Richard Patrick Crumb, Sr., age 100, died on April 24, 2024 at the New Richland Care Center after a brief illness. Richard was born on January 17, 1924, one of 14 children born to Winifred and Mary Crumb (neé Chicos). He lived his entire life farming near Matawan, Minnesota, on land homesteaded by his grandfather in 1878.
Richard married Barbara Ann Johnson of New Richland on September 24, 1949. Farming together, they raised five children; Tovah Rainsong (Lora), Kimberley John Crumb (Betty, dec.), Richard Patrick Crumb, Jr. (Helen), Susan Barbara Crumb (Terry), and Lisa Buckleton (Robert, dec.). Richard is survived by his children and grandchildren Nick Foy (Rose), Kate Foy (Brock) and David Schell (Alli). After Barbara’s death in 1997, Richard married Anita Stolp in 2001. Sadly, Anita died in 2022. Richard was also preceded in death by his parents and thirteen brothers and sisters.
Richard was a caretaker of the land, his community, and his country. A veteran of WWII, Richard was a sergeant in the US Army and served in Germany. He served on the New Richland-Hartland school board for nine years, was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, the American Legion, and volunteered with Waseca Area Hospice. Richard and Barbara were foster parents for Freeborn County for many years, caring for abused and neglected children. Richard was most proud of the many years he spent as the scoutmaster of New Richland’s Boy Scout Troop 90.
A funeral mass was held on April 30, 2024 at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland, MN; Father Glen Frerichs officiated. Interment is at Calvary Cemetery in New Richland, MN.
During his century of life, Richard touched many with his volunteering, wood carvings and his gifts of Diamond Willow walking sticks. If you have a “Richard Crumb” walking stick, the family encourages you to bring it to the service.
The family wishes to extend our profound gratitude to Richard’s personal care attendant, Nadine Pazcuzzi, and to his nephew, Brad Crumb, for their care and devotion to Richard.
Memorials can be made to: Ruff Start Rescue, 12526 319th Avenue, Princeton, MN 55371 or Fishing for Life (Fishing For Life).