Richard Bell

Mr. Richard Bell of Lake Jackson, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2024 after a short illness. He is preceded in death by his parents Retus and Geraldine (Wingen) Bell, his younger brothers Barry, Robert, and John and his brother in law Dean Bentdahl. Richard is survived by his siblings Mary Winifred (Winnie) Bentdahl, Ann and husband Dale Sheller, and Patricia Bell. He passed away holding hands with his loving wife of 24 years, Georgianna. He is missed by his children Brett and Lisa Bell, Nathan Bell, Christian and Patricia Bell, Jennifer Bell, Scott Larson and wife Paige Johnson, and Kristin and Richard Zieska. He deeply loved his six granddaughters, four grandsons, and his great grandson.

Richard was raised in Mankato, Minnesota as the oldest of seven siblings. After graduating from high school he joined the US Air Force and served as a flight simulator technician. On leaving the Air Force, he relocated to southern California where he and his first wife Barbara (Bennett) raised their young family. Richard graduated from California State Northridge while working as a bartender at Donte’s, one of the West Coast’s best known live jazz clubs. This fueled a lifelong love of jazz music and Richard shared that love with family, friends, and fellow music lovers. He and his family then relocated back to Minnesota where Richard graduated from William Mitchell College of Law. He and Barbara moved to Blooming Prairie, Minnesota where he practiced law for many years. He was very active in the community and served for a time as post commander of the Blooming Prairie American Legion/Serviceman’s Club.

Times changed and Richard met and married Georgianna (Koshier) Bell in 1999. They shared a passion for sailing, travel, music, adventures, and good times with children and grandchildren. Needing a break from cold Midwest winters, Richard and Georgianna relocated to sunny Texas in 2015. They first lived in San Luis Beach on Follett’s Island and then moved to Lake Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Richard Bell’s name to the Blooming Prairie American Legion Post at 210 4th Street NE, Blooming Prairie, Minnesota 55917. A family celebration of life will take place at a later date.