Richard Allan Dudley

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Richard A. Dudley, age 61, at his home in Bemidji.  His departure leaves an unfillable void in our lives yet we find comfort in the memories and everlasting love.  He was the son of Herman and Esther (Carlson) Klasen. 

Richard enjoyed being a self-employed logger for all his life.  He and his brother Gerald were featured in an issue of the North Country Equipment featuring the John Deere Company, the article expanded on their professional logging careers in the area.  Richard and Gerald have a wealth of knowledge of the logging business in northern Minnesota.  He also liked to tinker on his machinery and other projects in his home workshop when he wasn’t out in the woods logging.   Richard loved the outdoors, he was an avid hunter, and fisherman, but he always had time to spend with his family and friends to just talk and laugh.  Those who knew Richard will cherish the memories of him forever.  Medical issues led to retiring and his life centered to being at home.  He watched his favorite T.V. shows, tinkered around his home and shop. He loved and adored his “special” daughter Annie who selflessly looked after him throughout the years.

The family that Richard joins again are his parents, Herman and Esther Klasen; brother, Joseph E. Dudley; beloved son, Lukas Dudley; sisters-in-law, Gloria Dudley and Winona Dudley; niece, Deidra L. Beaulieu; and a nephew, James Dudley, Jr.

Those he leaves behind to cherish his memory are his son,  Travis (Alana) Wilkins; special daughter, Annie (Jeff) Aery; grandson, Benjamin Lukas Egin-Dudley; brothers, Thomas, David, John, James, and Gerald (Faye) Dudley; sisters, Deborah Beaulieu and Rebecca (Leon) Barrett and many, many beloved family members.  Plus Richard’s beloved “mans best friend”, “Moose” sends this message with love to Richard, “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.  We only part to meet again.”

A Celebration of Richard's will begin at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 20th, 2024, and will continue until his 1:00 p.m. service on Saturday, December 21, all will be held at the Redby Community Center in Redby.  Pastor Kevin Larson will officiate the service.  Pallbearers helping to lay Richard to rest will be Chris Dudley, Dave Dudley, Sr., Brad Dudley, David Dudley, Jr., Travis Wilkins and Jeff Aery.  Honorary pallbearers will be Curt Beck, Tony Lyseng, Rusty Nelson, Michael Sigana, Al Pemberton, Todd McClellan, Donald Brun, Leon Barrett, Leahna and Evanelle Barrett, Kassidy Beaulieu and Annie Lyseng.  Interment will be held in the Redby Cemetery following the service.

Richard’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be given at www.northernpeace.com

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