Charles “Charlie” Richards

Charles James Richards, 76, formerly of Argusville, ND, passed away March 16, 2021, in his home at Touchmark in Harwood Groves in Fargo, ND, under the loving care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Charlie was born September 4, 1944, in Moorhead, MN to Robert and Agnes (Sebestl) Richards. He grew up on the family farm in Wiser Township, and in 1963, he graduated high school from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN.

A farmer his entire life, Charlie first farmed with his father and brother, Leonard. Upon the passing of their father, Charlie and Leonard continued to farm together. Over the years, they also moved snow in the winter and sold Viking and Polaris Snowmobiles. Leonard passed away in 1994 and Charlie continued to farm until his retirement in 2016.

On June 26, 1971, Charlie was united in marriage with Elizabeth Dittmer in Felton, MN. They made their home on the family farm. Their hearts were full, and their family complete, when they adopted their two daughters – Sharla and Tami.

Charlie, both a story-teller and a jokester, loved reminiscing and most of his stories involved farming; however, there were a few mischievous ones sprinkled in. His laugh was contagious and filled a room. Although Charlie was a life-long farmer, it was his role of husband, father and grandfather he cherished the most. Over the years, as his health declined, his love for his family motivated him, and kept him going.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Liz, their daughters Sharla Richards (David Knight) of Amenia, ND and Tami Nester (Scott) of Fargo, ND, grandsons Tanner, Mason, and Devin Nester and grandchildren of the heart, Kensey and Jeremy Knight.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Agnes, sisters Margaret Jenny and Delores McNamee and brother Leonard Richards, brothers-in-law David Jenny and Virgil McNamee, father and mother-in-law, Ben and Amy Dittmer, brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Beverly Hurner and niece, Kari McLean.

A visitation is scheduled Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 26, 2021 at 11:00 am. Both services will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 601 15th Ave N., Moorhead, MN 56560. Both services will be live-streamed on the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Facebook page. Face masks are required for everyone attending both services.

The burial will take place at Wild Rose Cemetery, Georgetown, MN. Arrangements by Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

The family would like to express gratitude to Hospice of the Red River Valley and the two care givers present during these last few months of Charlie’s life. Your graciousness and loving care will always be remembered.