Richard Wilwant, 98

Richard Wilwant, 98, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, in Hallock, Minn.
Born on Oct. 24, 1926, in Blackduck, Minn., Richard lived a long and fulfilling life marked by joyful service, loyal integrity and ultimate kindness.
Richard proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. Stationed in Guam during World War II, he contributed to the war effort with dedication and honor. After his military service, Richard held several roles that reflected both his skill and his strong work ethic. He worked as an airplane mechanic in California, a lineman and co-owner of an oilfield trucking company in Texas, and did almost everything in between – from teaching scuba lessons to making shoes.
Eventually, Richard returned to Minnesota – with beloved granddaughter, Kimberly (Chadwick) Burlingame, joining him in the move. There, Richard lent his brilliant mind and skilled hands as a trusted mechanic and operator to farmers in North Dakota and Minnesota, ultimately landing at Kent Limousin in Lancaster, Minn. He was known for “easin’ along,” keeping things running smoothly. No one had a bad day working with Richard.
In his later years, Richard found great satisfaction in working in his garden and shop in Orleans with his dog, Skippy. These spaces were more than just places of thoughtful seeding and rebuilding old tractors; they were where he shared his harvest, time and wisdom with neighbors and friends. Among his favorite companions were his great grandsons, Tyler and Martin. To them, and many others, Richard passed down knowledge of mechanics, hunting, gardening—and perhaps, most importantly, the value of curiosity, patience and respect.
In his final years, Richard’s faith deepened. He especially looked forward to Scripture read from his favorite devotional—a ritual that brought him peace, contemplation and connection. While his body grew tired, his mind stayed strong. He knew everyone who visited, and savored homemade cookies, a good steak and the occasional sip of Texas beer. He credited pickled beets in his recovery from injuries and ailments more than once, and continued to consult on various mechanical challenges from his room at Kittson Memorial Nursing Home.
Those who knew Richard will remember him for his always cheerful demeanor, sharp mind, quick wit and appreciation for the small things. Whether sharing stories over coffee, or insight over fixing a piece of equipment, he left an indelible mark on all who crossed paths with him. May Richard’s memory bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as a lasting reminder of a life well lived.
Richard is survived by: his children, Billie (Wilwant) Sutton, Margaret Wilwant, Martha (Wilwant) Gillilan, and William Wilwant; seven grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; four great- great-grandchildren; and close friends who considered him family. Generations will carry forward the lessons in honesty, humility and kindness he taught through example.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, William and Margaret (Barnhorst) Wilwant; and by his brothers, Robert Wilwant, Edwin Wilwant and James Wilwant.
A celebration of life for Richard will be held at Lancaster Covenant Church in Lancaster on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Riverview Memorial Gardens in Lancaster.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations to Richard’s favorite charities — St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, S.D.
Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock, is in charge of the arrangements. www. austinfuneralchapel.com.