Obituary for Richard M. Felling

Richard Felling, age 72, of Coon Rapids, died peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 at Parks’ Place Memory Care in Plymouth. He is survived by his daughter, Ella Felling of Coon Rapids; siblings, Dennis (Veronica) Felling & Kathy Felling; nieces, Venelli Felling & Isadora Felling; great-niece, Thalia V. Felling; uncle, Tony Felling; aunts, Mary Ann Pohl & Virginia Theilen; as well as many cousins and friends. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Lucille (Orth) Felling; brother, Duane Felling; Uncles, Julian Orth & Roland Orth; & Aunt, Irene Felling. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, September 26 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with visitation one-hour prior to mass. Inurnment will take place at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery immediately following mass..

Richard Felling was born November 16th, 1951 in Sauk Centre Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Ben and Lucille (Orth) Felling. He attended grade school at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic School. Rich graduated from Osseo Senior High School in 1969. As a high school student, Rich gravitated towards shop classes and started working part-time framing houses with Dan Hefty Construction Company. He went on to attend Hennepin Technical Center and completed a vocational program in Modern Wood Technology and Architecture. Rich went on to work for Bradholm Construction Inc. and was part of the team who built the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis, MN. He worked in the construction industry for several years and used his skills to work on his own homes and those of his family and friends. He was known for getting home repairs and projects done efficiently and met people where they were at financially. He used his skills to help make home renovations a reality for many who otherwise may not have been able to afford it.

Later in life, Rich pursued another passionate career as a barber and stylist. After attending barber school he spent a large part of his career working at Perfection Hair in Plymouth, MN. He eventually became a successful business owner and opened up Hair Excellence II. He developed a business partnership overtime and spent decades serving long-term customers. He retired from working in September of 2023 after 40 years in the industry.

Richard’s true passion was water and winter sports, especially windsurfing. He was an avid windsurfer, ice surfer, and skier. Rich was very adventurous and always pushed himself to learn difficult aspects of his sports. He spent much of his free time windsurfing on Medicine Lake, Lake Waconia, Lake Washington, and Mille Lacs. He also traveled with friends to ski the mountains of Colorado including Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, and Loveland. His friends described him as “very friendly and generous with his time.” He was nicknamed “Slasher” among his friends in the windsurfing community due to a surfboard collision. Rich was going so fast he slashed into another windsurfer! No one was hurt, but the windsurf boards were slashed together and had to be pried apart! Rich also enjoyed relaxing activities including camping, snorkeling, and searching for agates along the shorelines.

On December 12th, 2005 he became a father to his only child, Ella Felling. Richard was an incredible father. For many years, Richard was a loving, active, and deeply involved parent. He raised his daughter with so much love, enthusiasm, and dedication. It was apparent to all that his daughter Ella became the center of his life. She was the source of his happiest and proudest moments. One of Ella’s most cherished memories is how her dad would make every morning special for her. He took his time to make every morning enjoyable before she went to school. He would help her get ready, make breakfast, play games such as “lions, dentist, tea parties, and tag” or jump on the trampoline all before 7am! Rich taught Ella the importance of being a genuine person. He had an authentic passion to do all he could for anyone in need. Ella recalls how her dad wanted to help everyone around him and had a very big heart. His daughter describes him as a wild soul with lots of energy, always living his best life!

Throughout Richard’s life, he prioritized his family. For decades Rich enjoyed spending quality time with his mother Lucy and cared for her as she aged. His special bond with (mother) Lucy was expressed by the unwavering support and attention he gave to her. Rich was a wonderful uncle to his 2 nieces Venelli and Isadora. He would give them “bowl cut” haircuts as kids and take them on outings to the lakes and parks. He enjoyed family barbecues with Dennis and sister-in-law Veronica. Rich also helped raise his great niece Thalia. As a great uncle, he was a significant role model and caregiver to Thalia. He always included her on family trips, weekend adventures, and quality family time. Rich had close relationships with his brother Dennis and Sister Kathy. Rich enjoyed accompanying Dennis and the band (Black Jack Dance Band) to various music venues. He loved to hang around his brother, dance and groove to the music, and would volunteer to help set-up and take down music equipment. He enjoyed doing activities with his siblings and their mutual friends including traveling, horseback riding, boating, and motorcycling. Rich also had a special bond with his sister Kathy. He enjoyed going on family trips with her to Yellow Stone National Park. He confided in his sister and in his later years received tremendous support and care from Kathy. Rich and Kathy always had each other’s backs throughout life.

Rich’s Family and loved ones will remember his wild and free spirit, genuine desire to help others, and his energetic zest for Life. We love you Rich!

In lieu of flowers, consider planting a tree for Rich. We know Rich loved trees and would occasionally hug them. https://www.alivingtribute.org/