Lowell Prosper Rivard, age 92 of Somerset, WI, died peacefully on Monday, July 1, 2019 at his home with his family by his side. Lowell was born the son of Prosper and Evelyn (Pocan) Rivard on May 1, 1927 in Stillwater, MN. He grew up near Somerset and graduated from Somerset High School with the class of 1945. On October 1, 1949, Lowell was married to Virginia L Belisle at St. Anne’s Church. Lowell farmed and in 1956 started Rivard Stone. Lowell and Virginia also built the 9R Ranch in Somerset in 1972 and operated it until 1989. Lowell was an entrepreneur, always taking on new challenges. They spent winters in Mesa, AZ for the past 35 years. He was a member of St. Anne’s Church and The Knight’s of Columbus. He enjoyed dancing, fishing, playing cards, golfing and a good cigar. Lowell was an avid reader with a great sense of humor and a very distinctive laugh. He worked hard and was a wonderful grandpa and great grandpa. He is preceded in death by his parents, Prosper and Evelyn Rivard; wife, Virginia Rivard; siblings, Anna Lou (Les) Lindstrom, Douglas Rivard, LaVonne (Lyle) Kruschke, Bert (Jo Alice) Rivard, Linda Brown; and brother-in-law, Sam Bridges. Lowell is survived by his children, Bryan (Mary) Rivard, Michael (Deborah) Rivard, Gary Rivard, Rick Rivard, Susan (Charles) Johnson, Prosper “Tim” (Connie) Rivard, Conrad (Velda) Rivard; grandchildren, Nathan Rivard, Lacey (Tim) Gostony, Heather Rivard, Garner Rivard, Katherine Rivard, Melissa (Matt) Mork, Gary “Chip” (Shannon) Rivard, Joshua (Tina) Milton, Jonathan (Amber) Milton, Matthew Rivard, Mitchell Rivard, Lukas (Natalie) Rivard, Kazlin Rivard, Cody (Amber) Pattschull, Toya Pattschull; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Eldonna “Dolly” Bridges; sisters-in-law, Eloris Rivard, Donna Belisle; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, July 8, 2019 at 10 am at St. Anne’s Church 141 Church Hill Road Somerset, WI. Visitation was held on Sunday, July 7, 2019 from 4-8 pm with a prayer service at 7:45 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 728 S Knowles Avenue New Richmond, WI and on Monday from 9-10 am at St. Anne’s Church. Interment was in St. Anne’s Cemetery. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
New Richmond:
(715) 243-5252 |
River Falls:
(715) 425-8788
9 Comments
Lowell’s family and great number of friends are in our hearts and prayers. May God blanket everyone with comfort and peace along the path of grief. Lowell’s passing a significant one for the entire community. May we offer love and condolence to his family in thanks for his contributions to Somerset and beyond.
His life will always be a part Somerset’s legacy.
Sorry for your loss
My dad Butch worked for Lowell at the gravel pit and stone quarry. I grew up on the farm and the Rivards treated us like family. When I graduated from high school Virginia and Lowell gave me my 1st job at the bar. Will missy u Lowell very much. Rest in Peace.
Dear sweet Rivard family,
Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of you in these your hours of bereavement and know that you are truly in our thoughts and prayers. Our thoughts flood back to especially mine (little Ricky) when our parents took your farm and we had so many fond times with your family their and did so many wonderful things. know that not only are you in our thoughts but you are in the Palm of HIS hand
Very sorry for your loss..
Our deepest sympathy to you all. May you be comforted by the memories of the love and the laughter you shared.
So sorry for the loss of this great family man.
Lowell was so great. He came up and talked to me almost everyday when I was working.
I loved him so much. His stories were epic. I will miss him completely.
Tim I am so truly sorry for your loss.
Be lated wishes to all, I met Lowell in early 60s at John jackelens Mobil station,later l worked the quarry,me and terry,we liked it, did some farm work to, allwas had something going on. He was a good boss and friend. My wife’s mon was a rivard, Lilly.married a cloutier Henry. Will be missed. ??
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