Richard Buckbee

Richard D. Buckbee, 81, of Utica, died on August 15, 2026, at Lewiston Senior Living. Born on August 27, 1944, in Winona, MN, Richard was the son of Ralph and Gaile (Yanzer) Buckbee. He spent his early years growing up in the area and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1962.

After high school, Richard attended Rochester Vocational College for two years, diving into a life filled with hard work and determination. He married Connie Reeves and they later divorced. He married Patty Jo Anderson, in 1975, and she was his perfect partner in life.

Richard was a jack-of-all-trades, exploring numerous careers throughout his life. He wasn’t only a farmer, but also an auto mechanic, and even owned Utica Feed Mill at one point. His adventurous spirit took him behind the wheel as a semi-driver for Twin Valley Ag, Keith Carlson Trucking, always with a smile and a story to share.

Outside of work, Richard had a passion for motorcycles, old cars, and trucks. He loved spending time wood working and tending to his vegetable garden, especially his sweet corn which he always enjoyed with lots of butter. His love for canning and freezing the fruits of his labor was matched only by his fondness for the apple trees that adorned his yard. Dick also enjoyed time with his family, especially making them his homemade pizza on Sunday nights followed by a big bowl of butter popcorn.

Richard is survived by his wife, Patty; children, Jared (Sue) Buckbee, Corrine (Anthony) Juliano, Penny (Chadwick) Persons, Jenny (Eric) Patzner, Bobby Buckbee; grandchildren, Aria Buckbee, Myranda (Greg) Schanil, Cameron (Sydney) Persons, Dawson (Abby) Persons, Dianne Persons, Derek Fort, Payten Fort, Isaiah Patzner; great-grandchildren, Isaiah Buckbee, Owen Schanil, Evan Schanil, Griffen Schanil, Edison Persons; siblings, Ruth (Robin) Wright, and Jean Buckbee.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Gaile Buckbee; grandson, Tyler Buckbee; and infant sister, Carol Buckbee.

We would like to thank Speltz Estates, Lewiston Senior Living, and Moments Hospice for their exceptional care.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles, MN at 1pm followed by a visitation from 1:30pm to 4pm.