North Mankato resident, Richard Arlen Townsend, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2008, at his residence.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 5, at Holy Rosary Church in North Mankato. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday at Woodland Hills Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park. Memorials are preferred.

Richard served in the Korean War as a Sergeant and medical technician. He was a dedicated employee for the city of North Mankato and a volunteer fireman for many years. Richard helped many family members and friends with his handyman and remodeling skills. In his retirement, he loved to fish, enjoyed the lake cabin and spending time with his family.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Rita; children, Rose (John) Spoolman, Jerry (Connie) Townsend, Jeff (Teri) Townsend, Ron (Kathy) Townsend, Lori Townsend, Lisa (Michael) Sokol, Christy (Hans) Schwanke, and Doug Townsend; grandchildren, Aly, Cassie, Dani, Travis, Raina, Ashley and Sydney; brothers Ervin and Ralph.

Our thanks to Hospice for all their kind help and care.