Richard Edwin Schoenstedt

Richard "Rick" Edwin Schoenstedt, 77 of Elysian, MN, passed away June 13, 2016 at his home.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Waterville, MN.  Visitation will take place from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 22nd at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary in North Mankato.  Richard will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Mankato. The family prefers memorials be given to the Rick Schoenstedt Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers.

Rick was born to Lillian (Kantz) and Lorenz Schoenstedt on August 18th, 1938 in Pontiac, Michigan.  He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force immediately following high school and served for four years. Rick received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Minnesota State University Mankato.  He was a social worker for Le Sueur County and then for Blue Earth County Human Services, working there for 25 years until his retirement in 1998. Rick was a man who loved to make people laugh and always valued a good story.  He took great satisfaction in helping out others in need.  Even after retirement, Rick never stopped being a social worker.  His family and friends were of the utmost importance to him and he did whatever he could to help them out.  Rick lived on Lake Francis for over 40 years and especially loved spending time with family on the lake. He was an avid photographer and always had his camera ready to capture the perfect picture. He enjoyed kayaking, camping, cooking, biking, driving around in his Miata, traveling, and taking care of his grandchildren. He loved life’s adventures. His faith was important to him and he loved the Lord. He was very active and involved in his church, First Baptist Church of Waterville, in all sorts of ways for almost 30 years.

Rick is preceded in death by his daughter, Laura, who passed away on May 24th, 2016.  He is also preceded in death by his parents, Lorenz and Lillian, and his aunts and uncles.

Rick is survived by his wife, Barbara Glass; his children, Tony DeMarco, Chris (Heather) Schoenstedt, and Molly Schoenstedt; his grandchildren, Meghan Lovelace, Madeline Schoenstedt, and Teddy Schoenstedt; his siblings, Sarah Hesch, Mary (Howard)  Heckes, Carl (Rita) Schoenstedt, and John (Lynn) Schoenstedt; along with many nieces and nephews.