Richard Felch

Richard Paul Felch was born December 27, 1940 in Aberdeen, SD, the son of Ansel and Christine (Burchard) Felch. Richard grew up in Aberdeen where he attended school. Following his schooling he joined the United States Army. Richard served his country from 1959 to 1963. He was stationed primarily in Italy. Following his service Richard returned to South Dakota where he worked for Hub City Iron as a machinist. On June 13, 1964 he was united in marriage to Ardyce Swenson in Langford, SD. The couple was blessed with three children, Paul, Troy and Shane. The couple moved to Minneapolis, MN for about one year. They returned to South Dakota and made their home in Huffton. In 1976 Richard moved his family to Mandan, ND where he helped start-up the Roto-Rooter franchise. Richard went on to own and operate the A1 Septic company at Mandan. In 1991 Richard moved to Alexandria, MN where he began managing rental properties they had purchased. Alexandria was where his family had vacationed and he loved the area lakes. Richard loved the outdoors. He fished in the summer and winter; his favorite catch was Northern Pike. He loved going fishing with his family and his grandchildren. Richard also enjoyed archery and hunting deer with a bow. He has shot several trophy bucks using only bow and arrow. Richard also volunteered his time to UFFDA, the United Foundation For Disabled Archers. Richard also volunteered his skills in carpentry and construction wherever he was needed. Richard helped build the side sanctuary at Living Waters Church and also tiled the new addition. Additionally he volunteered his skills at the Lake Geneva Christian Center. Faith and family were very important to Richard. He dedicated his life to being a Christian and teaching his family and friends about the love Christ has for all of us. Even as his life was being cut short by cancer his faith only grew stronger. On Thursday, November 3, 2011, Richard died at the age of seventy years with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife Ardyce Felch of Alexandria; three sons, Paul Felch and wife, Sue, of Alexandria, Troy Felch of North Branch, MN, and Shane Felch and wife, Teresa, of Mandan; seven grandchildren, Lee Presto, Lacey McCormick, Corinne Mathewrs, Benjamin Felch, Kiera Felch, Taya Felch and Kaden Felch; four great grandchildren, Brook Presto, Ariana Presto, Nellie Babcock and Kendra Mathews; three brothers, Jim Felch and wife, Kathy, of Alexandria, Raymond Felch and wife, Kathy of Minneota, MN and Anton Felch of Bismarck, ND; and one sister, Mary Seanor and husband, Mel, of Loveland, CO. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the Living Waters Church in Alexandria. Reverend Sam McKay will officiate. Honorary pallbearers include Jim Felch, Ray Felch, Anton Felch, Rolf Strand, Dale Gelling, Gordon Jobe and Mark Skidmore. The American Legion Post 87, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936 and the Minnesota National Guard will accord military honors. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.