Richard Cox, 87, passed away on Friday, November 3, 2023, at The Cottages at Heritage in Park Rapids, Minn. Richard was born on June 19, 1936, in Norfolk, Nebraska to Roland and Fae (Pope) Cox. He grew up in Albion, Neb. and graduated from Henning High School in Minnesota. Richard served in the US Army from 1955-1957. Richard married Roberta Myers in St. Paul, Minn. in 1961.

His career took him to White Bear Lake, Ortonville, and Arlington, before retiring to the woods in Osage, Minn. Most of his career was spent as a manager at Big Stone Canning Company in Ortonville, Minn. then later in Arlington, Minn. He managed many people over the years and used his ingenuity to facilitate numerous facility improvements.

He was a loving and supportive father to his six children, modeling hard work and dedication to civic engagement. He was on the sidelines for his kids’ activities over the years. He volunteered for many groups, including Jaycees, Kiwanis, and Lions Club. He was an active lifetime member of the Methodist Church and for the last 23 years he was at the Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids, Minn. 

Richard inspired a love of the water with all his kids. Fishing, skiing, and time on the water remain a passion for his entire family. He also enjoyed hunting and spending time in the woods. He had a winemaking hobby that included raising his own grapes. Richard enjoyed traveling to see new things and places. He enjoyed many activities like bowling in his younger years and later in life he enjoyed wood carving. He was known to enjoy clowning around with friends and family. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his children- Bruce (Connie) of Shevlin, Minn.; Brian (Kristia) of Denver, Colo.; Robert (Becky) of Battle Lake; David of Duluth, Minn.; Kathleen of Long Beach, Calif.; and Daniel (Keli) of Barnesville, Minn. Eight grandchildren: Brady, Payton, Jenna, Andie, Dylan, Jaida, Elias, and Brant. 

Richard was preceded in death by his devoted wife Roberta, his parents Roland and Elma Fae Cox, and sisters Janice Jelinek and Dina Eisenbraun. 

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Friday, December 1, 2023, at Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids, Minn. Visitation was held one hour prior to the funeral at the church. A light lunch will follow service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family encourages support of the Alzheimer’s Association or Riverside United Methodist Church, Park Rapids, Minn.