Richard A. Krejce

AKA: “Dad”, “Grampa”, “Papa”, “Old School”, “Bubba”, “Richie”, “Richie Rich”

Survived by wife, Mary; children, Christopher (Kristin), Corey (Amanda), Curtis (Anna), Casey (Keely), Chad (Kim); grandchildren, Lyla, Lamiya, Wyatt, Sylas, Mylo, Lanabella, Beverly, Killian, Ellie; siblings, Bob (Donna), Rosemary (Tom), Randy, Ronald (Tammy), Sue Kay; and many other family and friends.

Preceded in death by parents, Vern & Rosetta; siblings, Barbie, Cindy, Carol, Donald, Bonnie; and grandson, Chad Jr.

Richard enjoyed coaching his boys’ baseball teams and supporting all of their activities. He enjoyed watching sports, he loved the North Stars, the Wild, and the Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoyed playing cards, foosball, bowling, and playing pool.

Rich was born and raised in the small town of Lakeville, Minnesota. He had 10 siblings - six sisters and four brothers.

He joined the Navy right out of high school. He served on the USS Badger and was fortunate enough to be stationed in Hawaii where he learned how to surf. He traveled to Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and many other places. The guys on the ship managed to catch a shark while cruising over the ocean.

Shortly after being discharged from the service, Rich became a member of the Ironworkers Local 512. He worked on countless buildings in seven states. He specialized in rebar installation and post tension cables. Over the years Rich was a foreman on many job sites, and had a part in building bridges, an enormous steel plant, the Xcel Energy Center, and the rebuilding of the 35W bridge after it collapsed. He even built Mary a new White Castle to manage. Rich worked on Prince’s Chanhassen studio and called him Bubba.

Rich met the love of his life, Mary in 1979. Together they raised five boys, Chris, Corey, Curt, Casey & Chad, and their dog Curly. They were also blessed with ten wonderful grandchildren (so far).

In 2021, Rich and Mary were invited to a church service at First Evangelical Free Church of Maplewood by retired pastor Dave Rhone. They were welcomed and embraced by many members of this church and had attended ever since. Rich was baptized on November 7th, 2021.

He was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer; the results of numerous tests were received two days before Christmas of 2022. The prognosis was 3-6 months and the possibility of living another year if he underwent chemotherapy. Rich opted out, and chose to let God decide. God heard the prayers of so many of his fellow believers, and blessed him with almost two years instead. Praise the Lord!!! Thanks to so many for the prayers that were offered up.

He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Absent from the body, present with the Lord!!!

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, September 25 at First Evangelical Free Church of Maplewood, 2696 Hazelwood St., Maplewood, MN 55109. There will be a visitation at 10 AM. The Service will begin at 11 AM. There will be a luncheon to follow at the church.

The interment will be at a later date with a small family gathering.

I would like to personally thank the Allina Hospice Program and the caring people that they employ. Dr. Amberg, and the amazing nurse, Grace Miller, helped me to take care of Rich until the end and I will never forget that. Thank you also to Marinella, Brandy, Sonya, and Amina.