Richard John Delaney, 86, was born near Howard, SD, on August 8, 1933. After a brief battle with leukemia, he died at home in Twin Valley, MN, on December 8, 2019, under the care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Richard was the second son of J. W. "Cecil" and Eva (Arends) Delaney. He grew up in Norman County, MN, with his brothers, Bob and Jerry, and sisters, Rose and Pat. He also grew up with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who gathered together for dinner almost every Sunday. In 1957 he married Mary Lou Beitz at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hillsboro, ND. Together they raised four children: Carol, Tim, Larry and Kurt.

Richard attended a country school for seven years and went on to graduate from high school in Borup, MN, in 1950 at the age of 16.  He was involved in agriculture his entire life. In youth he participated in 4-H and worked with his father and for neighboring farmers.  He and Mary Lou farmed near Borup before moving to a farm near Twin Valley in 1963. Through their farming years they operated a dairy farm, a beef cattle farm and small grains farm. Richard was also in partnership with his brother, Bob, farming their dad's land until Bob's untimely death.  Richard was highly regarded for his care of the land and was awarded the Farmer Conservation Award in 1979 and the NDSU Outstanding Agriculturist Award in 1988.  He enjoyed being on the local Cenex board of directors for 21 years. Richard and Mary Lou retired from farming in 1997 and moved into Twin Valley in 2016.

In 1954 Richard joined the Army and served until he was honorably discharged in 1956. While in the army he did counterintelligence radio work in Taiwan.  He found the work interesting and especially enjoyed exploring the country and learning the culture.

Richard and Mary Lou enjoyed 62 years of marriage.  They worked together, raised their children, traveled and were involved in community.  Richard was a man of faith. He was supportive of St William Church in Twin Valley, serving on the parish council and giving of his talents in various means of service until his death. He was an active member in the Knights of Columbus; he held every council office and ultimately served a term as District Deputy.

Richard was quick to tell you he was Irish. He was proud of his children and grandchild, Kate.  He believed in the future of agriculture and community. He was close to his extended family which included many cousins and nieces and nephews.  He was a life-long learner who read voraciously. He mastered woodworking, gardening, technology changes, health challenges and life. He lived fully and appreciated good friends, travel and conversation.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; his daughter, Carol Sunsdahl (David) of Stephen, MN; his sons, Tim (Kelli) of Billings, MT; Father Larry of Moorhead, MN; and Kurt (Beth) of Fort Collins, CO; his granddaughter, Kate Delaney of Fort Collins, CO; and his sister, Rose Cross of Isanti, MN.  He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Bob and Jerry, and his sister, Pat Archer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 13, 2019, at St. William Catholic Church, Twin Valley. Following the Mass, the burial and military honors will take place at St. William Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 12, 2019, at Anderson Family Funeral Home, Twin Valley, from 5-7 pm with a prayer service starting at 6:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Hospice of the Red River Valley, NCE Dollars for Scholars, or a charity of your choice.