Richard M. Quist

Richard Quist, age 86 of Glenwood, died July 23, 2021 at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood. A Memorial service will be held August 12th at 2p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.

Richard Marvin Quist, the son of Arthur and Amelia (Villa) Quist was born December 21, 1934 in Two Harbors, Minnesota. He was welcomed home by his older sister, Jeanette. Richard grew up and attended school in Two Harbors and graduated from Two Harbor High School in 1953. While in high school and after he graduation, Richard was employed at National Foods and as a milkman.

On July 21, 1953 Richard was united in marriage to Joan Johnson in Two Harbors. The couple made their home in Two Harbors while Richard continued to work at National Foods making his way up to store manager. After several years working, Richard decided to further his education and moved his family to Michigan where he attended college in East Lansing Michigan. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and after graduation he received a promotion and began managing several National Foods in the Twin Cities and moved to Bloomington and later Roseville. He eventually became the Director of Store Operations for National Foods.

In 1980 Richard’s friend Dennis McGraw needed a working partner for his garbage disposal service and Richard jumped on board. He helped the company grow and was instrumental in developing a transfer station in the twin cities saving the company time and money. After several years the company was purchased by Waste Management and Richard stayed on for the transition then he was able to retire. After Richard retired, he and Joan moved to Pine River and also purchased a farm and hunting land in Ortonville. Richard and Joan enjoyed retirement; they loved entertaining family and friends at their house on White Fish Lake along with traveling in their motorhome. Richard enjoyed hunting and loved spending time at the hunting cabin with his sons and his labs. He had a soft spot for his labs and wouldn’t travel too far or long without them. Along with hunting, Richard and his son David had a love of flying. They earned their private pilot’s licenses and built a small plane, then later purchased a bigger plane. In 2005, they moved to the Glenwood area to be closer to their property in Ortonville. When they needed help with their daily care, their daughter, Valerie moved to Glenwood to help take care of them. They eventually ended up in assisted living and most recently the Glenwood Retirement Village. Richard died Friday, July 23, 2021 at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood.  Richard will be remembered for his innovative work contributions, his hard work and love for his wife, children and labs.

Richard is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan of Glenwood; daughter, Valerie Quist of Glenwood; sons: David Quist of South Carolina and Steven (Patty) Quist of Ramsey; grandchildren: Megan, EmmaJean, Jessica, Tom, Patrick, Matthew and Emily; several great-grandchildren; his sister, Jeanette Taylor of CA; daughter-in-law, Kim Quist; other relatives and friends.     

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; son, William Quist, daughter-in-law, Patricia Quist and brother-in-law, Bill Taylor.

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