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Don Rickhoff, 83, passed on August 6, 2011, with his wife Mary Ann, by his side, at St Croix Valley Memorial Hospital in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. They were married for 58 years.

Don was born February 9, 1928 in Rice, Minnesota to Florence and Henry Rickhoff. They were farmers living in rural Rice. During the depression the family moved to North East Minneapolis. Don attended Edison High School prior to enlisting in the Army Signal Corp in 1946. He served in the Army occupation in Japan. After returning Don worked at National Tea Grocery store where he met and married Mary Ann Walker, in 1953. Both were working in retail while Don continued to pursue a career at National Tea Company for over 25 years. Don and his family initially came to the Chisago Lakes area by renting a permanent campground site at Blue Waters on North Center Lake in the mid 60's. They returned every summer weekend and for vacation. Don is best remembered locally from acquiring and operating a local grocery store, Lindstrom Supervalu, in Lindstrom from 1974 through 1986. Don worked at the family business with his wife, and two sons, Don E. and Scott. He also owned and operated a Dairy Queen in Blaine prior to retirement.

His interests included family, cutting lawn and gardening, boating, antiques, classic cars, huge puzzles and reading. He could mostly be found at the grocery store working in an aisle ordering product. Don often mentioned that working the front end and carrying out groceries was his most enjoyable task so he could talk with the customers, many of whom became close friends through the years.

Don is survived by his wife Mary Ann, sister, LaVonne Bishop (Donnie), two sons and spouses, Don E. (Joanne) &, Scott (Kim), Grandchildren, Kyle (Stefanie), Kurt, Kate, Kris, Brianna and Bryce, and great grandson, Mason. He was preceded in death by his siblings Connie, Betty, Hank and Cliff.

Funeral Service is 10 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2011 at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom. Visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.grand strandfh.com.

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