Richard E. Jukich, 82, passed away peacefully with his family at his side Wednesday , February 4, 2015 in the Solvay Hospice House. He was born on May 2, 1932 in Duluth, MN., Son of Mike & Mary Jukich. Richard married Shirley Rothschadl on December 30, 1961 in the Holiness Methodist Church in Duluth, MN. He began his career as a clerk/weight master for the DM&IR Railroad. He than attended UMD and received his Bachelor of Science and Master Degree in Education. Following that he took a teaching position at Denfeld High School for 27 years before retiring in 1992. He always enjoyed visiting with former co-workers and students over the years. Richard dearly loved and was so proud of his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with them and watching them participate in various activities. In his midlife he discovered the game of golf, and frequently played many rounds at the Nemadji Golf Course in Superior. Richard especially liked following all sporting events. He had an amazing memory of sport statistics, and was a huge Minnesota Viking fan. Richard loved to travel and took many trips. He especially enjoyed Washington, DC, and other historical sites; He was an avid reader spending many hours browsing in book stores and was up-to-date on all the best sellers. For many years, Richard was very active in the Riverview Methodist Church. He served on the church board, sang in the choir, and was the Sunday School superintendent. He especially treasured the many congregational friendships he made there. A special thank you to the West Duluth Fire Dept., who resuscitated him following a heart attack at the wheel March 13, 2011. Thanks also to Dr. Michael Whitcomb and the Essentia Health Heart Center for their excellent care of him since that event. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Mary Jukich, brother Michael Jr. and sister Amelia Pletcher. He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 53 years; his children Beth (Denny) Nelson, sons Jeffrey and David; grandchildren Kayla Nelson, Leah Nelson and Joseph Jukich; sisters Dorothy Bubacz and Dolly Dimitri; brothers Joseph (Patricia), William (Lois), Ted (Barbara), Donald (Shirley) and numerous relatives. Richard will be missed by all of us. His kind and caring manner will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Greater Denfeld Scholarship Foundation, c/o Denfeld High School, 401 North 44th Ave. West, Duluth, MN 55807 would be appreciated. Services handled by Sunrise Funeral Home and Cemetery Visitation at Sunrise Sunday February 7, 2015, at 5pm to 7pm Funeral at Sunrise Monday February 9, 2015 at 11am, with visitation one hour prior. Please share on-line condolences and pictures with the family at www.SunriseFuneralHomeandcemetery.com