Richard Etnier, Sr.

RICHARD J. ETNIER, SR.

Richard J. Etnier, Sr., age 87, of Winona, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2016, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital – St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN.

He was born on October 22, 1928, in St. Cloud, MN, to Mervin and Emma (Gohman) Etnier.  He was united in marriage with Barbara Hall on June 27, 1953, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Minneapolis.

Richard honorably served his country with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was a member of the VFW and of St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Winona.

He was employed for many years as the plant engineer at Peerless Chain Company in Winona, retiring in 1991.  Richard thoroughly enjoyed his retirement by traveling with Barbara in their RV throughout the country, volunteering at Winona Health, and he especially enjoyed helping others with his handyman skills.

Richard will be remembered as a loving husband and father, who was well liked and loved by many people.

Richard is lovingly survived by his wife, Barbara, Winona; his son: Richard (Karen) Etnier, Jr., Winona; and his daughter: Nancy (Paul) Bukovic, St. Louis, MO.  He is also survived by Barbara’s brothers and sisters, and was a favorite uncle to many of his nieces and nephews.  He will be missed by his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Dale Etnier; and sisters: Flossie Kauffmann and Betty Leach; and a brother-in-law: Joe Leach.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Winona.  The Reverend Monsignor Richard M. Colletti will officiate.

Following the Mass, the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 of Winona will provide military honors outside of the church.

Visitation will be held at St. Casimir’s Church on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, from 10 AM until the time of the Mass.

Memorials may be directed to St. Casimir’s Catholic Church; Winona Health; or the Caring Voice Coalition, 8249 Meadowbridge Road,  Mechanicsville, VA 23116.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Richard’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com