Richard David Brouillard, 88, of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully at the Villa St. Vincent on Thursday, December 12, 2024. He was born the first of thirteen children in Crookston on February 9, 1936, to beloved parents Vital and Florence (St. Marie) Brouillard.
Growing up, Richard attended St. Joseph Academy before transitioning to Cathedral High School from which he earned his graduation certificate with the class of 1959. Before finishing high school, Richard joined the Navy in 1954 and served until 1958, from there he was placed on “Inactive Duty” status until 1962. During his time in the Navy, Richard proudly served on the USS Wedder Burn (DD 684) and the USS Hanna (DE 449). Before being honorably discharged in 1962, Richard was presented with a Good Conduct Medal. One of Richard’s greatest privileges in his life was taking the Honor Flight in 2018 to Washington D.C.
On December 30, 1993, Richard married the love of his life, Elizabeth Conway, at the Cathedral in Crookston, which the couple became lifelong members of. The two spent many happy decades together before Elizabeth sadly passed away in 2012. Throughout his young life, Richard worked for a variety of employers to support himself until he ventured out to begin his own business in 1969, which he operated until his retirement in 2003.
Richard loved working for himself, he loved his wife, and he also loved his community and helping others whenever he could. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts of America (of which he was incredibly proud of), the Minneapolis Civil Defense Fire Rescue Reserve, the Crookston Volunteer Fire Department for fifteen years, and the American Legion Post 0020. Throughout his service, Richard was honored many times, such as with the Boy scouts of America which presented him with several awards. He was also recognized for his service as a volunteer firefighter.
Other loves of Richard’s were hunting, fishing, camping and wood working. During the 88 years he was blessed with life, Richard built an incredible life filled with service, love, friendship, integrity, and honor. He was a man of great respect and kindness for everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by the community, his family, and his friends.
Richard is survived by his step-children, Dee (Shane) Sperling, of Crookston, Tim (Charlie Altieri) Conway, of Hyannis, MA, and James (Lori) Conway, of Moorhead, MN; Grandchildren: Nicole, Natalie, Nadine, Nerissa, Kirby, Cassidey, Ashley, Andrew, and Tyler; 16 Great-Grandchildren; and 2 Great-great Grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Robert (Billie) Brouillard, Rose Marie Brouillard, Catherine Brouillard, Lloyd (Carol) Brouillard, Mary Beth (Dave) McDonald, John Brouillard, Madeline Parks, and Dan (Lori) Brouillard; 2 sisters-in-law, Pat Brouillard and Fran Brouillard; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Brouillard; parents, Vital and Florence Brouillard; brothers, Donald, Charles, Michael, and James Brouillard; sister-in-law, Karen Brouillard; and a brother-in-law, Leo Parks.
May God Bless the memory of Richard David Brouillard.
The Memorial service to honor Richard’s life will be on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM, at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Crookston. Visitation with the family will be held one-hour prior to Mass. Services will be livestreamed, the link to which can be found by going to www.stenshoelhouske.com/obituaries and following the prompts. .
