Richard Vaith, 86, Owatonna

Richard Lawrence Vaith, 86, of Owatonna went to be with the Lord peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020.
Richard was born Sept. 28, 1934 in Owatonna to Joseph and Bernadine “Bunny” (Lynard) Vaith. He graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1954. He served his country in the United States Army from 1955-1957 and was stationed in Germany.
Richard married Joan Suchanek on Nov. 26, 1960 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Litomysl. Richard worked at Steele County Highway Department as a heavy equipment operator for 26 years, retiring in 1999.
In his retirement, he enjoyed time with his family and friends, often meeting for breakfast or a walk to share a story or two with those he loved. Richard enjoyed many outdoor activities, including fishing walleye on Lake of the Woods and salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. Many fishing trips were made to these lakes with family and friends.
Richard was also a life member of the Owatonna Gun Club and served as part-time director. He enjoyed hunting elk in Colorado, as well as hunting pheasants, ducks, turkey and deer. Richard had a love for cars and going fast. He also enjoyed his grandchildren and was one of their biggest fans at their sporting events.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; son Christopher (Jamie) Vaith, Buena Vista, Colo.; daughter Kelly (Craig) Schmidt Owatonna; son William (Beth) Vaith, Mount Vernon, Wash.; Grandchildren; Rilee and Chloe Schmidt, Alex (Rachel), Angelina and Amelia Vaith. Brother Ronald (Dee)Vaith. Frank (Joann) Suchanek and Danny (Leona) Suchanek and sister-in-laws Geraldine Vaith and Jan Suchanek.
Richard is preceded in death by brother Donald and brother-in-law Jerome Suchanek.
Funeral services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Owatonna on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Military rites by Steele County Funeral Unit.
Richard is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Memorials preferred to Sacred Heart Church or St. Mary’s School.