Richard Henry Ogren

Richard passed away Monday evening, September 14, 2020, in the Appleton Area Health Services- Care Center, at the age of 80 years.  He had a deep interest in history and science and has donated his body to the Anatomy Bequest Program at the University of Minnesota to further the education of medical professionals.   A private family service will be held at a later date.

Richard Henry Ogren was born April 5, 1940, in Appleton, Minnesota to parents William E. Ogren and Ethel R. Bruininga.  He graduated from Appleton High School, Class of 1958 and attended Moorhead State University.  Richard served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1969, stationed in California.  He was united in marriage to Barbara Tvedt on March 4, 1967.   They had one daughter, Jill.

Richard worked as a cabinet maker at Ogren's Cabinet Shop for many years.   Later, he and Barbara sold antiques at flea markets, dealing in all types of collectibles.  He loved to hunt and was an avid deer hunter…but his favorite game was moose.   Richard was featured in Outdoor News Weekly in 1968 after shooting two 1000-pound Bull Moose within 20 minutes of each other in Ontario, Canada.  He also enjoyed arrowhead hunting, searching for Native American artifacts in fields and beaches in the Lac qui Parle Lake area...and he amassed an impressive collection!  In 1978 Richard undertook the enormous task of building his own house where he and Barbara lived until her death in 2016 and until he went to live at the Appleton Area Health Services-Care Center in 2020.  He loved dogs his entire life and especially enjoyed Mya the Chihuahua and her visits.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Jill (Shawn) Swenson of Appleton; his grandchildren: Quinn Swenson and Courtney Swenson, both of Appleton; a great-grandson, Aiden Weber; and several other relatives.   He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara; his parents, William and Ethel Ogren; and several aunts, uncles and other relatives.