Allen Richard

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Allen Joseph Richard, 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of January 29, 2026 at his home in Grand Rapids, MI, surrounded by his wife and four children.

Allen was born on January 26, 1947, in Bottineau, North Dakota, and grew up on his family’s farm south of Dunseith. Those early years on the land shaped his lifelong love of farming, community, and conversation. He attended Dunseith Public Schools, where he first discovered a love of theater and storytelling, graduating from Dunseith High School in 1965.

He continued his education at the Bottineau School of Forestry (now Dakota College at Bottineau) before earning a Bachelor’s degree in education from Mayville State University in 1970. That same year, he married Joan Olsen of Binford, North Dakota.

Allen began his career as an educator, teaching in Stephen, Minnesota, then Hurdsfield, North Dakota, before returning home to Dunseith in 1973. Alongside teaching, he worked the family land at Richard Farms with his father, a commitment he maintained for many years. He especially enjoyed drinking coffee and “shooting the breeze” with fellow farmers at Dale’s Cafe in Dunseith.

Allen and Joan had four children: their son John (born/passed May 1975), followed by Kelani (born September 1976), Marya (born October 1978), and Nathan (born April 1982). They enjoyed life on the family farm where the children were raised, and Joan continues to reside.

In 1976, Allen was elected to the North Dakota State House of Representatives, beginning a 14-year career in state politics that included service in both the House and the Senate. He balanced legislative work with farming–a reflection of his deep belief in public service rooted in lived experience. A passionate aviator, Allen belonged to the flying club in Rolla, North Dakota, and often piloted a Cessna 177 Cardinal between Dunseith and Bismarck while the legislature was in session.

Allen retired from farming and North Dakota politics in 1990 and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he continued his involvement in public service by working for U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone. On New Year’s Eve 1991, he married Susan Putnam. Together, they shared a love of camping and spent many weekends outdoors, enjoying time to relax and explore.

In 1992, Allen and Susan moved to Washington, D.C., where Allen worked for National Farmers Union, blending his knowledge of agriculture with advocacy and policy. Their daughter, Alaina, was born in February 1994. Later that year, the family returned to Minneapolis, where Allen resumed teaching, including English and English as a Second Language.

In 2002, Allen and Susan moved to Midland, Michigan, to be closer to Susan’s family. There, Allen served as Director of the Midland Literacy Council, a role he held with deep pride. He was especially passionate about supporting dyslexic adults learning to read. He retired from the Literacy Council in 2013.

Allen’s generosity was quiet but profound. He often said his best Christmas was one spent helping a Midland family–providing gifts for their children and repairing their car. He also served on the Bullock Creek School District Board of Education and took great pride in handing Alaina her high school diploma in 2012.

Known for his love of motorcycles and adventure, Allen also had a soft spot for his black 1974 Dodge Charger, affectionately known as Dakota Midnight. The car was as distinctive as Allen himself and became a familiar sight wherever he went.

Allen is survived by his wife, Susan Putnam; his children, Kelani Morin (Kevin), Marya Richard, Nathan Richard (Kristina), and Alaina Lefevre (Tyler); his grandchildren, Phillip Parisien, Coltin Parisien, Kooper Parisien, Kyra Morin, Landon Richard, and Brooklyn Richard; and his sister, Stephanie Rebenitsch (Ron). He was preceded in death by his son John and his parents, Arthur and Emeline (Pigeon) Richard.

Allen will be remembered for his witty humor, kindness, storytelling, and unwavering commitment to farming, education, and public service. His life was one of purpose, connection, and advocating for those whose voices needed to be heard. His legacy lives on in his family and the many lives he touched.

To honor Allen’s memory, please consider donating to one of the following organizations: Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region The Legacy Center for Community Success (formerly the Literacy Council of Midland)

Dunseith Food Pantry

Attn: Mary Madrud

2850 Hwy 5

Dunseith, ND 58329

Published by The Minot Daily News, February 4, 2026.