Richard Lloyd Gradine

Richard Lloyd Gradine, 73, of Silver Bay, MN passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017 with his wife, Karen, by his side. Richard was born and raised in Duluth, graduating from Denfeld High School in 1962. There he studied and trained with the U.S. Air Force ROTC later serving our country in the U.S. Air Force. As a young adult, Richard moved to Silver Bay and worked for the Reserve Mining Company for several years. Most recently, he was employed by the Minnesota DNR at Tettegouche State Park. Being from a family with an active outdoor life, Richard learned at an early age to respect the environment while enjoying the many pleasures of fishing, hunting, camping, barbecues, picnics, swimming, and boating. Family, friends, community, and his pets meant a great deal to Richard. His inner circle included several young people who came to know him as "Dad" and "Grandpa", and not just a few folks throughout town knew his warm greeting and big smile. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Mary Gradine; and son, Michael. Among those who will cherish his memory are his wife of 31 years, Karen; daughter, Tammy Gradine of International Falls, MN; brother, Gregory Gradine of Duluth, MN; granddaughters, Mari (Chris) Hansen and Kristine of Cloquet, MN; cousin, Renee (Richard Guyer) Anderson of Eagan, MN; special friends, Wendy Lien of Texas, Christina Haselow, Justin Klemmer, and Tristan Klemmer of Silver Bay, MN, and Betsy Little of Duluth, MN; and his best furry companion, Saint Bernard "Saintnard". VISITATION: 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6th, at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Highway, Hermantown, with a memorial service to follow at 12 p.m.

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