Richard Quaday

Richard Ralph Quaday, age 96, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at St Luke''s Lutheran Care Center, Blue Earth, MN. He was born September 2, 1920 in Blue Earth Township, MN to William and Lorena (Levenick) Quaday. Dick was the youngest of five, three brothers and one sister. He was baptized in Salem Evangelical Church of Blue Earth in 1921 and confirmed in 1935. Richard attended school in District 104 through 7th grade and graduated from Blue Earth Public School in 1937. He attended the School of Agriculture in St Paul in 1940-1941, winter quarters only with 18 credits each quarter. Richard and Neva (Fischer) were married on January 19, 1942 in STS Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Blue Earth, MN. They honeymooned at the Farm and Home Show on the St Paul Campus, with a side trip to Como Park. Richard became an active church member singing in the choir. He Joined the Knights Columbus Council 1836, 3rd Degree in 1943. He served in all office positions, including Grand Knight. In 1985 Richard became a 4th Degree KC member. He was the KC District Deputy Director, and served on the KC Charities Commission, and the KC Student College Loan program. He was elected as an International Delegate at the KC Convention in Denver, CO. Richard wrote a monthly article in the KC Knightline, the State Bulletin. He is an Honorary Life Member since 1998. He participated in the KC Bowling League Championship team. In 1938 Richard began farming with his father, William Quaday in a 50-50 partnership. In 1942 Dick bought 80 acres of land and he and Neva moved into the Sailor Place January 1, 1943, where they lived for six years. In 1949 Dick traded his 80 acre farm with his Dad, William''s 80 acre farm, where he began a rebuilding process of the Home place, from a dairy focus to feeder cattle, lambs, hogs and chickens. Richard traveled to Havre, Montana starting in 1950 to purchase livestock on the hoof, and transport them by rail through the South St. Paul Stockyard. He continued the buying process for 18 years working with the Steve Boyce family. During Dick''s farming career, his operations grew from 80 acres to over 1000 acres; from hand husking corn to 8 row corn combines, from a thrashing machine to an 8 row 21 foot header combine. Dick was a 4-H leader for 21 years, and served as the Cattle, Sheep and Hog Superintendent at the Faribault County Fair. In 1999 Richard was voted Faribault County''s Outstanding Senior Citizen. Dick was the editor of "Quaday''s Quotes'', a weekly opinion column in the Faribault County Register for 20 (+) years. He retired from writing the column at age 91. The following year he published a book, ''Quaday''s Quotes'', "70 Years On A Blue Earth River Valley Farm". Dick and Neva were blessed with nine children;Three sons and six daughters, each given the opportunity to attend college. Dick and Neva traveled 45 states including Alaska. Dick lived his life after the passing of Neva at Friendship Court, transferring to St Luke''s Lutheran Care Center where he passed away.He is survived by sons, Charles (Jan) of South Haven, MN, Dr. James (Karen) of Dellwood, MN, Michael (Rose) of Shoreview, MN: Daughters Kathryn "Kay" (Larry) Husfeldt of Brownton, MN., Joan Wilson, Westfield, IN, Mary(Jim)Stoffel, Isanti, MN., Jeanette Jorgensen, Eden Prairie, MN., Pauline (Merlyn) Siem, Blue Earth, MN., Margaret "Peg" (Craig) Kalskett of Leland, IA. Grandchildren: William Quaday, Melissa (Tim) Owens, Steven Quaday, Joseph Lacher, Eric (Jill) Lacher, Shelli Wilson, Jessica (Ben) Larson, Nicholis "Nico" Quaday, Rachel Quaday, Jason (Jerusha) Siem, Jeff (Julie) Bormann, Anna, Lorena and Andrew Bormann. Great Grandchildren; Rachel Quaday, Geneva Owens, Valencia Owens, Alexandria Owens, Stevie Lacher, Henry Larson, Samuel Larson, Dashe Lee Sankey, Therese Lynn Bormann. Step-Grandchildren, Evan Husfeldt, Sydney Husfeldt, Tom Stoffel, Steven Siem and many nieces, nephews and relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Neva (Fischer), his father William, his Mother Lorena(Levenick), his sister Marie(Don Anderson) and three brothers, Francis at birth, Carl (Mildred) Quaday, John (Stella) Quaday