(715) 243-5252 |
Richard Henry Bjerstedt
September 3, 1936 – May 7, 2025
Richard Henry Bjerstedt, 88, of River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on May 7th, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished.
Born on September 3rd, 1936, at the family farm in rural River Falls. Richard was raised with the values of service, sacrifice, and perseverance. Immediately after graduating high school in 1954, he answered his country’s call and enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served during the Korean War, an experience that shaped his lifelong sense of duty, discipline, and resilience. He spoke little of his service, but lived its lessons every day—with honor, humility, and commitment to others.
On June 1st, 1957, he married the love of his life, Norma Jean Williams. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised five children. Richard was not only a devoted husband and father but also a dedicated farmer and a remarkably skilled mechanic. He and Norma ran their own mechanic shop for over 40 years—a place where neighbors came for repairs, advice, and often a good story.
Richard’s passions ran deep. He loved hunting, fishing, flying and exploring with his plane, and had a lifelong fascination with tractors, especially Allis-Chalmers models. In retirement, he continued to restore old tractors no one else could fix and finally found time to complete the many projects he had collected over the years. His mechanical genius and determination turned rusted relics into running machines.
He had a special place in his heart for dogs, and his one-of-a-kind nature made him a favorite among both animals and people. In his later years, Richard found joy in helping his children and grandchildren with their own mechanical needs, always ready with a wrench in hand and wisdom to share.
Richard leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and ingenuity. He is being reunited with his sons Jeffery and Eric Bjerstedt (Susan). He will be dearly missed by his wife Norma, their children Mark Bjerstedt (Lee Ann), Jill Kusilek (Tim), Sara Conway (James), grandchildren Maxwell Bjerstedt (Chelsey), Leah Bjerstedt, Jae and Jaz Conway, great-grandchildren, Winnifred, Reya and Odin Bjerstedt and all who were lucky enough to know him.
A Celebration of Richard’s Life was held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 11am-3pm at Bakken Young Funeral & Cremation Services 805 E Division Street River Falls, WI. Interment with military honors followed at 3:45pm in Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorials can be directed to Autism Foundations and Disabled Veterans of America. Richard’s legacy will live on in every engine that runs a little longer because of him, every field worked with an old Allis-Chalmers, and every family member who carries his lessons forward.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
5 Comments
Dick was a wonderful man. When I needed help, he was always there
Your dad was a gem and will be missed! I’ll never forget the long Labor Day weekend we spent together in the family space at United. You all helped bring some smiles and laughter while we both awaited the outcomes of Dick and June. A much needed escape from the heaviness of both our worries. Sending big hugs and love your way. K & J
Our heartfelt condolences on hearing of Dick’s passing. Our families have many fond memories and good times with Dick whether it be going to barn dances your family threw, flying up to Lake Shabuskwia and enjoying fabulous northern and walleyed fishing, deer hunting at Dick’s hunting lodge in northern Wisconsin, or sharing fresh ice cream at the Old Fashioned Threshing Days that Dick and Bob hosted. Those were some truly awesome, memorable times. He is loved and will be missed.
Dan and Rebecca Lewinski, Stanwood, Washington
RIP Uncle Dick… I remember him cutting up watermelon for all the kids and sticking the rind down their shirts when they weren’t looking. Thinking of you all.
The Bjerstedt and Timmerman clans go way back, especially to the Glover farming community. Dick played several integral roles in my life, but none greater than in February, 1968, when I was in basic training at Ft. Campbell, KY. I contracted spinal meningitis and was in a coma for four days. To enable my parents, Merton and Eleanor Timmerman, to fly to KY and be with me, Dick volunteered to take over my parents’ dairy farm operation for several long days,, along with help from my first cousin, Harley Timmerman, and my father’s first cousin, George E. Timmerman, Hudson, WI. What a great gift Dick and the others (all veterans) gave on my behalf. I will be forever grateful and honor Dick’s long, fruitful life, even as I mourn his death. Richard Timmerman, River Falls, WI
Add Comment