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Richard Babler passed away peacefully at 8:51 pm, on his birthday, Saturday, July 17, 2021, surrounded by his family at home home in Olivia, at the age of 86.

Richard Arlen Babler was born on July 17, 1935, to Elvin and Myrtle (Kappel) Babler in Ada, Minnesota. He attended Borup Public School and entered the Army in 1955, serving one tour in Korea.  He returned home and was married to Mary Nirschl on July 8 ^th , 1957, then finished his military term in 1958.

He was a very skilled and talented man, school janitor, butcher, insurance sales, potato farm manager and mechanic.  For the last 27 years of his working career, he maintained the Babler Lake Ice Roads at Lake of the Woods.  He was respected by all who knew him.  But his most important and favorite job was being an amazing husband, father and grandfather.  He was so loved and will be so missed! Some hobbies included Model T racing, fishing, hunting, and traveling (covering 50 states).  He was a devout Catholic, a lifetime member of the 4 ^th Degree Knights of Columbus and the VFW.

He is survived by his wife Mary, of 64 years, his children; Bruce Babler, Kathy Olson, Peter (Amy) Babler, Lynn Stander, Rhonda (Tom) Grover, Lisa Babler, Heidi Babler; 18 Grandchildren; 25 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great Great Grandchildren; and his siblings, Vince (LaVonne) Babler and Ruth Herringer.  He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Helen Sargent and brother Gerald "Butchie" Babler and son in law, Ben Olson.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, August 9, 2021, 10:00 am, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 405 E Thorpe Ave., Ada, MN 56510.   Visitation will be on Sunday, August 8, 2021, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm with a prayer service beginning at 4:00 pm, all at the church. Burial will be held in the Ada City Cemetery following the service.