Doug Richman

Douglas Elmer Richman was born July 28,1938, north of Tower City, ND to Elmer and Agnes (Corby) Richman. He died peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the age of 86 years old.

Douglas attended Buffalo and Tower City grade school and high school graduating in 1956. He graduated from Agricultural College (now North Dakota State University) in 1960 and was part of the football team, farmhouse fraternity, and the college judging team.

In June 1958, Douglas married Janice Rygg at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Tower City, ND.  They were blessed with 4 children. After college he farmed for Williard Richman in 1960 for a year in Buffalo, ND, then started farming for himself in Oriska, ND from 1962-1969. He was also part of the National Farmers Organization. 

From 1969-1982 Douglas had a successful career with Fischer (Wilson) Packing Company and moved his family from Albert Lee, MN, Cedar Rapids, IA and Louisville, KY, where he was a visionary and an influencer in the meat business. 

Douglas was always quietly helping anyone who needed it and was involved in giving back to his community, school and church. He took pride in planting many of the trees in Tower City and was recognized by the Barnes County Soil Conservation in 2011. He kept busy being a caretaker of the town cemetery and helping with his son’s projects.  Douglas was always active in the church, serving on the council, ushering, or whatever was needed he was there to help.

In his spare time, Douglas enjoyed gardening, antique hunting, farm meetings, auction sales, farm toy collection, and North Dakota State University football. But he cherished his time with his family the most, especially his grandchildren attending as many activities as he could. In retirement, Douglas and Janice enjoyed traveling and visited Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, New York City, Uzbekistan, and Nova Scotia. 

Douglas is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janice; son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Amy of Plainfield, IL and their children Anthony Parkhurst (Rebecca Loague) of Moline, IL, Francis and Adrianna Richman of Plainfield, IL; daughter and son-in-law Becky and Mark Struble of Floyds Knobs, IN and their children Heather and Isaac Andes of Floyds Knobs, IN, Adam and Taylor Struble of Bloomington, IN; son and daughter-in-law Jon and Andrea of Oriska, ND and their children James (Meagan Stock), Corby, Sarah, and Evan Richman all of Oriska, ND; son and daughter-in-law Eric and Kristi of Argusville, ND and their children Bree Olson of Scottsdale, AZ, Brady Richman of Fargo, ND, and Abby Richman of Tempe, AZ. Five great-grandsons; Anthony Jr and Bronson Parkhurst (Anthony and Rebecca); Dallas Andes (Heather & Isaac); Jace & Acre Richman (James & Meagan); sister and brother-in-law Claudia and David Nelson of Dixon, IL; brother and sister-in-law Kenneth and Linda Richman of Story City, IA; sister-in-law Karen Richman of Valley City, ND; sister-in-law Nancy Rygg of Philadelphia, PA; sister-in-law Marty Rygg of Sacramento, CA as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Peter Richman, sister and brother-in-law Liane and Dick Denton; brothers-in-law Gerald Rygg and David Rygg; one niece Ingrid Nelson and one grandson Bradley Scott Struble. 

Celebration of Life Service: Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11 AM at Grace Free Lutheran Church, Valley City, ND with visitation one hour prior.

Private Family Interment: Greenwood Cemetery, Tower City.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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