he dance! He was a tall, handsome man with striking blue eyes. His often repeated words were "I love you". And we all loved him. He was a member of the choir at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Richfield Post 435 American Legion, and a founder of the Post's Sportsman Club. His most enduring legacy was his willingness to support his children's needs, and his unfailing devotion to his wife, Marilyn, of 46 years. Funeral mass at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4537 3rd Ave S, Mpls on Tuesday, August 2 at 11:00. Visitation 9:30-11:00 with lunch following service. Private interment at Ft Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Project for Pride in Living, Doctors Without Borders and Amnesty International.

Published on July 31, 2016