Richard Francis Royer, 88, of Duluth, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019 in his home that he and his brothers built in the '40s. He was born in Duluth on July 6, 1931 to Gaudias and Laura (Martineau) Royer. Richard was a lifelong and proud West Ender. He graduated from Denfeld High School, where he was the fullback for the 1948 State Championship Football Team. He served his country proudly in the US Navy on an Aircraft Carrier, traveling the world during the Korean War. He was the Fourteenth of Fifteen children in a second generation of Patriotic Americans from Quebec Canada. Seven of the brothers served in the Armed Forces during WWII and the Korean War. Of the seven, one was killed in action on Okinawa, Japan during WWII. Richard was the last of his family to pass away, losing his older brother "Rollie" five days before himself. His favorite time of year was Christmas, whether hosting family parties at Grandma's house or keeping the family tradition going by playing Santa Clause to all the Nieces of Nephews. He enjoyed walking and riding his bike. In his hay day, 1500 miles a summer was the norm. He liked playing cards with his brothers at their monthly get-togethers. He also liked to take long rides in his luxury cars and always had a saltine cracker for his four legged friends. He was truly a great man who lived by the Golden Rule, "Treat others the way you would like to be treated". He was always kind and positive to others. Although he did not have children of his own, he took in his sister and her 6 month old son to be the fatherly figure every young man should have growing up and all through adulthood, creating a lifelong friendship and mentorship to his nephew, his pal, John. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leo, Jerry, Lloyd, Larry, Rolland, Donald, and Reggie; and sisters, Victoria Patnaude, Cleo Larson and Mary Ann Jacobsen. Richard is survived by his pals, John (Jan) Royer, Nikki (Parnell) Lutz, and Lauren Royer; special great-great niece, Breckin Lutz; and many extended family members and friends. Visitation will be held at 10 am on Saturday, Dec. 7th at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, with memorial service to follow at 11 am.

Visitation

DEC 7. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CST)

Sunrise Funeral Home and Cremation Services & Cemetery 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy Hermantown, MN, 55811

Memorial Service

DEC 7. 11:00 AM (CST)

Sunrise Funeral Home and Cremation Services & Cemetery 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy Hermantown, MN, 55811