Richard Wise

Born in Little Falls on 12/4/1957 to Floyd Leslie and Clarice Marlene Wise, Richard Lee Wise was one of 5 children. Brian, Linda, Rick, Natalie and Tim. Shortly after Rick was born, the family moved north to the Iron Range, landing first in Pengilly and then Nashwauk, MN. At the age of 4, Rick’s family moved to Staples where he has lived his entire life. He graduated from Staples High School with the class of ‘76, then attended Staples Vocational School to study graphic arts. He worked along side his father and older brother Brian, as a printer in the family owned business - “Temple Press” and ended his working years as a convenience store night shift manager at the Staples Super America. Rick loved the outdoors (especially fishing), was a dog and cat lover, a bird expert and he enjoyed socializing with his many friends. He was artistic, creative and had a love for words. He was a human dictionary when it came to word definitions or spellings. He had a love for crossword puzzles, sudokus, was the Wordle Master, the Cribbage King, a pool shark and always happy to play cards with friends and family. Rick had a bright mind and the ability to be a quiet and accepting presence with a dose of dry sense of humor mixed in. Rick was never married but found the love of his life, Mary K Wollenburg and they had many years of happiness together before losing her in 2006. In the last years of his life, Rick’s diagnosis of COPD/emphysema limited his ability to do many things easily, so he moved back home with his parents and was deeply thankful for their love and care for him. We are glad that he is free from a body that was no longer able to support him physically and is now safe in the arms of Jesus. He loved his friends and family dearly and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Rick passed away at Lakewood Care Center on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Special thanks to the Lakewood Care Center and Hospice team for their care during the last 8 weeks of his life.

A service of remembrance and celebration will be held at Motley Free Methodist Church, Tuesday, June 24 at 11:00 am with a visitation at 10 am.

Rick is survived by his mother Clarice Wise, brother Brian Wise (Diana), sister Linda Gathright, sister Natalie Olsen (Steve), brother Timothy Wise (Sonya) and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by Mary K Wollenburg (significant other), Floyd Leslie Wise (father), Gordon Gathright (brother-in-law), Chelsea Marlene Olsen (niece).

Arrangements are entrusted to Taylor Funeral Home, Staples.