Richard I. Haataja

Richard Irving Haataja, 62, of Casper, Wyoming went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, March 20, 2017. He was born in Park Rapids, MN October 2, 1954 to Irving and Lempie Haataja who resided in Lauderdale, MN. He graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School in Roseville, MN in 1972.

In 1973, he married Mary K. Schluender from Moorhead, MN. They had two children Brian and Lisa. He worked for the University of Minnesota while raising his family in Shoreview, MN. In 1995, they moved to Littleton, Colorado. Colorado was a much drier climate for Rich's MS and proved to be beneficial to his health. He was able to work another 5 years when he medically retired at the age of 48. Then they relocated to Casper, WY where their daughter Lisa was raising her family.

His favorite hobby was being a fishing guide in Northern Minnesota and truly enjoying the sport. He was a hockey and soccer coach for his children growing up. He helped with Boy Scouts and truly was an amazing father and grandfather. He loved anything outdoors and always had a knack for building new projects. His mind was the strongest part of his body.

He leaves behind his wife Mary of 43 years; his son Brian (Heidi) in Blaine, MN and Lisa Scott in Casper, WY; four grandchildren that he cherished, Matthew and Hannah Haataja, Emily and Jacob Scott; two brothers, Brydean Haataja and Timothy (Mary) Drake; nieces and nephews, John, Joseph, Jennifer, Elias, Isabel, Claire, Elena, and Peter. He also leaves behind his favorite brother in law, David (Cynthia) Schluender.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother and father;

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to Central Wyoming Hospice Care, Casper, WY.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held Friday, March 24th, 2017 at 10:00am at Newcomers Funeral Home in Casper.