Richard E. Kiesling Sr. (Rich) Passed away suddenly surrounded by family and friends at St. Johns Hospital in Maplewood Minnesota at age 65. Richard was born on December 22, 1948 in St. Paul to Clarence and Eileen Kiesling. He grew up on a farm in Maplewood, MN with his six siblings, Mary (Ray), Kathleen,Buck (Barb), Pat (Jim), Joe and Rose (Rick) and graduated from Hill High School in 1966. In 8th grade he met Susan Raykowski, whom he later married on May 16, 1970 at Saint John's Catholic Church in Saint Paul. In 1966 Rich joined the United States Navy and served with the River Patrol Force during the Vietnam War. He received the Vietnam Service Medal (Three Bronze Stars), the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal and received an honorable discharge in 1969. He spent many years with the VFW and always had a heart for returning Veterans. He recieved an apprenticeship in carpentry from TVI, and Rich worked as a general carpenter for many years at McGough Construction before working with his brother Joe at L&D Maintenance. Anytime anyone needed something fixed, Rich was always willing to jump in. In 2009 Rich officially retired and was often found biking around White Bear Lake. He was able to spend many years playing golf with his wife and friends, traveling around the world including Italy, Greece, Ireland, New Zealand and Mexico, not to mention frequent trips around the United States. Rich was a doting and loving husband to his wife Sue for 44 years, as well as an amazing and loving father to Missy (Brian) Johnson, Rick (Nicole) Kiesling & Lindsey (Jason) Altermatt. Many family trips were taken to Wisconsin Dells, Lutsen Ski Resort, and to his brothers lakehouse to water ski every Sunday during the summers. Rich was the most loving grandfather to Alex, Maggie, Sam, Ally, Gabby and Kirra. He went to all of their activities including dance recitals, choir concerts, and soccer games. He was often found down on the floor playing with the young ones, and acting as taxi cab to the older ones. He loved to tell stories and jokes and above all wanted to make people laugh and feel loved and accepted. He exemplified what it meant to "Love one another as yourself." Mark 12:31. He loved Jesus with all his might, and lead his family to church every Sunday at Saint Mary's of the Lake, Catholic Church in White Bear Lake, MN. One of Rich's favorite pastimes was to drive around the "little car" a Mazda Miata with his wife that he would drive anywhere. "Private Drive" or "No Parking" did not mean much to him and was caught saying many times, "But it's the little car, I can drive it and park it wherever I want... because its cute!" The shoes he has left to fill are unfillable and a huge void will be left without him here. His presence and love were beyond measure, and he will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know him. Condolences can be made in the form of a memorial to the Wounded Warriors Project, the church he loved, St. Mary of the Lake in White Bear Lake, or wherever the donor chooses. Services will be held for him on Tuesday July 8 from 4pm-8pm at St. Mary of the Lake, located at: 4690 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Mass of a Christian Burial will be held on July 9 at 9:30 am. There will be a visitation at 9:00 am preceding the service and a reception luncheon immediately after the funeral service. Interment will follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Fort Snelling,Minnesota