Richard Byron Roivanen, 76, of Britt, MN passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2020 at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Richard was born on September 5, 1944 in Virginia, MN to Arthur and Alvera (Jacobson) Roivanen. He grew up in Cook, MN graduating from Cook High School in 1962. He was homecoming king, quarterback on the football team and pitcher of the baseball team and earned a Good Citizen Award. He was very involved in all the school activities and was popular among his peers. After high school he moved to the Twin Cities Area, working for Globe Tool in Minneapolis and served in the Army National Guard for 6 years as a tank mechanic. He met Jean McKnight in Minneapolis, MN. They were married on October 28th 1967 in Cloverdale, MN. They were blessed with 2 daughters, Virginia and Georgena. After marriage the couple lived in Fridley for a few years before relocating to Cook and then settling in Britt in 1973 where they built their home and have since resided. Richard worked for US Steel in Mountain Iron MN for 30 years. After taking a retirement from US Steel he worked for LTV Mining company for 3 1/2 years until it closed. He then went back to school receiving an AA degree in carpentry from Mesabi Range Community and Technical college in 2003. Richard was a skilled craftsman, and he enjoyed building. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed watching sports, especially football and baseball. He enjoyed nature and spending time outdoors. He loved spending time at the cabin with his wife Jean and family. Sadly, Jean passed away in 2016. His favorite pastime was spending time with family and having coffee with his friends. He was loyal to his friends and family.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Alvera; his wife Jean; and his son-in-law Christopher Bennick. Richard is survived by his daughters: Virginia (Steve) of Rochester, MN, and Georgena (Aaron) of Austin, MN; brother Cedric Roivanen of Cook, MN; granddaughters: Katrina Bennick of Rochester, MN; Lindsey (Jacob) Charlton of Rochester, MN; Elizabeth, Hannah, Abigail and grandson Daniel of Austin, MN; nephew Charlie Roivanen and niece Laura Roivanen.

There will be private family interment at Hillside Cemetery, Angora, MN with a celebration of life to be held for friends and family next year on Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the VFW in Cook, MN. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com