Richard LaValle

Richard Alan LaValle, age 77, passed away suddenly on October 20 surrounded by family at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. He was born on February 9, 1948 in St. Paul, MN and later moved to Lindstrom, MN with his family.

Rick graduated from “Chi Hi” (Chisago Lakes) in 1966 before enlisting in the Army in July 1966 and served our country as a Combat Engineer for two years and nine months during the Vietnam War. Later in 1971 he met and married his wife, Barb. They settled down in the Chisago and Lindstrom areas where they raised their four boys.

Rick attended St. Paul Technical and Vocational Institute where his studies involved machinist classes. During his working years, he worked as a machinist when he returned from deployment then later worked in construction. Later Rick worked for Chisago County Public Works where he established great connections and friendships throughout his 36 years until he officially retired in 2011.

Rick enjoyed life to the fullest! He enjoyed the outdoors from camping, fishing, hunting to hobby farming. One of his many joys was taking his family on numerous fun camping trips with his close friends, The Ryan’s.

Rick would make friends with anyone and everyone who crossed his path. He was actively involved throughout his sons’ lives from Boy Scouts to all their sporting events and hobbies. During his retirement, Rick and Barb always made it a point to go to every grandchild’s sporting event to support and cheer them on. They enjoyed every moment they spent with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren who they loved with all their hearts.

Rick was a loving son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather and dear friend to so many. You never said goodbye to Rick without getting a big hug and smile from him!

Rick is survived by his four sons,; Jason (Heidi), Paul (Dione), Keith (Pam), Lance (Dena), grandchildren Kaylea (Andrew), Cole, Allison, Jacob, Evan, Adam, Bryce, Austin, Lily, Trevor (Desira), and Emma, great-grandsons Kayden and Kooper, brother Gary, as well as close friends Bob and Debbie Ryan, Minde Gervais, and Jolene LaValle. He is preceded in death by his parents Fay and Gladys, his wife Barbara, and grandson Landen.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday. Interment with military honors will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Lindstrom.

Arrangements are by Grandstrand Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Lindstrom. Condolences maybe expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com