August 26, 1936 – Saturday, August 24, 2013
Service Information
St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
11:00 A.M.
Visitation Information
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo
Monday, August 26, 2013
4-8 P.M.
Richard E. “Rich” Mills, age 76, of Buffalo passed away on Saturday, August 24th, 2013 at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on August 26th, 1936 in St. Cloud the son of Gordon “Scoop” & Ethel (Bentfield) Mills.
Rich and his brothers Ronnie and Greg developed Traffic Marking in the 1950’s.
Rich graduated from Buffalo High School in 1954. He was a member of Buffalo’s undefeated and unscored upon football team. Rich later attended Gustavus Adolphus College.
Rich was friendly with a love of people. He never met a stranger. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and lawn bowling. Through the years, Rich was also an avid softball pitcher.
He and his wife Darleen traveled to New Zealand, Australia, Mexico and Iceland and they wintered in Arizona.
Rich was a life long member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo.
Survived by his wife: Darleen; daughter: Terry (John) Martin; sons: Robert, Tom (Kari) and Michael; daughters: Dena (Ed) Hotchkiss and Cara Liebman; thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren; brothers: Ronnie Mills & companion Sue and Greg (Bonnie) Mills; a sister: Mary Lee (Ken) Reddie; other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, infant twin brothers and by a grandson: Justin Mills.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Rich Mills will be held on Tuesday, August 27th at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father David Hennen will be the Celebrant.
Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Monday, August 26th from 4-8 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Further visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 27th one hour prior to Mass.
Casket Bearers will be Scott Mills, Bret Mills, Joe Geyen, Tony Mills, Ryan Mills and Seth Hotchkiss.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com
Darlene and Terry,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. While we don’t always understand these things, we lean on The Lord knowing He will be our rock during those stormy times of life that seem to occur. You both are in our thoughts and prayers.
Darleen, Greg, Ron, and Mary Lee,
I was saddened to hear that Rich had
passed away. I was unaware of any health issues. Rich was always a gentleman and a class guy and I enjoyed his company on so many occasions. Rich always had a great sense of adventure and enthusiasm. Though I haven’t seen Rich for a few years, I can still see his warm smile. My condolences to all of you.
Larry Koenig
Rich was always a friend along with ALL from Traffic Marking Services. We cannot make the funeral but the family will be in our prayers.
I am sorry to hear about Rich, he was a great guy and with his brothers, performed a great service to Counties. I was the Lake of the Woods County Engineer for 11 years, and always had Rich and his brothers do our striping. They waited until fall, so they could do their goose hunting. They were always giving 110% both on and off the job. Rich lived a full life.
Please accept our condolences with Rich’s passing. He was a good friend. It was a pleasure doing business with him and his company. He will be missed.
Rich was a very gentle man. We had wonderful travels with him and Darlene. He will be very missed.
My thoughts are with the family at this time of remembering Rich, he was a good fun loving person. God’s blessing be with the family.
Bob and family; We never got to meet your father but seeing his picture We see the resemblence. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Now is the time to cry and a time to laugh at all the good times. God bless you.
I love you, Grandpa.
Will miss you very much.
Darleen, Greg, Ron and Mary Lee, I was saddened to hear about Rich. I know the health issues were difficult, but Rich always had some quip to make light of the situation. I will miss him.
My condolences to all of you.
Leo Yurek
Darlene and family,
Just heard about Rich’s passing. We were so sorry to hear the news. He was one of the nicest men we met. Even though we knew him for a short time we felt a deep friendship. We already miss him.
Hi Darleene and Family, Very sorry to hear that Rich passed away. Rich was always so pleasant to be around and enjoyed visiting with him. I wish Beverly and I had heard about it earlier as we would have made a trip for the service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Roger & Beverly Ennis, Mason City, Ia.