Richard Leroy Booen, 84, of Thief River Falls, MN died on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at the Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, MN following a year of declining health. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Faith Assembly of God in Thief River Falls, MN with Pastor Joe Karow officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Richard was born in central Minnesota on February 27, 1929 to Leroy and Mabel Booen. He loved farm life and spoke fondly of his horse that he loved to ride. He left the farm when he joined the army. He proudly served in the Korean War. After returning home from the service, Richard found work on the Iron Range. This is where he met the love of his life, Janice. After a couple of years, they moved to Janice's hometown of Thief River Falls, MN. Richard worked as a mechanic for Artic Cat for many years. After retiring he returned to faming in the spring and fall, and was never happier. His last harvest was the fall of 2012 when he was 83 years. Richard loved to fish. He tended a garden throughout his life. He enjoyed traveling and he had memorable trips to Hawaii and Nashville, TN. He was an avid reader of novels and read the daily newspaper from cover to cover. He loved playing cards as well as other games and was a strong competitor. He enjoyed music and liked to dance in his younger years. He liked to cook, especially when it was produce from his garden; his squash pie was excellent. Richard was a proud grandfather. He closely followed his grandchildren's activities and accomplishments. Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janice. He is also survived by his four children, Debra (Jorgen) Tollefson, Cary Booen, Tammy (Reed Sulik), and Mark (Jody) Booen; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. "The greatest glory if living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time you fall". Nelson Mandela A special thank you to the staff at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, MN and the Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, MN, for the kind, attentive care given to Richard.