Richard Harold LaRue

About Rick

Richard “Rick” Harold LaRue, 71, of Shevlin, MN died on Monday, November 27, 2023, at his home in Shevlin, Minnesota surrounded by his loved ones. Rick accepted his time on earth was nearing an end, much like a cowboy in the Grit westerns he loved so much. He didn’t complain. He faced adversity with his steely determination and stubbornness, but with the bittersweet knowledge he would leave behind his treasured family and friends.

Rick was born August 25, 1952, in Bagley, MN to Harold and Olivia (Eunice Pond) LaRue. He graduated from Bagley High School in 1971.

He entered the Army in June 1971 and received the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in Korea from March 1972 through April 1973. He was stationed in Korea for thirteen months. Rick’s service and patriotism never waned and his service was certainly a source of pride from his family and community.

After his honorable discharge in March 1974, Richard married Diane Davis and from that union, they had two sons, Timothy Ryan and Tyrell Richard LaRue. Richard loved his sons dearly. Later on, Diane and Richard divorced.

Richard also honed his talents and many skills through employment at the Engineering refrigeration department at the Fargo VA Medical Center until 1996. After his VA retirement, and since he didn’t like to sit still, he worked road construction and helped his neighbors farm.

Rick was known for his exceptional fishing, hunting, and carpentry skills. Using his carpentry talents and with the returned favors of others, he built the house of his dreams several years ago in rural Shevlin.

Rick was always quick with a joke or a sarcastic comment, but it would soon be followed up with a laugh and a twinkle in his blue eyes. Like a Grit cowboy, Rick was the most caring and loving person—but you had to stick around and wait for some of the exterior gruffness to fade away. (It didn’t take long.)

In his final years, Rick relished living at his dream home and teasing his loving partner, Terry Larson, about her decorating skills and her massive garden. Rick quickly embraced Terry’s family as his own and looked forward to visits and holidays that were a lot crazier than he remembered.

Rick was fortunate enough to be blessed with so many skilled caregivers and supportive family and friends. Their devotion was, is, and will always remain so incredibly appreciated.

Rick is survived by his loving partner, Terry Larson of Fargo, ND; his sons, Timothy LaRue of Moorhead, MN and Tyrell (Loralee Varady) LaRue of Whiteville, NC; his siblings, Laurie (Marlin) Hanson of Shevlin, MN, Dale (Janet) LaRue of Bagley, MN, Janie (Allen) Cuny of Buffalo Gap, SD, and Jack LaRue of Solway, MN; his brother-in-law, Russell Smith of Fargo, ND; adopted daughter, Ellen Bratcher of Utica, KY; special friend, Barb Hample; Terry’s children, Kim, Chris, and Mike; and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Eunice and sister, Gail Smith.

In lieu of flowers memorial preferred to the DTOM Veterans Ranch south of Bagley, MN.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Rick

December 1, 2023

Location: Grace Chapel south of Bagley, Minnesota with a time of visitation one hour prior. Pastor Chris Conger will officiate. Interment will be held at Minerva Township Cemetery south of Bagley, MN with Military Honors accorded by the Irvin Blix American Legion Post No. 16 of Bagley, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home