Richard C. Waller, 85

Richard Clarence Waller, age 85, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Wildwood Grove in LeRoy, Minnesota. Richard was born April 18, 1939, in Austin, Minnesota, to John and Geraldine (Christopherson) Waller. He graduated from Austin High School and served his country in the United States Army. On August 15, 1959, Richard was united in marriage to Sharon “Cherry” Skjeveland in Austin. He was employed with Mower County for almost 14 years, and then with Hormel for the rest of his employment until the 1985 strike when he had to retire due to disability. Richard was a member of the Sons of Norway and St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, where he was baptized, confirmed, and married. Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting firearms, and was always looking for a “good deal.” He took pride in his “bent nail” abilities being able to fix anything in a “McGyver” fashion. Richard was passionate about racing, building his #47 race car, and racing it every weekend he could at the Chateau Raceway. He spent many hours building motors and helping others build cars just to share that same excitement from the sport. Richard was a true family man who loved spending time with loved ones. He was always up for a chat with anyone and everyone and had a heart of gold, always opening his home to those in need and even his kids’ friends without hesitation. His generosity was limitless, almost too much at times. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Waller; daughter, Jeralyn (Brandon Smith) Waller Smith; son, John (Kimberly Bauer) Waller; grandchildren, Cole, Corey, Katie, Jesse, and Jenna; great grandson, Myles Douglas; brothers, Jack (Jan) Waller & family and Tom (Judith) Waller & family; and one sister, Gloria (Richard) Jacobson & family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Geraldine Waller.

A funeral service for Richard will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. In lieu of flowers, if you’d like to remember Richard in this way, please feel free to plant a tree in honor of his love of the outdoors. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.