Timothy Dean Richardson, 61, of Fifty Lakes, MN, died Sunday, December 2 at home of complications from mantle cell lymphoma. He was born December 17, 1956 in Boscobel, WI to Donald and Alice (Beall) Richardson.

Tim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cynthia (Cindy); two sons, Emmett Richardson of Bismarck, ND and Liam Richardson of Fifty Lakes; sister, Patricia (Roger) Smith of Boscobel, WI; in-laws, Walt and Loretta McCarthy of Richland Center, WI; Cindy's brother, Shaun (Sue) McCarthy of Richland Center, WI; best friend, Eric Doyle; sidekick, Jack (Bonnie) Franzen; nieces and nephews, Heather (Jeff) Fiess, Ariane (Marty) Kokes, Jason (Heidi) Richardson, Eric Richardson, Aaron (Amber) Richardson, Darren (Chelsey) McCarthy, 13 great-  nieces and nephews, and three great-great nieces and nephews; the Spiritus Sanctus Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order; and his brother-deacons of the Diocese of Duluth.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Donnie Richardson and Kevin Richardson.

Tim received his education at Boscobel Schools where he excelled in track, band, and choir before graduating in 1975. He married Cindy McCarthy of Richland Center at St. John the Baptist Church in Muscoda on August 13, 1983. Tim farmed with his dad while playing in local bands with his brother, Kevin. He and Cindy became professional road musicians traveling throughout the US for several years. Their travels took them to Minnesota where they have lived the past 31 years. Tim was a piano business owner and musician before making a career change to work with youth. He was a supervisor at juvenile group homes which led him to pursue a career in education working with teens with emotional-behavioral disorders. He held a masters degree in education and was a special education teacher for Brainerd (MN) Public Schools for twenty years at the time of his passing. He served with a calm presence as a mentor and role model to many students and colleagues. Tim had hoped to become a private pilot, and shared his knowledge of aerospace education with youth while volunteering as a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol.

Tim and his wife, Cindy, are owners of Glen Echo, a certified organic Century Farm in Boscobel which has been in Tim's family since 1904. Tim was a member of Organic Valley Cooperative and took great joy in rebuilding the farm for future generations.

After entering the Catholic Church in 1994, Tim became a professed Secular (Third Order) Franciscan and was a faithful follower of Jesus in the Way of St. Francis. His desire to serve others led him to ordination as a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Duluth in 2015. Although he was a quiet man, Deacon Tim selflessly preached the Gospel without words, helping others to shoulder their crosses. Through his willingness to embrace change and suffering, he led others to seek a path of holiness. A loyal friend, he shared scripture, inspiration, and not a little dry humor with his close friends. Tim was a dedicated and loving husband and father, leading his family toward eternity with courage and virtue.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 14 at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Heart Church in Crosslake. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Thursday at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd. with a Franciscan wake service at 6:30. Visitation will continue the hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Burial will be Monday, December 17 at 11 AM at St Patrick's Cemetery, Melancthon Creek with Kendall Funeral Home of Boscobel serving the family.  

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